2011 NFL Draft: Six Defensive Players Green Bay Should Target Come Draft Day

The Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers are a team with few needs but several areas where depth could be added.

With the lockout, the Packers certainly aren't going to achieve that through free agency (for now).

With the last pick in each round—not counting supplementary picks—the Packers aren't going to get the best players, but might be able to land a steal or two.

There are some positions where an upgrade would be much enjoyed, and here's are a few names you may hear tossed around with the Green Bay Packers on draft day.

Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona

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TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Ricky Stanzi #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is sacked by Brooks Reed #42 of the Arizona Wildcats during the third quarter of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wild

If the Packers draft Brooks Reed in the first round, they could very well have three starting linebackers with long, blonde hair.

Reed has adequate enough speed to become a productive linebacker at the next level, and also has a variety of moves as well.

If Reed can become half the player that Clay Matthews is, than the Packers defense will be a terror to deal with in the future.

Allen Bailey, DE, Miami

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners is sacked by defensive lineman Allen Bailey #57 of the Miami Hurricanes knocked down a pass attempt at Land Shark Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Though some may feel this would be a little high of a pick for Bailey, neither I nor his NFL Combine Report feel the same as most.

Bailey is an athletic lineman who can defend against the run and get to the quarterback.

The Miami standout is a sound tackler, who relied on his speed in college, but should have the tools to succeed at defensive end for the Packers if they select him in round one.

Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

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PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Akeem Ayers #10 of the UCLA Bruins makes a catch in front of Dwight Roberson #59 and Cameron Collins #5 of the Oregon State Beavers at the Rose Bowl on November 6, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Image

Ayers was at once considered a mid-first round pick, but his stock has dropped since his poor showing at the Combine, where he ran a 4.8 in the 40 yard dash.

Other than this however, the former Bruin looks to be a very promising prospect.

Ayers isn't a great run stopper, but excels in pass rush and can drop back into coverage effectively as well.

If the Packers were to use their first round pick on Ayers, Dom Capers could draw up several intriguing schemes for him.

Sam Acho, DE/OLB, 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/

A so-called "tweener," Acho is one of the many defensive players who was a defensive end in college but projects as an outside linebacker in the NFL.

The Packers have a need at outside linebacker, and could select Acho with their second round pick is they so please.

Acho is an explosive pass rusher who was also awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy for outstanding academics and community service.

Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 09: Ras-I Dowling #19 of the Virginia Cavaliers against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Another potential second round pick, Dowling's biggest concern is his numerous past injuries. He only played one full season at Virginia according to ESPN Gamelog. Dowling also missed most of last season due to injury.

Coming into the 2010 season, Dowling was considered a first round prospect, but not getting on the field has decreased his value significantly.

Dowling is good in run support and has the necessary speed and ball hawking skills to be a great corner at the next level if he can stay healthy.

Marvin Austin, DL, UNC

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Former North Carolina teammates Marvin Austin (L) and Bruce Carter look on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

A probable first round pick had he not been suspended for a year, Austin could fall to the Packers in round two, due to character concerns and questions about his work ethic.

Though he weighs in at around 310 pounds, Austin is very agile for his size.

Austin has outstanding strength (finished second in the bench press) and is a great run defender. 

With the Packers needing another defensive lineman, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if they picked him up should he fall to them in the second.