Superb Draft Solidifies Packers as Super Bowl Favorites

If the Green Bay Packers weren't Super Bowl favorites before the draft, they are now. Las Vegas has them as the favorites at 13/2 odds.

The Packers entered the draft with the last ranked defense giving up over 411 yards per game last season. The injury to Nick Collins early last season hurt the Packers noticeably, and they had a hard time fixing the defense. Ted Thompson focused on fixing their holes on defense by selecting all defensive players up until the seventh round.

Ranked 27th in sacks, the Packers' biggest need was at outside linebacker. Clay Matthews was consistently double-teamed, and no other player on the line could generate a pass rush. The selection of defensive stud Nick Perry was an excellent choice for Green Bay's defense.

Perry has the perfect combination of speed and strength to be an excellent pass rusher in the 3-4 defense. He does have to learn how to play better in cover situations, but his main priority will be rushing the quarterback, which is his biggest strength.

Defensive end was another big reason why the Packers lacked in sacks last season. They were not able to generate any pressure at the line to create easier holes for the linebackers to attack. The second-round pick of defensive end Jerel Worthy from Michigan State will help create pressure and be an immediate impact for Green Bay.

These two players along with cornerback Casey Hayward are three players who can make a big impact for Green Bay next season. Hayward will be another ball hog in the Packers secondary and will be a good fit for the defense and a good replacement for Charles Woodson when he retires or gets moved to safety.

The Packers offense is no doubt the best in the league and is filled with playmakers starting with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The confidence in the offense was shown when not one offensive player was chosen until the last two picks of the draft, one of which was a quarterback to back up Rodgers.

In a league that is geared toward offenses and teams with great quarterbacks. The Packers are in prime position offensively to be dominant for the next decade.

Defensively, they have a good mix of veteran players and young talented players who will make them a top defense in the NFL.

Last season, the Packers were 15-1 and seemed unstoppable heading into the postseason. The New York Giants and Eli Manning showed the flaws the Packers had as Manning was able to stand in the pocket with no pressure coming at him.

Now with the dedication to defense in the draft, Green Bay is hoping to regain its magic from 2010.

Obviously other Super Bowl contending teams have upgraded as well. The New England Patriots had an identical route as the Packers focusing their draft on improving their 31st-ranked defense. They will be the Packers' biggest threat going into the 2012 season as they, too, have a high-powered offense with an improved defense.

The Giants had a relatively weak draft and are missing some key players from last year's Super Bowl team, which will make a repeat hard to accomplish.

The Packers have proven they can draft well over the past few years with picks such as Rodgers, Matthews, B.J. Raji, Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley and A.J. Hawk. All of whom helped the Packers win the Super Bowl in 2010.

With what looks like another excellent draft class. Green Bay has to be excited for this season to start. The amount of talent that is on this team makes this season a Super Bowl-or-bust year. The Packers should be able to come through on top, thanks to their new additions.