Jan 01, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) is chased by Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Things have become somewhat muddled for Brian Orakpo.  Once the unquestioned star in the nation’s capital, suddenly his future is clouded by injury as NFL free agency looms for him.  A regression in 2013 could mean he must find a new team in 2014.  Are the Green Bay Packers poised for a rare free agent move?

Washington Redskins hoping Orakpo reverts to form

Two years ago it was a foregone conclusion.  The Washington Redskins knew they had to collect the needed money to make Brian Orakpo their highest paid star on defense.  He’d only missed one game between 2009 and 2011 and produced 28.5 sacks in that span.  No other Redskins defender came close.  So one might say the Pro Bowler picked a really bad time to suffer a season-ending injury.  Last year Orakpo was forced to the sideline after just two games with a torn pectoral muscle.  It was the third injury on that area of his body in a nine month span.  That is the kind of thing that scares teams since it means the player could become a liability because a single part of his body can’t take the physical grind of football anymore.  It’s similar to how many NBA centers don’t last because of repeated foot injuries. Washington knows they must be careful with their money.  Orakpo needs not just a productive season in 2013 but must show his body can hold up.  Another costly injury may force the Redskins to let him test the market next year.

Packers can try limited FA strike after Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers lock ups

Ironically one of the top teams that may want to take a stab at him is a team that almost never makes a big signing in free agency.  The Green Bay Packers are almost solely a draft-driven team under the guidance of GM Ted Thompson.  It has served them well for the most part.  They have reached the playoffs every year since 2009 and won the Super Bowl in 2010.  At the heart of their success are two star players in linebacker Clay Matthews and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  The Packers stayed focused on making sure both of them were locked up before they too had a chance to reach free agency.  This proved a success as each landed a lucrative new deal.  Now the team can focus on filling out the roster around them with more talent.  A key part of that is free agency. Green Bay should have over $14 million in salary cap space by March of 2014.  While not a huge sum, it is more than enough for one big signing.

The reason Brian Orakpo makes sense is his fit in their scheme.  They have needed a consistent second threat at outside linebacker opposite Matthews for years.  Experiments with names like Erik Walden and Nick Perry have had disappointing results.  Bringing Orakpo in with his 8+ sacks per season average would take so much pressure off Matthews to provide the pass rush.  The key factors to this happening are what Green Bay plans for its own pending free agents like B.J. Raji and Sam Shields.  If they can work through the numbers then the Packers could make their first big free agent moves in years.

Dec 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) makes a one handed catch during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers–in my opinion–are the team to beat in the NFC. I realize the 49ers have the most talented roster in history and Trent Baalke/Jim Harbaugh are unstoppable as a duo in the front office, but I still think Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are the class of the NFC.

This is a team that gets better year after year with Rodgers at the helm, and when they won the Super Bowl three seasons ago, I felt like it was the beginning of a dynasty.

With Rodgers under center, the rest of the Packers’ roster sort of fell into place, and they have drafted really well over the years without making many impact free agent signings.

Here are three players I think could be big time breakout candidates for the Packers. We’ll take a look at one player from each of the last three draft classes on the Packers’ roster.

Third Year — Randall Cobb, WR

As good as I thought Randall Cobb was last year, I’m surprised that he wasn’t a thousand yard receiver. He finished the year with 80 receptions for 954 yards and eight touchdowns, and was also dynamic as a return man.

Cobb had the ball in his hands more than any other player on the Packers’ roster not playing center or named Rodgers, and man is this guy dynamic.

Cobb can burn you from the receiver position, out of the backfield, and as a kick/punt returner. He was drafted in the second round in 2011, and the Packers barely used him on offense as a rookie. That changed a lot last year when he had 80 catches, and with Greg Jennings now on the Vikings, I think Green Bay will make Cobb even more of a central focus to their offensive game plan, making him one of the best candidates for a big time breakout season in the NFL. I think he will be over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns this year.

