Green Bay Packers: Positions of need for the team on Draft Day
By Ben Hertel
2A. EDGE Rusher
Why they need help here: Departure of Datone Jones, Julius Peppers/health and position of Matthews
Ted Thompson did what was best for the Packers by letting both Peppers and Datone Jones walk. Peppers is past his prime and Datone was just not very good.
The Packers NEED a good edge rusher besides Nick Perry. Clay Mathews can be that guy, but he’s been injured and just ineffective. Jayrone Elliot should have his chance to shine this season, but he’s shown limited production in his short career.
It will be interesting to see how much Thompson values edge rusher. He could easily have TJ Watt, or guys like Takk Mckinley or Charles Harris fall into his lap at the end of the first round and take them.
Thompson could also wait a little longer and grab a guy like Tyus Bowser or Jordan Willis with his second round pick. Heck, maybe he’d even wait and take Wisconsin legend, Vince Biegel even later. Regardless of who it is, Thompson needs a pass rusher by the end of the fourth round.
What they need: One NFL ready edge rusher to compliment Nick Perry, within the first four rounds.