Green Bay Packers: Predicting 5 Problem Spots in 2012

The Green Bay Packers had a few major flaws in 2011, but with a strong offseason so far, they should be a much better team in 2012, with fewer glaring holes. Despite huge efforts to overhaul the defense, the Packers could still be looking at some issues when the season finally comes around.

The Packers are in very good shape going into the 2012 season with many of the key contributors back in Green Bay next season. With very few departures from the core that helped the team to a 15-1 regular season, the Packers are readying themselves for another Super Bowl run in 2012.   

It is very early to speculate and plenty will change based on OTAs, training camp and preseason, but these positions are the ones with the most question marks coming into the year.  

Depth on the Offensive Line

The Packers lost some familiar faces on their offensive line as Scott Wells left via free agency, and Chad Clifton was released. They added Jeff Saturday in a rare free-agent signing and drafted Andrew Datko. The Packers' offensive line played very well in the later part of the season.

The Packers' starting offensive line should be very strong if Saturday can adjust to the green and gold quickly. The issue could be depth if the Packers are hit hard with the injury bug like they have been in the last couple years. 

A positive for the Packers is that Derek Sherrod is expected to be ready for training camp after breaking his leg late last season. A feel for the depth on the offensive line should become more clear as OTAs take place and training camp gets underway. 

Safety

After cutting Nick Collins, the Packers' situation at safety is extremely unclear and could be solved in number of ways. It would be an understatement to say the Packers struggled to fill the hole left by Collins last season.

Charlie Peprah filled in to play alongside Morgan Burnett but played poorly as one of the weakest spots on the team. 

To improve the safety position, the Packers might move Charles Woodson to safety and pair him with Burnett. The Packers also added Jerron McMillian out of Maine during the draft. Depending on how he does during training camp, McMillian could be the answer at safety and Woodson could be left to play his usual hybrid cornerback position.

At least initially, safety could be a problem for the Packers. With a likely improved pass rush, the team shouldn't be as susceptible to giving up big plays. 

Defensive Line

Ted Thompson was serious about improving the defensive line as evidenced by the multiple bodies he added via free agency and the draft. With such a visible hole on the team, it isn't surprise the focus that was put on improving the position. 

In theory, adding all the different players to the weak defensive line should improve the play of the line and the entire defense. The issue is finding one of those players, or multiple players, who are actually going to step up and get the desired results. 

Newcomers Jerel Worthy, Anthony Hargrove (after serving his eight-game suspension), Daniel Muir and Mike Daniels among others will have the chance during training camp and preseason to earn playing time. If the Packers can't find one of these players or a player already on the roster to step up, some of the same issues that plagued the team last year could be back. 

Running Back

The Packers running back position will be heavily influenced by whether or not Ryan Grant is re-signed by the team or not. If Grant is not signed, the Packers will likely call on James Starks, Alex Green and Brandon Saine to carry the rushing and pass-blocking responsibilities. 

The concern among this group could be the ability to stay healthy. Starks missed most of his rookie season and struggled to maintain his health in 2011, despite playing through injuries. Green missed the majority of last season, his rookie campaign, after tearing his ACL. Saine death with a concussion down the stretch of last year. 

The inexperience and the health of the Packers' running backs could hurt the team in 2012 if they go into the year without having Ryan Grant having been re-signed. Grant would add experience and a veteran presence to the group. 

Outside Linebacker

Another one of the Packers' biggest holes was addressed during the 2012 offseason—outside linebacker. After having nobody step up opposite Clay Matthews in 2011, the Packers are in dire need of a player to do just that and have an impact in the front seven. 

Nick Perry is the first in line to have an opportunity to make a difference, but if that doesn't pan out as planned, the Packers could be in big trouble. Beyond Perry, the Packers will have most of the same players competing for playing time at the position. 

There's a lot of pressure on Perry to have success in his new role in Green Bay. If Perry can live up to the hype, the Packers outside linebacker positions should be locked away for multiple years with a pairing of Perry and Matthews. Time will tell at outside linebacker.