May 10, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Datone Jones works out during the Green Bay Packers rookie orientation weekend. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

1. First round, 26th overall: Datone Jones, DL, UCLA

A lot of people were giving the Packers a standing ovation for this pick, and I think it’s a good one as well. Jones had 6.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss last year at UCLA, and is a perfect fit for the Packers’ 3-4 defense under Dom Capers. Green Bay showed a serious weakness on the defensive front last year, lacking that “attack” feel they had a couple of years ago when their defense was among the toughest in the league. Jones gives them that in spades. This is a near 285 pound defensive end who is exceptionally quick, and really packs a punch. He has good instincts to know where the ball is going, and he gets underneath offensive linemen to be able to make plays in the backfield on a consistent basis. I think as a rookie, Jones will come in and start at weakside defensive end for the Packers along with B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett up front. He’s not going to get a ton of sacks I don’t think, but he will make a lot of plays freed up by those two mountains of men, and his disruptive nature will allow guys like Clay Matthews to also step in and make more plays. I think this is a good, needed move for the Packers in the first round.

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Datone Jones participates in a defensive drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 283 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By: Green Bay Packers (1st round, 26th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  4.80

Bench Press:  29

Vertical Jump:  31.5″

Broad Jump:  112″

2012 Statistics

Career Highlights (via UCLA athletic site)

UCLA - Talented player who possesses the ability to be a disruptive force in opposing backfields … Has played both end and tackle … Completed his Bruin career with 43 starts, including his final 28 straight games.

2012 - Starter in all 14 games and was selected second-team all-conference by the league coaches … Ranked fifth on the team in tackles, first among the defensive linemen with 62 stops … Second on the team with 19.0 tackles for loss, which ranked fifth in the Pac-12 (1.36/g) … His 6.5 sacks ranked third on the team and 18th in the Pac-12 (0.46/g) … Blocked two kicks … Caught a touchdown pass against Houston while playing offense in a short-yardage situation … Credited with forcing a safety versus Nebraska … Made six tackles in the opener at Rice, including 2.0 sacks … Had 3.0 tackles for loss against both Nebraska and Houston … Made a career-best nine tackles in win at Arizona State … Had 1.5 tackles for loss at Washington State and blocked a kick … Registered 2.0 tackles for loss in each contest against Stanford … Made 1.5 tackles for loss in the Holiday Bowl against Baylor … Earned the Kenneth S. Washington Award for Outstanding Senior of the Year on Defense and the Captain Don Brown Award for Most Improved Player at the annual team awards banquet … Named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list … Selected to play in the Senior Bowl collegiate all-star game.

2011 - Started all 14 games … Topped the team with 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks … Led all linemen with 41 tackles … Named to Hendricks Award watch list … Had two tackles at Houston … Three stops vs. San Jose State … Notched one tackle for loss against Texas … Four stops, including one sack, vs. Washington State … Five tackles, 0.5 for loss, at Arizona … Matched his career-best with six tackles versus Cal and added a career-high two sacks … Had three tackles at Utah and vs. Arizona State … Three stops, 1.0 for loss, vs. Colorado … Tallied three tackles at USC … Had six tackles at Oregon, 1.0 for loss … Two tackles against Illinois.

2010 - Sidelined by a fractured right foot during Fall Camp (Aug. 10) … Sat out the entire season … Was listed on the pre-season Watch List for the Hendricks Award.

2009 - Starter in all 13 games … Third on team with 4.0 sacks and T-22nd in Pac-10 and fourth on team with his 11.0 tackles for loss (12th in Pac-10) … Earned Sophomore All-America honorable mention from collegefootballnews.com … Had one tackle assist and broke up two passes against SDSU … Three stops at Tennessee, 1.0 for loss … Four tackles, a sack and a second tackle for loss, against Kansas St. … Credited with three tackles, including a sack on which he forced a fumble at Stanford … Two tackles, 0.5 for loss, versus Oregon … Registered two tackle assists, both for loss (1.0 total) against Cal … Three tackles at Arizona, one for loss … Forced and recovered a fumble on the first play of the second half … Three tackles, 0.5 for loss, at Oregon St. … Two tackles, including a five-yard sack, against Washington … Three tackles at Washington State, one for loss … One tackle for loss against Arizona St. … Credited with three tackles, including a seven-yard sack, in bowl win over Temple.

