Green Bay Packers 2011 NFL Draft Needs, No. 4: Cornerback
Cornerback Ranks No. 4 on the Green Bay Packers Draft Needs
If for any reason you're feeling a little down about the Green Bay Packers, think about this for a second.
At cornerback, the Packers have the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year, last season's shutdown revelation and an undrafted speedster who's potential at the position rivals anyone in the league.
And still, cornerback comes in fourth on the Packers "needs" list for the 2011 draft.
It's a good time to be a Packers' fan.
In part two of the Packers Draft Needs series, let's breakdown the cornerback position. You can read part one (receiver) here.
Why It's a Need: Charles Woodson's Age
1 of 9
If Charles Woodson was 27 years old, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
As it stands, however, Woodson is 34 and will turn 35 in early October. Age isn't a tell-all when it comes to productivity, but certainly Woodson has already peaked in terms of athletic ability.
Over the next few years, those abilities will undoubtedly start to regress. Age can be a cruel decider in that matter, and injuries are more likely to occur as the years increase.
Don't get me wrong, Woodson still has two or three productive years left, and his instincts and worth ethic in the film room will keep him relevant for at least that long.
Still, there will come a time when Woodson is no longer wearing No. 21 for the Packers. It could still be a couple years down the road, but they need to be ready for when that day comes.
Why It's a Need: Lack of Depth Behind the Big Three
2 of 9
Even with Woodson's age, the Packers likely possess the most talented three-some of cornerbacks in the NFL.
We've already touched on Woodson, but No. 2 corner Tramon Williams should have been a Pro Bowler last season.
Behind him, rookie Sam Shields continued to get better throughout the year and played a huge impact for the Packers in the playoffs.
Once you get past those three, however, the depth chart starts to get thin. Former second rounder Pat Lee played admirably in the Super Bowl when pressed into duty, but he's mostly been a disappointment.
The coaching staff also had high hopes for No. 5 corner Brandon Underwood. He still can make an impact, but he needs to start taking some big leaps forward to make this roster next season.
While Lee and Underwood could patch things together if any short-term injuries happened, the Packers would be wise to add another talent to the competition at the bottom of the depth chart.
Why It's a Need: Dom Capers Preferred Defense
3 of 9
This is more or less a continuation of the previous reason.
As we saw last season, Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers loved to lean on his nickel defense. In fact, the Packers used a three cornerback defense is almost 75 percent of their defensive snaps in 2010.
With that said, it's obviously imperative for the Packers to have three good cornerbacks. They currently possess that kind of personnel, but now would be a good time to provide some insurance on those players.
It also gives a mold of what kind of corner the Packers might look for in this year's draft. If they plan to find a replacement for Woodson, that player needs to be able to cover the slot and be active in the run game.
It's going to be tough to ever find another Charles Woodson, but there are players in this draft who don't mind playing near the line of scrimmage.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Cardinals Draft Love Football")
Current Depth Chart
4 of 9
1. Charles Woodson: The emotional leader of the defense, Woodson put together the best three-year stretch of cornerback play in Green Bay since the days of Herb Adderley.
His play might see a decline in the coming years, but Woodson still has plenty of good football left in his Hall of Fame career.
2. Tramon Willams: Who really saw Williams' 2010 season coming? His progression as a football player is a testament to both Williams and the Packers coaching staff.
He's the Packers best cover corner, and should make at least a couple Pro Bowls in the coming years if he stays healthy.
3. Sam Shields: Another wonderful story from the Packers 2010 season, Shields burst onto the scene as an undrafted free agent rookie.
He took his bumps early on, but the ceiling for Shields over the course of his career should be exciting for Packers fans.
4. Pat Lee: A second round pick in 2008, Lee has yet to live up to the standards of that selection.
There's still talent there to find, but the clock is ticking for Lee to start figuring things out in the Packers secondary.
5. Brandon Underwood: He came into the league with less expectation than Lee, but Underwood also hasn't lived up to high expectations of him.
