NFL Draft 2011: 24 Potential Picks to Help the Green Bay Packers Repeat

For the Green Bay Packers, building a Super Bowl championship was mainly the result of having good draft classes year-in and year-out. 

Nearly all the Packers key players—Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Clay Matthews and Nick Collins, to name a few—were drafted and developed by Green Bay.

Now that the Packers are world champions, however, it's time to look to the draft to solidify the roster for the run at repeating.

Here are some players the Packers could target in April to assist in their journey toward winning their second straight Lombardi Trophy.

Disclaimer

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Green Bay Packers General Managaer Ted Thompson hugs head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers after winning Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

When discussing the Packers and their drafts, it's important to note that, regardless of need, Packers GM Ted Thompson will pick the best player available. 

So while it would seem perfectly logical that the Packers would take an offensive tackle and outside linebacker this draft, that will only happen if need meets their approach. 

We saw this in last year's draft; Bryan Bulaga was both the best player available and at a position the Packers needed an upgrade. 

However, I wouldn't expect that to be the norm. And especially in this year's draft, Thompson's approach should allow the Packers to have the best potential class. 

With no pressing need, Green Bay should most definitely be picking the best player available. 

Let's get into some picks that might connect the need with approach. 

First Round: Offensive Tackle

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Bryan Bulaga #75 Chad Clifton #76, and James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 31 to 25 in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rob

While starting left tackle Chad Clifton had a Pro Bowl season, he's certainly not getting any younger (soon to be 35).

Another Packers tackle, Mark Tauscher, is also getting up there in age (33) and has an extensive history of injuries.

2010 first-round pick Bryan Bulaga looks to have one tackle spot locked down for the foreseeable future, but that leaves the other tackle position possibly up for improvement. 

The Packers like T.J. Lang as the future at one tackle spot, but some of his recent performances left a lot to be desired. 

Here are some tackle prospects the Packers could possibly get at pick No. 32.

Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin

Measurables: 6'7", 328 lbs. 

Rundown: Obviously, Carimi is the local fit from Wisconsin, but he also brings ideal size and 49 games of starting experience at UW. 

While there is conflicting opinions among scouts on where he should go, Carimi had a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl before hurting his ankle and missing the game. 

At the very least, Carimi would provide the Packers insurance at either tackle position next season and the possibility of outplaying both Clifton or Tauscher during training camp. 

Carimi and Bulaga would give the Packers solid bookend tackles from the Big Ten to protect Aaron Rodgers.

Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Brignone #70 and Derek Sherrod #79of the Mississippi State Bulldogs get ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Measurables: 6'6", 320 lbs. 

Rundown: Sherrod is another experienced tackle with perfect size for the position. 

While ESPN's Todd McShay noted his early struggles during Senior Bowl practices with lateral movement, Sherrod came on strong towards the end of the week.

If there is one knock on Sherrod, it's his run blocking. With the Packers reliance on the pass game, however, Sherrod's pass protection skills would make him a valuable addition. 

Like Carimi, he'd add insurance to both tackle positions and has the ability to beat out either Clifton or Tauscher.

Tyron Smith, USC

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans throws a pass as Tyron Smith #70 blocks Jesse Feagin #98 of the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter of the college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial C

Measurables: 6'6", 285 lbs. 

Rundown: While Smith might have to add some weight to be a starting tackle in the NFL, the potential is there. 

Smith started every game for the Trojans the past two seasons at right tackle, and has the ability to play left tackle as well. 

His athleticism is what really jumps out at NFL scouts. Smith slides his feet as well as any tackle in the draft, and because of that, is an effective pass blocker. 

He might not have the instant impact of a Gabe Carimi or Derek Sherrod, but from a pure potential standpoint, there might not be a better prospect than Smith. 

That could be useful for the Packers.

With Clifton, Bulaga and Tauscher already on the roster, Smith would be afforded the time to get stronger. 

Once Clifton and Tauscher retire or become ineffective, Smith could step right in and the Packers explosive offense wouldn't miss a beat.

Second Round: Outside Linebacker or Cornerback

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after a sack against the Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelp

One-half of the Packers outside linebacking duo will be held down by Clay Matthews, but the other side is up for debate. 

Brad Jones, Frank Zombo and Erik Walden have all shown flashes of being the guy there, but injuries have stunted any momentum the three have garnered. 