2008 - Appeared in 10 games with two starts (Cal, Oregon St.) … Finished with 15 tackles … Two tackles versus Stanford … Made first career start at Cal and was credited with six tackles, four solos … Started against Oregon St. and made four stops … Had one tackle off bench at Washington … One tackle against USC … Named to rivals.com All-Pac-10 Freshman team.

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Emerging as a potential first round selection in his senior season, Datone Jones is a guy we are pretty high on. He is a big and powerful defensive line prospect who was used all over the field in UCLA’s defense. Team’s really value versatility, especially with their defensive linemen, and Jones has it in spades. He can line up at either end position in a 3-4 or 4-3, and can play tackle in a 4-man front. He has the upper body strength to get leverage and blow offensive linemen back off their feet. Very productive senior season has scouts raving about his potential in the NFL. Racked up a ton of tackles for loss as a senior, and it’s easy to see why. Jones explodes off the ball and has a great instinct of where the ball is going to wind up. He doesn’t have great sack numbers yet, but he can create opportunities for his teammates with his explosiveness and ability to attract double teams. I think he’s a legit top 32 selection.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers are among the NFL’s elite, but there could be some big changes on the way for this team. One of the best receivers in the league–Greg Jennings–just finished a contract season with some nagging injuries that forced him to miss quite some time, and it appears as though he’s played his last game with Green Bay.

Though he wasn’t a high impact player, long-time Packer Donald Driver also announced his retirement this offseason. Brad Jones, one of the team’s top tacklers, is also in line for free agency. All in all, though, the Packers appear to be ready for another title run in 2013. Here are my top needs for them this offseason, in no particular order.

1. Defensive Line

The Packers’ defensive line hasn’t been the same since Cullen Jenkins bolted for the Eagles. They have invested some high picks in players, like BJ Raji in 2009 and Jerel Worthy in 2012, but there is still something missing. I think the Packers will continue to look for upgrades along the defensive front. Green Bay could use B.J. Raji at one of the DE spots in their 3-4 alignment and draft another nose tackle as well.

2. Center

The Packers signed Jeff Saturday for a reason, and now he’s retiring. Evan Dietrich-Smith is in line to replace him, but on a team with so few needs elsewhere, why not replace Saturday with a high draft pick? Alabama’s Barrett Jones could be a huge pickup for this team.

3. Running Back

The Packers have the luxury of being able to use high picks on positions that other teams wouldn’t otherwise. Like running back, for instance. Cedric Benson was signed off the streets, and the Packers had to rely on unknown DuJuan Harris in the postseason. Alex Green is not developing properly, even when he was given an opportunity on a hot team this season. James Starks is too inconsistent and injury prone. I could see the Packers going for an overhaul at this position, starting with a really talented back in the first or second round.

4. Inside Linebacker

Brad Jones is a free agent, and the Packers don’t really have a stud at this position. There are some really good inside linebackers in this draft, and they could cash in if one falls to the later portion of the first round.

5. Pass rush

The team used a first round pick on Nick Perry last year, and he had just 18 tackles as a rookie with two sacks. It’s too early to call him a bust, but the second year player out of USC better show out in 2013. I think it’d be wise for the Packers to push him by adding a player at this position in the second or third round.

6. Wide Receiver

Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are leaving, and Jordy Nelson had some injuries this past season. The Packers have a good group with Nelson, James Jones, and Randall Cobb, but they like to have a deep rotation at this position.

7. Tight End

Will Jermichael Finley’s inconsistencies cost him a roster spot? On Green Bay’s roster, it’s basically him and then a bunch of guys. I think if they wanted to, they could add a much better, much more consistent player at this position through the draft.

8. Kicker

Mason Crosby was awful in 2012. He missed seven of his nine field goal attempts from 50 yards or beyond, as well as five from 30-49. The Packers missed a total of 12 field goals while opponents missed just four. That’s inexcusable.

NFL.com also added that Benson is eligible to return to the team by Week 14. Green Bay plays against the Detroit Lions that week.

As NFL Mocks wrote yesterday, the Packers will now have to rely on the services of Alex Green, Brandon Saine and James Starks to fill the void at tailback. Although Starks is the best option for the Pack, he is currently battling an injury. Green will likely get the nod as starter going forward.