The physical aspect is clearly evident for Underwood, but he needs to start making the mental progressions to stay with the Packers long-term.
Who's Available: First and Second Round
5 of 9
Jimmy Smith (Colorado): He has all the size and talent you want in a first round cornerback, but the questions surrounding Smith will likely take him completely off the Packers board.
Even with those question marks, Thompson has to at least entertain his talent and size combination.
Brandon Harris (Miami): At just 5'9", Harris is smaller than what you want at the corner position.
He's a battler, however, and his ability to play in the slot makes him worth a look.
Aaron Williams (Texas): All the talk around Williams is that he's better suited to play safety than cornerback.
If that's the case, doesn't he fit the mold of what the Packers would want in Woodson's replacement?
Who's Available: Third and Fourth Round
6 of 9
Curtis Brown (Texas): In terms of pure cornerback play, Brown could be a better prospect than his teammate Aaron Williams.
Brandon Burton (Utah): He has the ball skills and size to potentially be a starting NFL corner.
Ras-I Dowling (Virginia): He's one of the enigmas in this year's draft, but the size, speed and production of Dowling is hard to ignore.
Curtis Marsh (Utah State): After shutting down Boise State's duo of receivers, Marsh shot up boards and is now a solid developmental prospect.
Rashard Carmichael (Virginia Tech): Comfortable pressing at the line of scrimmage, Carmichael also has the speed to play in space.
Davon House (New Mexico State): A lot of people love House, and he has the potential to be one of the better players in this group if given the right amount of time.
Johnny Patrick (Louisville): He's a physical corner, and the Packers value players who can play near the line of scrimmage.
Chimdi Chekwa (Ohio State): Certainly a raw prospect overall but will get picked higher than he should because of his workout numbers.
Who's Available: Fifth and Sixth Round
7 of 9
Cortez Allen (Citadel): If you've followed me at all, you'll know I love Allen. His coverage ability and willingness to play the run makes him an ideal middle round replacement.
Justin Rogers (Richmond): He's raw and undersized, but Rogers makes up for it with athletic ability and ball skills.
Buster Skrine (Chattanooga): After blazing speeds at the combine, Skrine vaulted himself into middle round consideration.
Brandon Hogan (West Virginia): He has tons of off the field issues that likely will make him a non-factor for Green Bay.
Kendric Burney (UNC): When looking at Burney, you have to like his experience and workout numbers.
Who's Available: Seventh Round and UDFA
8 of 9
Demarcus Van Dyke (Miami): Despite his limitations, quick times at the combine might have vaulted Van Dyke into the middle rounds.
Josh Thomas (Buffalo): With his ability to tackle in the run game and on special teams, I'd bet he gets a long look from Thompson late in the draft.
Antareis Bryan (Baylor): The Packers worked him out recently, and the Locksmith, as his teammates call him, warrants consideration in the later rounds.
Josh Gatlin (NDSU): With his size and workout numbers, Gatlin is a prime candidate to be a priority free agent after the draft.
Korey Lindsay (So. Illinois): The size and potential are there, but Lindsay needs a good coach to realize what he could become.
Summary
9 of 9
Like I touched on in the introduction, having to find a fourth cornerback and replacement for a guy who's just two years removed from winning Defensive Player of the Year is a good No. 4 "need" to have.
And with a talented roster already in place, the Packers can afford to look towards the future and find that player in this year's draft.
I wouldn't expect the Packers to jump on a corner early in the draft, however.
Barring any injury, Woodson will still be a good player for the next couple of years, and the Packers are set with Williams and Shields progressing into the cornerbacks they've become.
Thompson could find another cornerback in the middle rounds or potentially after the draft, where he's found plenty of success.
Either way, I'd say No. 32 is out of the question for a cornerback (unless one of the top two fall, a scenario I absolutely cannot envision under any circumstances).
Their best bet would be to find a talented but raw player that could develop in the Packers system for a few years before taking over a major role.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Cardinals Draft Love Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Chiefs Rookies Football")
.jpg?w=600 "WWE Raw Results & Grades 🔠")