A first round or even a second draft choice should be capable of contributing immediately. There may not even be NFL football in 2011 and that really hurts 4 key players for the Packers (Harris, Woodson, Tauscher, and Clifton). This should make the Packers approach 2010 with even more urgency. Where do we need the most help immediately? On the defense where our team can be beaten regardless of how well our offense is playing! Our offensive line will be playing at the beginning of 2010 much like they were at the end of the 2009 season. We clearly need a Left Offensive Tackle but we should not need him to start until an injury occurs.
The first priority should be upgrading the Safety position and I see this as well worth a first or second round draft choice. Why? Because we get a top quality player that is on the field for every down. In fact, this player would be on the field even when Woodson and Harris are healthy and at their best. Something you could not say about drafting a top quality cornerback. There are no valid backups on the roster for either safety position. In addition, it addresses our greatest defensive weakness, big play passes.
This argument depends on TT seeing a Safety as being available at the right time and all the other players available on the Packer draft board are rated roughly the same in capability/potential. Overall, I would not be disappointed with rounds one and two being an OLB, CB, or an Offensive Tackle. This year I wouldn’t even mind TT trading down in order to get three second round choices. I see second rounders as better team players, still having excellent skills, and fewer ego issues.
Larry