Oct 7, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) tries to escape from Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cassius Vaughn (32) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeated Green Bay 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Benson is a fairly new addition to the Packers and was added to the team’s roster late in the summer after he signed a one-year contract. Despite not receiving a lot of interest in free agency, he was immediately catapulted to the top of Green Bay’s running back depth chart.

The Packers currently have tailbacks Alex Green, Brandon Saine and James Starks on the roster to help fill the void of Benson’s absence.

This could be an indication that the team will be in need of a healthy, young ball carrier in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Pack are in dire need of a player who can force opposing defenses to respect Green Bay’s running game so that quarterback Aaron Rodgers can get more time throwing the ball.

NFL Mocks will keep you abreast of any additional information regarding Cedric Benson as such information is made available to us.

(H/T ESPN NFC North Blog: Source: Lisfranc injury for Packs RB)

Sep 9, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

Last year, it seemed like the NFL Network couldn’t get the Thursday night games right. It just seemed like one dud game after another. The first NFL Network game of 2012, however, is a real treat for NFL fans. The Green Bay Packers are set to play host to their division rival Chicago Bears, a game that already has pretty big divisional implications.

If the Bears are able to win on the road, it will not only be a big division win, but it will give them a two game lead over the Packers, which is a very solid advantage considering how well the Packers played last season. Green Bay has already matched its 2011 season loss total, so I think they will be really focused for this game. Can they lose two in a row? Here are some keys to tonight’s game, and some things to watch for.

Impact of No Greg Jennings

The Packers have a very deep group of wide receivers, so losing Greg Jennings might not hurt as much as we think, but Jennings is a big time player. Green Bay will rely on James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Jermichael Finley to carry the load if Jennings can’t find a way to get on the field, which will be a decent advantage for the Bears. Aaron Rodgers will still find open receivers, but the Bears won’t have to worry about number 85 running around.

Bears’ Revamped Offense

The Bears’ offense hasn’t been this good for as long as I can remember. Jay Cutler is healthy, and the re-signing of Matt Forte provided the Bears with an elite running back weapon to go along with arguably the best backup in the league, Michael Bush. Not only that, but Chicago was able to completely revamp their wide receiver group by adding Brandon Marshall–a Pro Bowl candidate–and Alshon Jeffery, who had a nice rookie debut. The Packers’ defense is full of holes right now, and I could definitely see this Bears crew being a problem for them.

Who Can Force More Turnovers?

The Bears’ pass rush is led by sack artist Julius Peppers and inside linebacker Brian Urlacher. Those guys appear to be ageless. Green Bay’s defense is led by Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson, two defensive player of the year candidates. As a group, I think both defenses have some real holes but that doesn’t mean they can’t force turnovers and make big plays. Which team makes more of those big plays will determine who wins this game.

Fantasy Studs

QB: Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler

RB: Matt Forte, Michael Bush

WR: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery

TE: Jermichael Finley

DEF/ST: Bears

June 12, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) and defensive end Jerel Worthy (99) during the team

Thanks to great coaching and even better work in the front office, the Green Bay Packers are primed to be the NFL’s next dynasty. They boast the best player in the NFL in quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and they have drafted so well in the Ted Thompson/Mike McCarthy era that they are undoubtedly one of the best teams in the NFL this year, looking to next year, and years after that if Rodgers stays healthy.

The way I define a dynasty is a team that has a wide open Super Bowl window for a large number of years. The Packers won the Super Bowl two years ago, and while they lost only one regular season game in 2011, they were the victims of fate in a divisional round matchup against the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

With Rodgers at the helm, the Packers have the best of the best. A sure-thing, guaranteed, bona-fide Super Star every single week. He rarely makes mistakes, and he can make plays in a variety of different ways. Green Bay has surrounded him with excellent talent through the draft, and they have built a true winner in “Titletown.”