While the Packers have a stockpile of players at outside linebacker, cornerback isn't the same case. 

Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Sam Shields are locks, but any farther down the roster could be improved. 

And like we saw in the Super Bowl, an injury to the one or more of the top three has drastic results for the Packers defense. 

With injuries affecting the pass rush opposite Matthews, and Woodson getting another year older, either outside linebacker or cornerback is a position the Packers could target in the second round. 

Here are three prospects Green Bay might look at.

Sam Acho, Texas

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AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Running back Cyrus Gray #32 of Texas A&M holds off University of Texas defensive end Sam Acho #81 during the second half at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2010 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Darren Carroll/

Measurables: 6'2", 257 lbs. 

Rundown: Many Packers fans will be enamored with Dontay Moch of Nevada, but his unbelievable physical tools will probably mean a team in the early second round will reach for him. 

But don't fret, because Acho could be a steal at the end of the second round. 

Acho isn't going to surprise you with athleticism like Moch, but he has a non-stop motor (sound like any player the Packers have?) and was productive during his time at Texas. 

In his senior season, Acho forced five fumbles and recovered five more to go along with nine sacks and 17 tackles for losses. 

He might not be as good as former teammate Brian Orakpo, but Acho gives you a lot of the same qualities that Orakpo now gives to the Washington Redskins and would be added competition to Jones, Zombo and Walden. 

Curtis Brown, Texas

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 5: Curtis Brown #3 and Earl Thomas #12 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate breaking up a pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the third quarter at Cowboys Stadium on December 5, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martin

Measurables: 6'0", 180 lbs.

Rundown: When drafting a cornerback, a lot of NFL GMs fall in love with the measurables.

How tall is he? How fast does he run the 40-yard dash? 

While Brown isn't necessarily small or slow (he runs in the 4.4 range), he shines more on the field than he does in the training room and that's a good thing. 

Brown had arguably the most impressive Senior Bowl performance from any cornerback, and was physical and typically had perfect timing breaking up passes.

Those type of skills generally remind me of Tramon Williams, and we all know how he's turned out for the Packers. 

Given time to develop under cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt, Brown could turn into the predecessor for Charles Woodson once he's done in the NFL.

Brooks Reed, Arizona

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TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli #8 of the Oregon Ducks scrambles to pass under pressure from Brooks Reed #42 of the Arizona Wildcats during the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 21, 2009 in Tucson, Arizona. The Du

Measurables: 6'3", 257 lbs. 

Rundown: From a simple appearance standpoint, Reed obviously looks a lot like a certain outside linebacker already wrecking havoc for the Packers. 

While I'm not ready to call Reed the next coming of Clay Matthews, it's easy to start the comparisons even in regards to play on the field. 

Reed started his career at Arizona as a fullback, but switched positions after his freshman season and was a monster on special teams.

After finally breaking into the Wildcat's starting defense, however, Reed began terrorizing Pac-10 quarterbacks with an unrelenting motor.

In 21 career starts, Reed had 10.5 sacks, 15 tackles for losses and four forced fumbles.

He might need more time than Matthews to make an impact, but the potential for Reed exists to be a similar type player for the Packers.

Later Rounds: Running Back, Receiver

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Greg Jennings #85 celebrates with teammates Scott Wells #63 and James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers after catching a 21 yard touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of Super Bowl XLV at

It may seem odd that the Packers would target more offensive weapons after their Super Bowl run, but the rich could get richer. 

Brandon Jackson, John Kuhn and James Jones are all free agents for the Packers.

While all three could be resigned, their departures could leave the Green Bay offense with some small holes. 

Running back looks to be a solid position (crazy to say now) with Ryan Grant coming back and the emergence of James Starks, but the Packers could still add an explosive back. 

In addition, if Jones left, the Packers receiving core would take a major hit. Sure, Jones drops some important passes, but he also had over 800 yards for Green Bay's offense this past season and playoffs. 

And with Donald Driver in the twilight of his career, the Packers could potentially use an upgrade. 

Here are three prospects the Packers could look at to fill these two positions.

Later Rounds: Running Backs

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 09: Runningback Jacquizz Rodgers #1 of the Oregon State Beavers runs with the football during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the W

Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State): Don't laugh now, but adding another Rodgers to the Packers backfield could help Green Bay's offense. 

