Coming to a close

Yes, all the information on all the players is almost completed. Now's the time when all 32 NFL teams get to catch their breath before the draft happens.

With Brett Favre retiring, the Packers have to prepare for the future. So there might be some meat to the notion that the Packers could draft Brian Brohm in the 1st round. Staying with the QB position, it is quite possible that Green Bay could draft Joe Flacco either in the 1st, or more probable, in the 2nd round. The reason that Joe Flacco was added is because of the interest that Ted Thompson has in the Delaware QB.

The reason for the drafting of a quarterback is due to the number of quarterbacks that Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy carry through the OTAs and training camp. That number is usually four. So Green Bay has Aaron Rodgers, Dalton Bell, Jerry Baab and it's unknown what Green Bay wants to do with Craig Nall. So one QB is a possibility to meet the required four.

Let's not forget that Brett Favre did say in a recent interview that if an injury should happen to Aaron Rodgers, it might be possible to entice Brett out of retirement to help until Rodgers is healthy again.

The Packers also took four tights ends to OTAs and training camp last year, and they only have two at the moment. They are Donald Lee and Tory Humphrey. There was an article not long ago stating that the Packers were looking at some tight ends that might be available at the end of the draft. So Green Bay might be in the market for two TEs this year since they have enough picks. The only name that have been mentioned in the same breath with Green Bay is JerMichael Finley from Texas. But since the Packers were at the USC pro day, as well as the Pittsburgh pro da,y it is likely that Fred Davis and Darrell Strong from their respected universities might be on Green Bay's radar as well.

Though Green Bay does not need a running back with the numbers that they are carrying this year, the Packers still need depth for the halfback position. Recently Mike McCarthy has stated that Brando Jackson will continue to impress after his strong finish following his 2007 rookie season. Jackson could very well be the Packers best option for 3rd down back that is on their roster. The question now remains, who does the Packers believe will be the best backup to Ryan Grant?

Could next best back already be on the Packers roster or does Green Bay not wait and see and draft someone they believe in? Short yardage situations were their downfall in 2007, and it was pointed out in Mike McCarthy's season ending interview that would be improved for the 2008 season. One name keeps popping up and that is Xavier Omon, the running back who was scouted by Lenny McGill. Jerome Felton is another running back but was a fullback in college.

This brings us to the defensive side of the ball, where the Packers look to improve in all three areas. Again, let me say that drafting of these players are based on the number needed for the Packers to have three lineups going into OTAs and training camp. For example, if Green Bay only has 8 LBs signed but need 9 which equates to the drafting of a linebacker. But based on how important the priority is on filling that position. There is no news on a player the Packers might select at the linebacker position. So it might not be a position of priority.

The defensive line is in good shape but looking at defensive line's performance toward the end of last season, it is always good to keep adding good young talent. During USC pro day Ted Thompson was seen talking to Lawrence Jackson for a long time. So if the defensive end is on Green Bay's radar, the Packers would have to spend either a 1st or 2nd round to draft him.

Finally, the most talked about position this whole draft, which would be the defensive secondary. Most everyone is saying that the corners for the Packers are to old to continue. Well, that is nicem but you can not replace both of them in the same year. There is enough evidence that supports the Packers drafting two defensive backs for next year. It will be interesting to see where the Packers drafts them. I am looking at the possibility that Green Bay will take one DB early and another later in the draft.

So what its worth, here is my attempt at a mock draft:

1rd Lawrence Jackson DE USC
2nd Joe Flacco QB Delaware
2nd Chilo Rachel OG USC
3rd JerMichael Finley TE Texas
4th Patrick Lee CB Auburn
4th Gary Guyton OLB Georgia Tech
5th Jamie Silva S Boston College
7th Darrell Strong TE Pittsburgh

FA Nick Hill QB Southern Illinois
FA Lavarius Giles RB JSU
FA James Blair OG Western Michigan
FA Roland Minor CB Virgina Tech
FA Xavier Omon RB NWMU