2011 NFL Draft: Seven Keys to a Successful Green Bay Packers Draft

The Green Bay Packers have the chance to build a dynasty.

After winning the Super Bowl last season, they will return starters Ryan Grant, Jermichael Finley and Nick Barnett, as well as promising rookie Morgan Burnett, among others.

They also have the opportunity to add pieces through the draft.

So, how should General Manager Ted Thompson approach this year's draft?

Here are seven keys that will lead to a successful 2012 season for Green Bay.

7. Get Motivated, Good Character Guys

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Wide receiver #2 Austin Pettis of the Boise State Broncos tries to avoid cornerback #21 Rashad Carmichael of the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Imag

Getting guys who aren't afraid to get hit is key. Guys who will put their bodies on the line and go full-speed in practice will really help the Packers stay competitive.

One guy who fits that mold is Austin Pettis, a wide receiver from Boise State. He's a hard worker and a guy who won't cause any problems in the locker room.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Trade for the Future

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots stands on the field during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

Ted Thompson can pull a Bill Belichick this year if he wants to.

If no one who the Packers want is available at No. 32, I wouldn't mind seeing them trade with a team that wants to move up to get a QB like Christian Ponder or Andy Dalton.

Stockpiling picks for the future is a luxury the Packers can shoot for now, after winning the Super Bowl with a very young team.

5. Add Depth

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Ryan Grant #25 of the Green Bay Packers rushes after a catch during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Ryan Grant is coming off a major injury. The Packers have plenty of players in that boat.

Adding depth in case the injury bug strikes again would be wise.

Plus, it's something Ted Thompson loves to do through the draft.

4. Have Foresight

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after missing a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Guys like James Jones and Brandon Jackson might not be with the team next season. Ted Thompson needs to go into this draft with the assumption that they won't be back.

He can still try to resign them, but if they walk away and he doesn't draft replacements, the Packers will be in a bad position.

3. Special Teams

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Having James Starks and Jordy Nelson return kickoffs probably isn't the best idea.

And having Tramon Williams, an essential part to the defense, returning punts is dumb.

Green Bay needs to add guys who can help out the return game this year. That will allow Starks, Nelson and Williams to focus on their other duties.

2. Replace Old Players

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers is injured as he attempts to break up a pass intended for Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Tex

Guys like Donald Driver, Chad Clifton and Charles Woodson are getting old. Rather than wait for them to retire before drafting their replacements, the Packers should draft them this year.

Then, they can learn from some of the best in the business for a couple of years before it's their turn to take the reins.

That worked out pretty well with Aaron Rodgers, didn't it?

1. Continue Getting Good Value in Late Rounds

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers won 31-25. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Ima

In 2010, the Packers drafted James Starks in the sixth round. They got Brad Jones in the seventh round in 2009. Josh Sitton came in the fourth round in 2008 and Desmond Bishop was a sixth round pick in 2007.

Drafting another player of that quality in the later rounds this year will continue Ted Thompson's impressive draft streak.

As much as I question some of his free agent decisions and the way he treats players sometimes, I'll never question his player evaluation abilities.

The man certainly knows how to draft players.