Rodgers is a small back (5'7", 190 lbs.), but he complied three straight 1,000-yard seasons and caught nearly 200 passes during his college career.

He'd be a perfect replacement for Jackson should he leave.

Delone Carter (Syracuse): While far from the receiver Rodgers is, Carter is a better pure running back. 

Owner of back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Carter is an accomplished back between the tackles. He obviously fits the mold of running backs Thompson and the Packers like.

Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh): Originally slated as one of this year's best running backs, Lewis' stock took a hit this season in part because of injury and production. 

However, Lewis still has as much talent as any back in the draft, and he's a fine receiver out of the backfield as well.

If still on the board in the fourth round or later, the Packers could have a late-round steal. 

Later Rounds: Receivers

Cecil Shorts III (Mount Union): Football fans from around Wisconsin will remember Shorts, as he's faced off against Wisconsin-Whitewater numerous times for the D-III National Championship at Mount Union.

However, his explosiveness at the receiver position could help the Packers offense.

In fact, with his speed, route-running and size, he could remind fans of Greg Jennings.

Vincent Brown (San Diego State): His performance at the Senior Bowl might have vaulted him out of the Packers' late round range, but Brown might have the best hands of any receiver in the draft. 

For the Packers, that would be a welcoming change.

All four of the Packers top receivers—Jones, Jordy Nelson, Driver, and yes, Greg Jennings too—all suffered from the drops at some point this season. 

Jeff Maehl (Oregon): He could likely be found in the seventh round, but there is still plenty of potential in Maehl. 

While most fans will remember him from the breakout game he had in the National Championship, Maehl also has a lot in common with Packers receiver Jordy Nelson.

Neither have top-line speed, but both have the quickness and separation abilities to be an impact NFL receiver.

Other Possibilites, First Round

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: Justin Houston #42 of the Georgia Bulldogs sacks quarterback Tevin Washington #13 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Marcus Cannon (OT/OG, TCU): Huge body (6'5", 350 lbs.) and hasn't allowed a sack in two seasons. Questions about which position he's better suited for, however.

Jason Pinkston (OT/OG, Pitt): Without a true position on the line, he might be a bit of a risk. Still, he's proven to be a dominant run blocker.

Justin Houston (OLB, Georgia): He's what you want to see in a prospect—vaulting up the board because of production (9.5 sacks, 35 QB hurries) not physical traits. Even so, the traits (6'3", 258 lbs., 4.64 40) are good too.

Aaron Williams (CB, Texas): I'm not convinced that cornerback is a position that Thompson needs to spend a first round pick. At No. 32, however, it'd be hard to argue with a playmaking talent like Williams.

Other Possibilities, Second Round

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MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 29: Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson #86 South Team scores a touchdwon against the North Team during the second quarter of the Under Armour Senior Bowl on January 29, 2011 at Ladd-Pebbles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gar

James Carpenter (OT, Alabama): Like Pinkston in the first round, Carpenter's strength is in run blocking. He'd need some time to develop, but the Packers have a year to groom him.

Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami): Was one of the more impressive showings during Senior Bowl week, and you have to like when players show improvement on the field. At 6'2", 205 lbs., Hankerson would be a fine replacement for James Jones should he leave Green Bay. 

Titus Young (WR, Boise State): Another receiver that reminds me a bit of Greg Jennings. Solid route runner and quick, Young could cause problems in the Packers' open offense.

Ryan Williams (RB, Virginia Tech): Like Dion Lewis, Williams was one of the top backs coming into this season but fell off late. The second round is still probably too high to pick a running back, but Williams has No. 1 back potential. 

Other Possibilities, Later Rounds

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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 22: Cornerback Kendric Burney #16 of the North Carolina Tar Heels warms up before play against the University of South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2007 in Tampa, Florida. USF won 37-10. (Photo by Al Mes

Cliff Matthews (OLB, South Carolina): Paired with Clay Matthews, the two CM's would make an interesting pass rushing duo.

Kendric Burney (CB, North Carolina): As experienced a cornerback as there is in the draft and maybe the best tackler, too.

Daniel Thomas (RB, Kansas State): A big back (6'2", 230 lbs.) who was productive in college.

John Moffitt (OG, Wisconsin): Never stopped improving at UW and paved the way for numerous good rushing attacks.