Here is what the Packers did in the 2012 NFL Draft to revamp their roster:

1. Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC
2. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
3. Casey Heyward, CB, Vanderbilt
4. Mike Daniels, DT, Iowa
5. Jerron McMillian, S, Maine
6. Terrell Manning, LB, North Carolina State
7. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State
8. B.J. Coleman, QB, UT Chattanooga

Undrafted Free Agents

Jaymes Brooks, OL, Virginia Tech; Dale Moss, WR, South Dakota State; Don Barclay, OL, West Virginia; Sean Richardson, S, Vanerbilt; Nic Cooper, RB, Winston-Salem State; Dezman Moses, DE, Tulane; Dion Turner, CB, Southern Utah; Marc Tyler, RB, USC; Drew Vanderlin, DE, Michigan Tech; Eric Lair, TE, Minnesota; Tommie Draheim, G, San Diego State; Duane Bennett, RB, Minnesota; Cameron Ford, TE, Wake Forest; Marcus Rivers, WR, Buffalo

Best UDFA Addition: Dale Moss, WR, South Dakota State

Moss is a very good athlete with a ton of upside as a deep sleeper prospect, and he has accepted an invitation to play in the Shrine game. The most impressive aspect of Moss’ game is also potentially one of the things he needs to work on, which is his length. His length is a huge plus because it allows him to make catches away from his body and go up over the top of smaller defensive backs, but he has a very thin lower body which could get exposed against bigger, faster, stronger NFL defensive backs, guys stronger than he faced in his one year of college football. Inexperience will be a factor for Moss, but the talent is certainly there. He played basketball for the Jacks and has great leaping ability, and the fact that he played basketball and adjusted so well so quickly to football is promising. He caught 61 passes for 949 yards and six touchdowns in his only year of college ball, and I think if he is able to run in the low 4.5 range he should be able to easily get into an NFL camp, and if he can run in the 4.4 range, he might even hear his name called in the draft. He will have to work on the nuances of the game, just getting used to playing football and not being the best athlete on the field, but the upside is certainly there.

2012 NFL Draft Review

1. Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

After his Freshmen season many felt Perry would become an elite defensive player.  He has been unable to duplicate that success the past two seasons.  He has performed well but learning a new system combined with small injuries limited him in his second season.  So far in his Junior season he is showing the potential to be a first round pick.  I imagine he will dominate off season workouts.  Perry as potential as a 43 DE as well as a 34 OLB. He has huge upside but also is perhaps the riskiest pass rusher in this draft.

NFLMocks preseason bio

So far, Nick Perry hasn’t lived up to expectations, but he still has time to prove he is a dominant pass rusher. Perry is a redshirt junior with big goals for the 2011 season. 15. Nick Perry wants to get more then 15 sacks this year. It sounds like a pipe dream considering he had just 4 last year, but do not underestimate him. Perry is unique specimen. He stands at 6 ft 3, 250 pounds and runs a 4.6 40 yard dash. He collected 9 sacks his freshman year, but was hampered by a lingering high ankle sprain in 2010. Perry’s unique blend of size and athleticism makes him a player to watch for this year. He could be the breakout player of the year if he is able to stay healthy. He’s a very quick player who uses his hands well. He has a ton of potential.

Pick Analysis

This was a really good pickup by the Packers. It gives them a pair of USC bookends at the hybrid linebacker position, and two flat out great athletes who can fly around the field. He is an incredible athlete for his size, and if he can make the most of Clay Matthews getting double-teamed, he could be one of the leading candidates for rookie of the year. He was USC’s defensive lineman of the year last year with 9.5 sacks, and I think he can make an immediate impact. This was a very solid selection by the Packers who really needed help on the defensive front, especially in the pass rush department.

2. Jerel Worthy, DL, Michigan State

Pre-season report

Big defensive tackle prospect who is already being regarded as one of the top defensive players in the class of 2012. Big body in the middle who is very athletic and can make plays in the backfield. Stats do not jump off the screen, but he is a guy who commands a double team on every single play, and he is very disruptive. In two years, he has 77 tackles, eight sacks, and 13 tackles for loss. Very explosive player who is an excellent athlete with great quickness. In college, you are always looking for guys to “break out” and Worthy is definitely a candidate to do just that. Probably an ideal fit to play in a four man front in the NFL, and it’s possible that he could be a top ten pick if he comes out this year. Needs to work on using his upper body strength and arms to disengage from blocks instead of simply sparring with the offensive lineman that takes him on. He has the physical tools, but needs to use his hands better against powerful offensive linemen, which could attribute to his lack of elite level statistics despite his raw ability. Has top ten potential, but right now, needs more time.

