2010 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers Team Needs

It's been two years since the bitter divorce between the Green Bay Packers and quarterback Brett Favre, and after a 6-10 season in 2008 saw the Packers missing the playoffs, it looked like they finally had things figured out in 2009.

The Packers brought in Dom Capers, made a successful switch to a three-four defensive scheme, and finished with one of the better defenses in the league, ranked first against the run and second in overall yards allowed.

Needless to say, the defense supported the third-ranked scoring offense admirably; until, of course, a 51-45 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, where their defense fell apart, and their offense coughed-up a game-winning fumble return.

Regardless, there's little doubt that the Packers are making strides, that they have the tools to win, and after finishing just one game behind Minnesota at 11-5, they now know they have the fire-power to take the division, and finally take that next stop.

That is, of course, if they make the right moves.

Read on to take a look at Green Bay's biggest needs on both sides of the ball, including some potential players in the draft Green Bay could be looking for.

Offense

Biggest Needs: OG, OT, RB

Green Bay is absolutely set at quarterback, tight end, and receiver, but the Packers could arguably use an upgrade in their rush offense and undoubtedly need to beef up their inconsistent offensive line.

Daryn Colledge can mimic a decent guard at times, but the fact that he's a starter in an improving line is nothing short of amazing, and an upgrade is necessary if Green Bay is serious about protecting Aaron Rodgers and getting the run game going on an elite level.

Even if the Packers appear set with Colledge, they absolutely have to look for some youth and talent at either (or hopefully both) tackle positions, as Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, while still effective, are slowing down and getting older.

Ted Thompson is notoriously know for grabbing the best available player wherever his selection is, and with the 23rd pick in the first round, Green Bay may have to do exactly that.

There's a good chance that two to three solid (if not elite) tackle prospects fall to Green Bay, as Maryland's Bruce Campbell, who is an excellent talent that also has durability and technique concerns, could possibly fall as far as the 26th pick.

However, even if he doesn't (and it is unlikely), the Packers could also reach for Trent Williams (another OT).

Another option here could be that famous "best player available", as there is a strong possibility Jahvid Best 's lack of size and other team's needs leave him on the board when it's Green Bay's turn to make a pick.

While Ryan Grant is a solid running back, he doesn't have the speed and play-making ability that Best does. Best could start as a change-of-pace back, while providing a true "Reggie Bush-esque" dimension to Green Bay's offense and possibly even injecting some life into the team's return game.

Another option would be if Green Bay shoots for an upgrade at guard, as they could land Idaho guard Mike Iupati.

Defense

Biggest Needs: CB, S, OLB, MLB

Green Bay may need to figure out what they want to do with both B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett before they make a big selection on the defensive side.

There's talk that Pickett's days are numbered, and once he's gone, the space in the middle is all Raji's for the taking. If that's the case (it's starting to look that it is), then that leaves Johnny Jolly and Cullen Jenkins starting on the outside as the defensive ends, giving Green Bay a formidable run-stopping three-man line, along with solid penetration out of Raji and Jenkins.

Since they are fairly stable on the line, their next biggest issue is their immediate starts at corner and their overall depth in their secondary.

The hope is that DPOY Charles Woodson can continue his MVP-like play, despite surviving as a cornerback into his mid-30s.

Al Harris could (and should) be cut in the offseason, which will thrust Tramon Williams into the starting lineup, leaving little-used Patrick Lee and/or the awful Jarrett Bush into nickel and dime situations.

This is nothing but bad news for an aging secondary that is backed by inexperienced/ill-prepared corners.

Regardless, Green Bay definitely needs to start thinking to the future. Lee hasn't shown much, and Bush would have been cut a long time ago if the Packers knew what they know now.

After the corners, upgrading the safety position may be their next big move. Nick Collins is probably as solid of a player they have on defense, but Atari Bigby is way too inconsistent in coverage, and for being a "big hitter", he simply just doesn't make enough plays.

Lastly, depending on what type of value they can get for their pick, Green Bay could vote to add more depth in their line-backing corps.

Aaron Kampman is out the door, while rookies Clay Matthews and Brad Jones showed that they very well could be the future on the outside of an aggressive three-four scheme.

That leaves the arguable bust, A.J. Hawk, and the over-rated veteran, Nick Barnett.

Hawk will be gone if he doesn't take a pay-cut, and Green Bay needs to start planning for his departure, as well as Barnett's regressing play.

If the Packers don't use their first round selection on an offensive player (or trade it away), here are a few routes they could take:

Getting a young cornerback with great speed and elite ball skills could be essential to keeping this defense from facing a difficult transition phase when/if Woodson and/or Harris begin dramatic declines.

Florida State's Patrick Robinson could be a perfect candidate, while Florida's Joe Haden would be ideal, although it's nearly impossible that he'd fall that far.

Earl Thomas (safety) out of Texas could be the nice complement to Nick Collins that Green Bay has been looking for, as Thomas has great speed and play-making ability and has proven to be a solid tackler. He wouldn't be a liability in coverage and would be an immediate upgrade at the position.

Another option is for Green Bay to target some linebackers, with Brandon Spikes jumping out as the perfect candidate to take over if A.J. Hawk is sent packing.

Summary

It's impossible to predict where the Packers go after the first round (although as we get closer to the draft, we'll take another look), but the common areas of "need" are obvious.

Just look at their main issues in 2009: Pass protection, running the ball, and defending the pass.

Charles Woodson can't do it all by himself, the defense needs to apply more pressure, the offensive line needs to block, and Green Bay needs another play-maker (or just one) in the backfield.

If the Packers see Jahvid Best drop into their laps, that likely will compel them to ensure Aaron Rodgers has some added protection by taking the best available tackle in the next round, and so on.

In order of priority: OT, CB, ILB, S, OG, RB

While running back falls as the least important on their "need" list, Ted Thompson will still take Best (or C.J. Spiller if he falls that far).

But when you're talking about a front office that has drafted Justin Harrell, Brian Brohm, Jordy Nelson, and then drafted Clay Matthews on a whim (that one worked out), you really never know what to expect.

All we know is that the Packers have less and less issues as they continue to get better, and that with Ted Thompson and Co., well, expect the unexpected.

For more NFL Draft coverage and feature articles, go here .