Green Bay Packers 2011 NFL Draft Needs: No. 2: Defensive End
Defensive End Ranks No. 2 on the Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Needs
By process of elimination, you probably figured which positions would be left for the final two spots. We've already covered needs No. 5 (receiver), No. 4 (cornerback) and No. 3 (outside linebacker).
I'd also guess that many of you assumed that defensive end would be the de facto No. 1 need. Especially if you've seen some of my recent mock drafts, you'll know that I've had the Packers picking an end for the past two versions.
However, needs don't always line up with draft picks, and that's especially the case with Packers GM Ted Thompson.
Why It's a Need: The Departure of Cullen Jenkins
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If the Packers were ever truly serious about bringing back Cullen Jenkins, negotiations would have begun either during the season or directly after the Super Bowl.
Despite how good of player Jenkins is, those talks never materialized.
The 30-year-old defensive end will certainly demand a hefty price tag whenever free agency begins, and he'll leave a big hole in the Packers defense once he signs on the dotted line.
Why? There's several reasons.
Jenkins was an effective pass rusher even as a 3-4 defensive end—something that is rare to find—and he was equally as good against the run. He also had the ability to play inside on passing downs and was just as disruptive in that role.
Even if the Packers use their first round pick on a defensive end, replacing what Jenkins brought to the defense is going to be a difficult task.
Why It's a Need: Injury History of the Remaining Players
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You could use the excuse that the threat of injuries makes any position a need, but defensive end is especially true.
Likely starters Mike Neal and Ryan Pickett both have injury histories that make depending on them a risky endeavor.
Neal lasted only five games into his rookie season before tearing up his shoulder, and Pickett has only played in all 16 games once in the past four years.
Behind the starters, 32-year-old Howard Green has never played a full season, and young players C.J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn took their nicks last year.
And do I need to even mention the Packers other defensive end, Justin Harrell? He might have a short history with team doctor Pat McKenzie.
Why It's a Need: Depth Concerns
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Depth concerns correlate directly with losing Jenkins and the injury histories, but it's worthy of mention nonetheless.
Because the Packers prefer to rotate their defensive line more than other teams, the depth and the quality of that depth is vital up front.
Do the Packers have that quality necessary?
Without Jenkins in the mix, that's a hard question to answer yes with. Most fans undervalue what he brought to the Packers defense, but I doubt Thompson does.
He can't overspend on a player Jenkins' age, but I'd be willing to guess that Thompson knows he needs to replace the depth and quality that Jenkins brought to the table.
Any combination of C.J. Wilson, Jarius Wynn or Justin Harrell simply can't compare to what the Packers are going to lose.
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Who's Available: First and Second Rounds
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Cameron Heyward (Ohio State)
He has the experience and skill set to contribute right away and could eventually develop into a similar player as Jenkins.
Muhammed Wilkerson (Temple)
A fast riser up draft boards, Wilkerson is athletic and has the size to play immediately.
Adrian Clayborn (Iowa)
He was once considered a top 15 pick, but a few concerns about production and his Erb's palsy—a condition that comes with on-and-off upper arm paralysis—has dropped him down.
Marvin Austin (UNC)
Can he play defensive end in a 3-4? Are the character concerns real? Both need to check out if the Packers are to take him this high.
Christian Ballard (Iowa)
Sometimes lost in Clayborn's spotlight at Iowa, Ballard was the more disruptive defender last season for the Hawkeyes.
Stephen Paea (Oregon State)
You'll know him from setting the bench press record at the combine (49 reps at 225 pounds), but he shows that power on tape as well.
Who's Available: Third and Fourth Rounds
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Allen Bailey (Miami)
The talent and workout numbers are there, but can he play defensive end in a 3-4? He looks more suited for the 4-3 defense.
Jarvis Jenkins (Clemson)
He's a big, strong body that showed at Clemson he can get to the quarterback too.
Lawrence Guy (Arizona State)
If he can figure out his off-the-field issues, Guy is the ideal size to play defensive end and has a high ceiling to boot.
Jurrell Casey (USC)
The word "lazy" comes up occasionally when talking about Casey, and that could scare off Thompson from taking him too high.
Kendrick Ellis (Hampton)
Ellis has both serious character concerns and NFL talent. He'd really have to prove that the talent outweighs the risk, however.
Who's Available: Fifth and Sixth Rounds
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Cedric Thornton (Southern Arkansas)
He held his own at the Senior Bowl, removing any worries that Thornton only shined because of limited competition.
Martin Parker (Richmond)
He needs to add some weight, but Parker is an interesting prospect with a high ceiling.
Ian Williams (Notre Dame)
Played on the nose at Notre Dame, but the Packers have had plenty of success moving Ryan Pickett and Howard Green from there to defensive end.
Who's Available: Seventh Round or UDFA
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Anthony Gray (Southern Miss)
The Packers recently worked out Gray, who is a surprisingly good athlete despite his 335-pound frame.
Lazarius Levingston (LSU)
More of a developmental guy, but Thompson has found success with those type of ends in recent drafts.
Brandon Bair (Oregon)
He's tall (6'7") and underweight, but Bair could be a solid rotational player when he fills out his frame.
Lawrence Marsh (Florida)
Another guy who played mostly on the nose, Marsh has the size and speed to play the five-technique in the NFL.
Summary
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While I endorse the reasoning behind Thompson not re-signing Cullen Jenkins, the fact is his absence along the Packers defensive front is going to be an underrated loss.
It's the whole reason defensive end even makes this list—losing Jenkins in free agency changes the whole dynamic of the group.
In fact, the unit as a whole goes from a strength with Jenkins to a position in need of reinforcements without him.
And even though defensive end ranks No. 2 on the Packers needs, it's probably the most likely position that Thompson drafts with their first pick.
This year's class boasts several defensive ends that could contribute immediately for the Packers defense, and I'm convinced that Green Bay will need to replace at least some of what Jenkins brought to the table.
And, as you'll find out in the final part of this series, I highly doubt any of the worth-while names at the Packers No. 1 need will be there at pick 32.
You can never predict what he'll do, but all these signs point to Thompson filling the hole Jenkins is sure to leave with the Packers first pick.
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