2011 NFL Draft Results: Randall Cobb, Alex Green Enhance Packers Offense

This article will focus on the first several offensive additions made via the 2011 NFL draft, and how said additions can bolster an already potent Green Bay offense.

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is known for the creative ways he utilizes personnel.  Sometimes this creativity is questioned, such as when he kept three fullbacks, or when he kept four tight ends.  His method is to draw favorable matchups, thereby elevating potential rewards, and minimizing possible risks.  McCarthy's penchant for multiple formations requires a variety of offensive weapons in his arsenal, enter the 2011 NFL draft, with a focus on offense, and with the keyword of versatility.

McCarthy spoke of getting better on offense this year, and with the success that the New England Patriots had with their tight ends last year, it is highly likely that he noticed.  Andrew Quarless showed flashes of the ability to create an imposing double tight end set, but he is not yet a dependable second option. 

Enter D. J. Williams, a tight end or H-back prospect with reportedly superb hands, a tireless work ethic, and of great personal substance.  Williams has the qualities to develop into a dangerous sub-package pass catcher to add to McCarthy's versatile arsenal so as to keep up offensively with teams like the Pats. 

McCarthy's affinity for tight ends, both for their offensive versatility and for special teams purposes could push players such as Quinn Johnson and Korey Hall out.  While Ted certainly increased the riches and versatility at the tight end position, he did so at the wide receiver position as well with Randall Cobb.

Cobb has been likened to Donald Driver in his locker-room presence and his run after the catch prowess.  He possesses the raw talent to be a sharp route-runner, and the confidence and toughness to go across the middle.  Cobb's additional versatility as a returner is as refreshing to Packers', who have suffered through a 10-year drought in here.  Cobb's experience at various positions also provides the mad scientist McCarthy with greater possibilities to run the reverse and the end around.  Another helpful addition to Green Bay's offense is the selection of Alex Green, a back with potential to offer significant versatility as a half back.

Green is adept at pass catching, has good size and quick feet, and thus could be the future one-two punch along with James Starks.  While Ryan Grant may be a better runner at this point than both Green and Starks, he is simply not dependable catching balls out of the backfield, robbing him of the versatility that would enable McCarthy to be less predictable on third down.  The addition of Green likely spells the departure of Jackson, and Dimitri Nance.  Setting the stage for all three aforementioned additions is the offensive line, because as McCarthy loves to remark, "it all starts up front."

Derek Sherrod sounds like a very high quality young man, with the type of upbringing that pushes him to be great.  Beyond this desire, Sherrod possesses the requisite physical tools of great feet, long arms and great size for the tackle position.  Packers' brass has talked more about Sherrod playing the blind side, which makes sense for his skill set, just as right tackle does for Brian Bulaga's.  The combination of Sherrod and Bulaga is a comforting one for fans of the Pack's aerial attack, as well as of Aaron Rodgers' health.

In summation, with the offensive additions of the 2011 draft class, Green Bay adds more versatile and high integrity players to an already talented and upstanding team, hopefully not damaging the vital chemistry present for their championship run.