Pick Analysis

Worthy dropped to the second round for the Packers, and it was a complete steal in my opinion. Many were projecting him as a top ten pick before the season started, and by seasons-end, he was still being projected as a first round pick by most draft outlets. When he fell to the late second round, I was pretty shocked and the Packers were able to capitalize. This was a great move by them to get such a talented player at that point in the draft, and get a guy who can possibly come in and start right away as a rookie.

3. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

Scouting Report

Mark my words someone will get a steal with this kid.  He plays on Vanderbilt so immediately he is over looked.  When I watch him I am blown away at how complete of a player he is.  He is both a shut down CB who utilizes elite agility, powerful press coverage,  and technique.  What gets me is how effective against the run he is.  Also he is an above average return man.  He is the total package who has locked down some of the SEC’s best WR’s.  Hayward has really good route recognition skills and ball skills and really plays well when he’s watching the quarterback’s eyes, because of his lack of straight line speed he is probably best suited in a scheme that plays more zone coverage. Second Round is where I see him going to a team such as the Patriots, Bengals, Broncos, Chargers, Cowboys, Lions, or Texans.

Bio

One of the top defensive backs in the nation, Hayward continued his excellent play as a junior… Named second team All-SEC DB by both the league coaches and Associated Press writers… Started every game at cornerback, pushing his consecutive starts streak to 24 games… Put together his finest year in Commodore uniform, setting single-season highs in interceptions (6), solo tackles (59), total tackles (70) and passes defended (17)… Ranked first in SEC – and third in NCAA – in passes defended… Interception total ranked second in SEC – and tied for fifth nationally… Posted at least one pass defended in 10 of 12 games and at least three tackles in 11 of 12 games… Had eight tackles, including seven solo stops, to aid victory at Ole Miss… Picked off passes in four consecutive games – LSU, Ole Miss, UConn and Eastern Michigan… Also registered INTs against South Carolina and Tennessee… Also posted nine tackles in Georgia, South Carolina and Arkansas and eight solo stops in finale vs. Wake Forest.

Pick Analysis

I think the Packers got another steal here. They do such a great job of drafting and getting Hayward at the back end of round two was another great move in my opinion. He is a top ten player at his position, and the Packers use a lot of five defensive back sets in their defense where they use Charles Woodson as the rover. This move gives them a ton of flexibility there to move him around wherever they want, and it gives them depth with the loss of Nick Collins. They have done a great job of coaching up young defensive backs Sam Shields and Tramon Williams, so adding Hayward to the mix is a solid move.

4. Mike Daniels, DL, Iowa

Scouting Report

Mike Daniels came out of nowhere last season to lead a star-studded Iowa defensive line (three NFL draft picks) in tackles for loss. Perhaps it was the company he was in that helped him along the way, or perhaps he has some skill of his own. My bet is on the latter, and Daniels could really break out in 2011 as a playmaker on the Iowa defensive line. He is a quick twitch lineman who plays with a low center of gravity and has a nose for the ball carrier. His performance will be huge this season for the Hawkeyes.

(Austin Bramley)

Daniels, AKA “the Beast”  plays like his nickname. He is powerful up front and has the ability to fill gaps and stop the run, but also has the speed and athleticism to rush the passer and make key tackle for loss. Daniels is a second team all Big Ten selection by the coaches and a first team all Big Ten honorable mention by the media. I expect Daniels to be drafted in the middle to late rounds. He has the ability to make a significant impact at the next level but may be over looked if he doesn’t have a good pro day.

PROS: Speed, quickness, makes plays behind the line, tough kid, plays with solid leverage most of the time.

CONS: Not an elite run-stuffer, smaller than most DT prospects, can get pushed around by more powerful linemen

Pick Analysis

This is another pick that I love for the Packers. Daniels is a playmaker on the defensive line, and despite being undersized slightly, he is a long defender who has good athletic ability and instincts. I think he could take some time to develop, but in the fourth round, this is a phenomenal pick by the Packers, making me and a lot of other fans envious of their draft class already. I would have projected Daniels to go around here, but simply based on his production and the team he is going to, I think this is a phenomenal fit.

