The Packers made a splash this offseason, but the moves were questionable. They fired coach Mike Sherman and hired Mike McCarthy, the offensive coordinator of the 49ers. This was a move that made many question the competency of Ted Thompson and the rest of the Packers front office. No one still has any idea regarding the future of Brett Favre, and they somehow allowed brilliant defensive coordinator Jim Bates to get away. In my mind, there is no conceivable reason why he was not offered the head coaching job.
Offensive Guard: Oh what a difference a year makes. Ahman Green runs wild two years ago and the Packers think that they can let Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle walk and be able to replace them with a seventh-round pick and some other guy. Ridiculous. Guard is often considered an easy position to fill. Some believe that only big bodies are needed to create an adequate guard. The Packers learned the hard way last year that that is certainly not the case.
Signing Steve Hutchinson in free agency would be a dream scenario, as would signing LeCharles Bentley and convincing him to move to guard. If they fail to upgrade in free agency, I believe they will need to use two of their first five picks in the draft on guards. Davin Joseph, Max Jean-Gilles, and Deuce Lutui would all be welcome additions to a unit that lacks talent.
Defensive End: I love Aaron Kampman. He is a blue-collar worker with a tireless motor who has developed into one of the better all-around defensive ends in the NFL. But he is a free agent and other teams would be smart to pounce on him as soon as possible. On the other end is Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, a great one-dimensional pass rusher who struggles against the run and would be better suited as a situational pass rusher with a maximum of 30-35 plays a game. This would ensure his energy and effectiveness at the end of games.
At pick No. 5, the Packers are in position to select perhaps the most gifted athlete at the defensive end position in many years. Mario Williams is described by some to be better and more explosive than Julius Peppers. He weighs 295 with 4.6 speed. His insertion into the lineup would immediately upgrade every unit of the defense.
Linebacker: Na'il Diggs has been released and the other outside slot is a question mark. The middle is manned by Nick Barnett. He is solid but his effectiveness may be limited without any playmaking linebackers on either side of him. If the Packers resign Aaron Kampman and decide that they are okay at the defensive end position, A.J. Hawk would be the obvious choice at No. 5. He has great intangibles and awareness. He would start immediately at OLB and be a nice upgrade. The Packers also have among the most cap room to spend in free agency. They could be among the suitors for Will Witherspoon, Julian Peterson, and Lavar Arrington.
Cornerback: Speedster Ahmad Carroll has disappointed in his first couple years in the league. He has wonderful skills, but it has not translated into Sunday success yet. The Packers should add one more corner, and a proven college player like Alan Zemaitis could do just the trick. He could be had in round three or four.
