Green Bay Packers 2009 NFL Draft Review

Sports Network | April 26, 2009

(Sports Network) -

1 - B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College (6-1, 337); 1 - Clay Matthews, OLB, USC (6-3. 240); 4 - T.J. Lang, OL, Eastern Michigan (6-4, 312); 5 - Quinn Johnson, FB, LSU (6-1, 246); 5 - Jamon Meredith, T, South Carolina (6-5, 304); 6 - Jarius Wynn, DE, Georgia (6-3, 275); 6 - Brandon Underwood, CB, Cincinnati (5-10, 182); 7 - Brad Jones, OLB, Colorado (6-3, 232)

Analysis: The Packers had several needs in moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme, and pass rusher and lineman were prominent among them. Raji projects as a space-eating nose tackle, though he may initially line up at end next to incumbent Ryan Pickett. The pass rushing need was filled with the club's second pick of the first round, acquired in a Draft-day trade with the Patriots. Matthews will immediately step into a vital pass rushing role for the Pack. Lang, the fourth-round pick, looks like a good selection because he can be a backup at any position on the line. Johnson is a pure blocking fullback who can also contribute on special teams. Look out for Meredith, who some scouts had as a second-rounder and will fit well in the Pack's zone- blocking scheme.

Bottom Line: When you're as silent as the Packers were in free agency, you had better hit a home run in the Draft, and Green Bay did.

Grade: A