2011 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers' Draft Needs

The 2011 NFL Draft is fast approaching.  As we speak, general managers and coaches around the league are analyzing team needs and finalizing draft boards.  Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson has built his team up primarily through the draft.  He may love draft day even more than Mel Kiper, Jr.  The Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers have several areas that can be bolstered through the draft.  

7. Safety

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Charles Woodson (R) #21 of the Green Bay Packers congratulates Nick Collins #36 after COllins scored a touchdown on an interception return against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6

Nick Collins is a stud and is signed long term.  Charlie Peprah filled in admirably after starter Morgan Burnett went down with a season-ending injury.  Peprah and Burnett will battle in training camp to be Collin's running mate.  However, Thompson would love to build depth at this position.  

6. Running Back

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Ryan Grant #25 of the Green Bay Packers rushes during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Ryan Grant looks like he's running on fumes, and his large contract could lead to his eventual release.  James Starks looks like he has potential, but four or five games of solid production makes him far from a sure answer.  The days of workhorse running backs are yielding to the committee approach.  Having a stable of runners with varying skill sets would make this offense even more explosive.  

5. Kick Returner

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17 Oct 1999: Desmond Howard #82 of the Green Bay Packers catches the ball during the game against the Denver Broncos at the Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Packers 31-10.

The Packers have been near the bottom in kick returns for at least a decade, and the return game was atrocious at times last season.  Starting a possession on the 30-yard line compared to the 20-yard line can make a huge difference for the offense, and the Packers haven't had an explosive return man since Desmond Howard way back in 1996.  

4. Wide Receiver

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Wide receivers Greg Jennings #85, Donald Driver #80 and Jordy Nelson #87 of the Green Bay Packers on their sideline agains tthe Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois

Greg Jennings is firmly entrenched as the No. 1.  Behind him, the Packers have employed a rotation of players.  Jordy Nelson's performance in last season's playoffs has him pegged as the preseason starter, and while Donald Driver still has a year or two in him, his play is clearly declining.  James Jones could also vie for playing time, but many see him leaving Green Bay for a starting position elsewhere.  Brett Swain is on the team for his special teams prowess.  

3. Offensive Line

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Josh Sitton #71, Bryan Bulaga #75 and Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate after a 8 yard touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington

Chad Clifton has another good year or two, but that's it.  Bryan Bulaga is being groomed to take over once Clifton is gone.  Adding a quality tackle to man the right side would make Aaron Rodgers one happy man, and building depth along the line is never a bad option.    

2. Cornerback

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Tramon Williams #38 and Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers warm up before taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Get

Charles Woodson can see Father Time approaching.  The Packers began using him as the slot corner last season and will likely keep him there in 2011.  Tramon Williams will be a shut down corner for the foreseeable future, and Sam Shields could develop into a reliable starter.  The situation behind these three is murky.  In today's pass-happy NFL, depth at this position is a necessity.  

1. Defensive End

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Cullen Jenkins #77 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after a sack of quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears in the first half in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo

Chances are that Cullen Jenkins will not be a Packer next season.  Ryan Pickett is no spring chicken, and Johnny Jolly is likely on the way out due to legal issues.  Howard Green played well last season but isn't a long-term answer.  Adding a 3-4 end who is stout versus the run and can rush the passer must be the top priority.