2009 B/R NFL Mock Draft, You Make the Call: Green Bay Packers

1.  Detroit Lions:  Andre Smith; Offensive Tackle, Alabama

2.  St. Louis Rams:  Eugene Monroe; Offensive Tackle, Virginia

3.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Aaron Curry; Outside Linebacker, Wake Forest

4.  Seattle Seahawks:  Michael Crabtree; Wide Receiver, Texas Tech

5.  Cleveland Browns:  Malcolm Jenkins; Cornerback, Ohio State

6.  Cincinnati Bengals:  B.J. Raji; Defensive Tackle, Boston College

7.  Oakland Raiders:  Jeremy Maclin; Wide Receiver, Missouri

With the eighth pick in the 2009 B/R NFL Mock Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars have selected...Jason Smith; Offensive Tackle, Baylor.  The Green Bay Packers are now on the clock.

After suffering a ton of injuries on the offensive line in 2008, the Jaguars have a staple at left tackle now with Smith, who is quite possibly the most athletic tackle available in the draft.  A great pick by Jaguars fans.

From the murky swamps of Florida, we now head North to the frozen tundra that is Green Bay:  Home of the Packers.

The Packers were in the news a lot last offseason, primarily because of a major transition in their team's history.  Long time quarterback Brett Favre has been replaced by former first round draft pick Aaron Rodgers, who exceeded expectations in his inaugural campaign.

While the play of Rodgers has to be inspiring for the Packers and their fans, the rest of the team vastly underachieved.  Green Bay went from hosting the NFC Title game to picking in the top ten of the NFL Draft, a feat not easily accomplished.

Injuries were a factor, but when it came down to it, this team just didn't perform when it needed to.  Here are the top needs heading into draft day that could significantly improve this young, talented team.

1.  Defensive Tackle

2.  Pass Rushing Outside Linebacker

3.  Offensive Tackle

4.  Cornerback

5.  Safety

You make the call Packers fans!  Vote in the poll for who you feel is worthy of the ninth overall pick in this year's draft.

1.  Vontae Davis; Cornerback, Illinois

This would probably be a little high for Davis, since he has yet to fully develop his craft in pass coverage, but the Packers will love his size and athleticism.  He could really benefit by being an apprentice to Al Harris and Charles Woodson.

2.  Everette Brown; Defensive End, Florida State

Brown would be the perfect fit for Green Bay's new defensive scheme.  Aaron Kampman will man one pass rushing linebacker spot, A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett figure to have a spot lined up for them, but Green Bay will need to address their fourth linebacker spot sometime early in this draft.

3.  Brian Orakpo; Defensive End, Texas

Orakpo is a great pass rushing defensive end, and has the versatility and athletic ability to possibly play in a 3-4 scheme at the next level.  He would be a great fit for the Packers here with this pick.

4.  Michael Oher; Offensive Tackle, Mississippi

Green Bay is in need of a big time offensive tackle to protect Aaron Rodgers for years to come.  Oher's stock has dropped a bit but if there is one thing I know about the draft it is that there is no team not willing to reach to fill needs.

5.  Aaron Maybin; Defensive End, Penn State

Maybin is another one of those "tweener" players who has great athletic ability, and seems like he would be a great fit as a pass rushing outside linebacker at the next level.  He was a stud for Penn State this year, but he is still a little raw.

6.  Brian Cushing; Outside Linebacker, USC

Cushing is a huge linebacker prospect who figures to have a major impact in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.  He is great in coverage and has great speed to rush the passer from the outside.  Cushing may be the most underrated prospect in this year's draft, and he will be a steal for whatever team calls his name come draft day.

There you have it Packers fans, you make the call!  Vote in the poll for the player you think should be taken by Green Bay in Round 1 of the 2009 NFL Draft!