Green Bay Packers 2009 Draft Preview

Sports Network | April 6, 2009

(Sports Network) - Job number one for the Packers as soon as their 2008 careened to a disappointing close was overhauling the defense. The team brought in new coordinator Dom Capers and a 3-4 scheme, though Green Bay was deathly quiet in free agency and still lacks the personnel to sufficiently fit the system. Green Bay must improve the front seven in every way, most notably in the area of the pass rush, which was horrible last year. The Pack also lack a true nose tackle to fit the 3-4, and are going to need to do better along those lines than when they selected bust DT Justin Harrell a couple of years ago. Another inside linebacker would be nice too. There are fewer needs on offense, though a quality tight end would be nice and the line requires depth.

2008 Record: 6-10

First Pick: No. 9

Number of Selections: 9 (1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2008 - none; 2007 - Justin Harrell (DT, Tennessee); 2006 - A.J. Hawk (LB, Ohio State); 2005 - Aaron Rodgers (QB, Cal); 2004 - Ahmad Carroll (CB, Arkansas); 2003 - Nick Barnett (LB, Oregon State); 2002 - Javon Walker (WR, Florida State); 2001 - Jamal Reynolds (DE, Florida State); 2000 - Bubba Franks (TE, Miami-Florida); 1999 - Antuan Edwards (DB, Clemson); 1998 - Vonnie Holliday (DE, North Carolina); 1997 - Ross Verba (OL, Iowa); 1996 - John Michels (OT, USC); 1995 - Craig Newsome (DB, Arizona State); 1994 - Aaron Taylor (OL, Notre Dame); 1993 - Wayne Simmons (LB, Clemson), George Teague (S, Alabama); 1992 - Terrell Buckley (CB, Florida State); 1991 - Vinnie Clark (CB, Ohio State); 1990 - Tony Bennett (LB, Ole Miss), Darrell Thompson (RB, Minnesota).