Packers Draft Picks 2012: Green Bay Misses Mark with 1st Round Pick

The Packers' No. 1 need in the 2012 NFL Draft was a pass-rusher to play opposite Clay Matthews. Green Bay addressed this need, but with the wrong player in Round 1. 

Nick Perry is not the answer to the Packers' defensive woes. He is an outstanding athlete who makes a habit out of disappearing.

Vinny Curry, Andre Branch or Courtney Upshaw would all have been better choices than Perry in this situation. 

Lacks Strength

Perry has the versatility to play with his hand in the dirt or stand up as an outside linebacker. However, he is not overly strong. This will be exploited more in the NFL than it was in college. 

The Packers need Perry to play outside linebacker opposite Matthews. Perry has solid speed and explosiveness but will get pushed around by offensive tackles. 

Perry's best bet is using space to his advantage. He is going to be faster than opposing lineman and must use his first step to offset his strength concerns. 

If Perry gets locked up in physical battles with lineman he will be erased from too many plays to justify a first-round selection. 

Tweener 

Perry's versatility will either be a blessing or a curse in the NFL.

Perry bulked up to 270 pounds in the offseason in order to play defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. Green Bay's 3-4 scheme will force him to play standing up and his new weight could hinder his ability to explode off the line. 

As mentioned before, Perry must attempt to play standing up whether he is quick enough, or not. His strength will not allow him to compete as a down lineman in the NFL.

This creates a dilemma.

If Perry's quickness has diminished because of his added weight he will not be an effective pass-rusher. 

The Packers chose the right position but took the wrong player. Perry has never played to his full potential and will not in the NFL either.

Green Bay would have been better off selecting Upshaw. He has the same tendency to disappear, but he is already an experienced outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.