With the draft a little over a month away, it seems to be the only sure thing for the NFL after the NFLPA decertification. Even though teams will be unable to sign their selections until there is a new collective bargaining agreement, colleges' pro days still continue as teams evaluate prospects.
As many experts have listed, the Packers are one of the most difficult teams to provide a mock draft for because of their depth at multiple positions. However, there seem to be a few areas the Packers will focus on in the draft to add to their depth: offensive line, outside linebacker, cornerback, wide receiver and running back.
The Packers will have 15 players coming back from injury from last season including offensive playmakers Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley along with linebackers Brandon Chillar and possibly Nick Barnett. However, Barnett's status remains unclear with the Packers resigning of A.J. Hawk along with signing Desmond Bishop to a long-term contract last season.
The Packers drafted an offensive lineman for the future in last year's first round in Iowa tackle Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga filled in nicely for Mark Tauscher and the Packers could look to draft another tackle to take over for the aging Chad Clifton. Yet, many of the tackles that will drop later in the first round will probably be gone by the Packers No. 32 selection including Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi, Boston College's Anthony Castonzo, and Colorado's Nate Solder.
In Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft for ESPN, he has the Packers targeting outside linebacker Brooks Reed from Arizona. Reed will most likely move up into the latter part of the first round after showcasing his speed. Reed appears to be another Clay Matthews with his flowing blond locks and his neverending motor. The Packers' combination of Frank Zombo and Erik Walden most likely won't be their answer for the future opposite Matthews so the Packers could look to pair up Matthews with a dynamic pass rushing from the other outside linebacker position.
The Packers also could look to build their depth at the cornerback position. Everyone witnessed the Packers' vulnerability after both Sam Shields and Charles Woodson had to leave the Super Bowl. Shields will continue to improve, and Woodson isn't getting any younger. The Packers may look to draft another Hurricanes corner in Brandon Harris after Shields' success this past season.
The Packers will also look to build depth at their offensive playmaking positions. Donald Driver is closer to retirement and James Jones might leave via free agency. The Packers could target a speedster in Pittsburgh's Jonathan Baldwin. They could also look to draft a running back to challenge Ryan Grant and James Starks in training camp (if there is one). However, with the lack of running back depth, the Packers would probably wait until the fourth through seventh rounds to draft a running back.
Still, another option remains for the Packers. As one of the deepest teams in the NFL, the Packers could look to package a couple picks to move up in the draft if there is a prospect that fits into their system. Ted Thompson is not known for moving up in the draft but did two years ago to draft Clay Matthews after drafting B.J. Raji with the No. 9 selection. This may be a roster conducive to moving up in the draft if Thompson chooses to go against his usual drafting philosophy. Yet, with so much uncertainty surrounding the NFL with the lack of a collective bargaining agreement, the Packers will almost assuredly stay put at No. 32 and add even more depth to their roster.
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