5. Jerron McMillian, S, Maine

Pick Analysis

McMillian is a safety prospect with solid bulk and phenomenal athletic ability. He has incredible speed at 4.35 seconds in the 40 yard dash, and he just flies all around the field. This pick by the Packers is indicative of their questions about the secondary and pass defense. Other than Jerel Worthy, who is a solid pass rusher in his own right, every pick has had to do with upgrading the pass defense to this point. Getting McMillian gives them depth in the secondary and on special teams, but the hope has to be that he can eventually take over for the injured Nick Collins, an All-Pro safety.

6. Terrell Manning, LB, North Carolina State

Pick Analysis

Manning is a playmaker at the linebacker position who declared after his junior season, and while he obviously made a mistake in terms of his overall stock, he was able to get drafted to a Super Bowl caliber team that has a need at the inside linebacker position for depth. He played outside at NC State, and he is a good athlete who can play in space, but he will play inside in the Packers’ 3-4 alignment. He has the capability of also playing and contributing on special teams early on, and like some young Packers’ linebackers before him, he could see early playing time as a youngster.

7. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

Pros:

Really plus size with long arms…quick feet…plays with good leverage most of the time…athletic and does a good job of mirroring in pass protection…does a good job of cut blocking…gets to the second level well…is considered to be a player with a great work ethic…quick off the snap..intelligent player who understands the angles of blocking…

Cons:

Not the strongest, though he did get bulkier between 2010 and 2011…a finesse player (that’s not a con in some systems)…Injury history battled injuries in 2010 lost his season in 2011 to injuries…pretty good, but not great range

The injuries are going to be the killer for Datko. Datko also isn’t going to be a good fit for every team. He’s a finesse blocker who moves well and blocks well in space. He mirrors the defender well and plays a smart game. Even though he has continued to add weight from when he enrolled at Florida State (as a three star recruit) he still isn’t the strongest player. He doesn’t have violent hand punch and he’s not going to drive the defenders in the run game. That’s not to say he’s not going to be a good N.F.L. player in a pass heavy offense he could be a really good player and if a team can end up drafting him in the 3rd round, provided he can stay healthy, they could end up with a steal.

Big offensive tackle who started 25 straight games to start his collegiate career, and suffered a couple of nagging injuries in 2010, limiting his development. I think he likely could have come out this year and been a late first or early second round pick had he not had the injuries, but that is just the way the game goes sometimes. Big, strong offensive tackle with a work ethic that coaches love. He should have a long, successful NFL career if he can stay healthy.

Pick Analysis

The Packers’ first pick on the offensive side of the ball is a good one. They get a solid developmental offensive tackle prospect who is a potential first round talent with some injury concerns. This is a solid late round pick and a good risk-reward situation for the Packers.

8. B.J. Coleman, QB, UT-Chattanooga

Pick Analysis

Coleman is a developmental quarterback prospect who is a formerly highly touted player in college at Tennessee. I think for the Packers, he provides nice depth and he’s a solid addition to the group. He has a strong arm and good overall size, and made some nice plays at the East-West Shrine game. He showed that when he is healthy, he can make some plays and he is a solid athlete for his size. He needs to be more consistent with his accuracy and I think he will learn a lot by playing under Aaron Rodgers.

Notable Offseason Acquisitions

C Jeff Saturday (Colts)

Notable offseason Losses

S Nick Collins (cut)
OT Chad Clifton (cut)
QB Matt Flynn (Seahawks)
CB Patrick Lee (Raiders)

Projected Depth Chart

QB: Aaron Rodgers, Graham Harrell, B.J. Coleman (R)

RB: James Starks, Alex Green, Brandon Saine, John Kuhn (FB)

WR1: Greg Jennings, James Jones, Dale Moss (R)

WR2: Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, Randall Cobb

TE: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, D.J. Williams

LT: Marshall Newhouse, Derek Sherrod

LG: T.J. Lang, Evan Dietrich-Smith

C: Jeff Saturday

RG: Josh Sitton, Ray Dominguez

RT: Bryan Bulaga, Andrew Datko (R)

DE: Ryan Pickett, Jerel Worthy (R), Mike Daniels (R)

DT: B.J. Raji, Anthony Hargrove

DE: Jarius Wynn, Mike Neal, Lawrence Guy

OLB: Clay Matthews, Brad Jones

ILB: A.J. Hawk, D.J. Smith

ILB: Desmond Bishop, Terrell Manning (R)

OLB: Nick Perry (R), Erik Walden, Frank Zombo

CB: Charles Woodson, Jarrett Bush, Davon House

CB: Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Casey Hayward (R)

SS: Charlie Peprah, Jerron McMillian (R)

FS: Morgan Burnett, M.D. Jennings

K: Mason Crosby

P: Tim Masthay

LS: Brett Goode

We hear it every year at this time, the backup quarterback is one of the most important positions on the roster.  Whether it is or not is a debate for another time, but it’s under the microscope now more than ever as teams try to justify how many resources, or in some cases how few, they’ve committed to the position….and you hear reports of young QB’s who are just “killing it” in their mini-camps.

The position can either be rendered completely irrelevant: Jim Sorgi never getting his uniform dirty in meaningful situations backing up Peyton Manning from 2004 – 2010.  Or franchise altering: The Colts never addressing the position appropriately, team goes 2-14 without Manning in 2011, total housecleaning, first pick, Manning moves on, Andrew Luck now in place. 

I thought it would be interesting to take a look at every team’s backup situation.  These aren’t grades, just an overall look at the total sum of each team’s outlook if their starter were to go down.  I’ll consider the immediate situation and the longer-term picture.

I’ll go in order of my NFL Power Rankings 1.0, published May 10th.

Today, the GREEN BAY PACKERS:

Starter: Aaron Rogers.

Projected Backup:  Graham Harrell (6-2, 215)  Harrell is an interesting case.  He gained notoriety in Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense during his 3 years as a starter at Texas Tech.  70% completions, 134 TD’s to 34 INT’s and nearly THREE MILES in passing yards.  But Harrell isn’t very big, doesn’t have a big arm, and had a bit of a busy delivery so he went undrafted in the 2009 draft.  A tryout with Cleveland netted nothing, as did 9 months in the Canadian Football League.

Here’s one take from a scout in the CFL:

Saskatchewan had several young QB candidates and the head coach stayed with one guy, so Harrell got a little antsy waiting for an opportunity.

He has also tried his hand at coaching in the off-season; he’s bright, smart on the field, good leader, not overly athletic or mobile, but shows some escapability in the pocket… can make most of the throws… deep ball can be accurate but a little wobbly on the spiral… best fit in a West Coast style offense.

Hate to compare him to someone like Ken Dorsey but I think that is fair, both in terms of physical and mental tools… might be a perfect #3 type but never really advance from that level.

So, in other words it’s no surprise that in 2010 he signed with the Packers right?  His college career and scouting report sound remarkably similar to Matt Flynn, who parlayed 4 years in the Packers system, and their famed QB School, into a significant free agent contract and a likely starting job in Seattle this year.  Harrell has been impressive in preseason action, and head coach Mike McCarthy has raved about him.  His progress is one of the reasons the Packers let Flynn walk.

That being said, his ability to carry this team should Rodgers go down is a huge question mark.  His development is promising, but Packer fans are surely hoping it never comes to that.

Projected 3rd QB: B.J. Coleman (6-3, 231)   Coleman is a really interesting prospect, was one of my favorite sleeper candidates in the draft, and when the Packers selected him in the 7th round out of Tennessee-Chattanooga this year I thought… “Yeah, that makes a ton of sense.”  Of COURSE the Packers would use a 7th round pick on a guy who has a ton of NFL potential.

Coleman has a strong arm, is accurate, and is reportedly an insane gym and film rat.  His release, however, is methodical and mechanical.  But one of the things the Packers do best is rework a QB’s throwing motion.  They did it with Rodgers, with Flynn, and with Harrell.  If they can harness Coleman’s physical gifts and get the same kind of development out of him, he…… not Harrell, will be Rodgers primary backup.  Perhaps as early as 2013.  He has the potential to someday be a starter in this league.

The rich……. get richer.

Other contenders: None, at this time there are no other QB’s listed on the Packers roster.  Other arms will be brought to camp, but it’s doubtful any of them would have a chance to unseat Harrell or Coleman.