When the Green Bay Packers have the ball

The Packers come in to the game with one of the most explosive offenses in football, led by new media darling Aaron Rodgers and arguably the deepest receiving core in the National Football league. The offense ranked 9th in the league, and was the 3rd least penalized offense in the NFL, a big reason they’ve made it farther than last year.  They averaged 24.2 points per game, good for 10th in the league.

The Pittsburgh Steelers come in with the top defense in the NFL allowing only 14.5 points per game. Dick LeBeau’s defense is led by two Defensive Player of the Year winners in super-safety Troy Polamalu and James Harrison, and the aging but still superb veterans Casey Hampton and James Farrior.

In the Air

The Steelers had the 12th ranked defense against the pass this year and led the league in sacks—Green Bay had the 5th ranked passing offense. 

As good as that is, they've been even better in the postseason.  Until he had a pass bounce off Donald Driver's foot and straight up into the hands of Lance Briggs, Aaron Rodgers hadn't thrown a postseason interception since his first ever postseason pass, a span in which he threw 10 TDs.  This postseason, Rodgers has an incredible 109.2 passer rating—throwing six TDs compared to two INTs and is completing his passes at a 70.1% clip.

More importantly is how well Rodgers played last time he was in a dome, completing 31 of 36 passes en route to knocking off the top-seeded Falcons.  Look for the Packers to stretch the field with intermediate-long passes.  The Packers have 15 pass plays of 20 or more yards.  By comparison, that’s twice as many as the next highest (Mark Sanchez with 7), while Big Ben only has four.

Stretching the field will be a key aspect for the Packers.  If they can attack the secondary, it will force Troy Polamalu to stay out of the box, which opens up the run game.  James Jones will need to step up.  The Steelers don't have the CB depth to stay with Pro Bowler Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson and Jones.  Jones will need to avoid the drops that have plagued him in the past because you can be sure he is going to get mismatches and will see the ball thrown his way.

Conversely, the key for the Steelers' CBs will be to get physical at the line of scrimmage. The Packers offense is very timing-based, contingent on the success of back-shoulder throws, slants, and hooks.  The Pittsburgh secondary needs to disrupt that timing to allow for the pass rush to get to Rodgers.

That, however, may not even be enough.  The Atlanta Falcons got plenty of free runners against the Pack in the Divisional Round, but Rodgers’ elite elusiveness allowed him to extend plays and turn potential sacks into big gains.  The Steelers will need to do a good job wrapping up and not allowing Rodgers to get away.

On the Ground

The Steelers had the best rushing defense in the league in 2010, while the Packers struggled to run the ball until the emergence of 6th round pick James Starks.  Don't expect a lot of success running the football by Green Bay, but expect plenty of attempts. Mike McCarthy will call enough run plays to keep the defense honest, especially in 3rd and short situations.  Fullback-converted-halfback John Kuhn was 9-10 in converting 3rd and 1 this season.

Starks won't have to be spectacular.  He may not even have to be good, if the Packer aerial attack can duplicate—or even come close to—their Atlanta performance.  They will throw to set up the pass, and if they do succeed in keeping Polamalu out of the box, expect to see some draw plays to take advantage of the Steelers' aggressive blitzing.

Expect the Packers to run to the strong side against Ziggy Hood instead of Brett Kiesel. RG Josh Sitton is one of the best in the league and while Hood has been improving rapidly, this is the trench matchup that most favors the Packers.  Casey Hampton will need to be able to beat Scott Wells frequently to force the Packers to abandon the run early.

Packers Key Player Aaron Rodgers

It doesn’t get much more obvious than this.  Rodgers has nearly singlehandedly brought this offense this far despite the injuries of Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley, among others.  He makes plays with his feet, he makes plays with his arm, and he will need to be at the top of his game to beat this defense.

Steelers Key Player Troy Polamalu

The Packers will need to know where this man is at all times.  The Steeler defense is worlds better with him on the field than off it, as he’s aggressive against the run and great defending the pass.  The man is the Defensive Player of the year for a reason.  He will need to cause big plays to stop this offense.

Most Important Matchup Aaron Rodgers vs. Dick Lebeau

Perhaps Rodgers' greatest trait is his pre-snap read of defenses.  He recognizes what the defense is doing and makes his decision before he throws.  LeBeau’s, one of the greatest minds to ever coach the game, will need to be at his best, mixing up coverages and disguising blitzes to keep Rodgers from getting comfortable  Because when Aaron Rodgers is comfortable, it can be a long day for the defense.

Also Watch Lamarr Woodley vs. Bryan Bulaga

I picked this matchup over James Harrison vs. Chad Clifton because Clifton had a career year, making the Pro Bowl, and should do a decent job on Harrison.  However, Bulaga is a rookie that, while has had a decent year, is by far the weaker link in the Packers' line. Woodley needs to beat him consistently to give the Steelers a shot.  Aaron Rodgers is great against the blitz, so Pittsburgh will need to get substantial pressure only blitzing four or five guys so that they don’t compromise the coverage.

When the Steelers have the Ball

While Pittsburgh’s defense was arguably the best defense in the league, the Packers weren’t far behind them, coming second place for both scoring defense and sacks, and also picking off the second most amount of passes in football.  Led by DPoY candidate Clay Matthews, last year’s winner Charles Woodson, and breakout internet dancing sensation BJ Raji, this unit is every bit as stingy as their counterparts.  They allowed15 points per game. 

The Steeler offense survived without its leader Ben Roethilsberger for four games to start the season, and has since done what Steeler offenses do—play well enough. Roethlisberger comes in with plenty of weapons around him, including breakout RB Rashard Mendenhall and one of the best deep threats in football Mike Wallace.

In The Air

As was said before with Rodgers, Roethlisberger too is just as adept at getting away from pressure.  The Steelers’ makeshift offensive line will be tested not only by Clay Matthews, Cullen Jenkins, and the usual pass rushers, but by the likes of Charles Woodson and Sam Shields, both of whom Dom Capers loves to bring from the slot. 

The key to rushing the passer for the Packers will be the big guys up front getting pressure.  As successful as they’ve been with Shields and Woodson getting free runs at quarterbacks, Roethlisberger will be much harder to bring down than Matt Ryan or Jay Cutler.  Therefore, guys like Cullen Jenkins, BJ Raji, and Ryan Pickett will need to penetrate the line, and expect AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop to do their fair share of blitzing as well.  When Capers does bring DBs, expect them to go for the ball instead of trying to bring Big Ben down.

When the Packers don’t get to Big Ben, however, they will need to stop the deep passes. Aside from veteran Hines Ward, the trio of Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders, and Antonio Brown all have the speed to stretch the field.  Expect to see Capers put Woodson on Ward, where Woodson’s speed won’t be as exposed.  This will be a dogfight all game.  The Packers’ faster corners, playoff star Tramon Williams and NFC Championship game hero Sam Shields, on Wallace and Sanders.

Expect Big Ben to utilize the pump fake a lot to move around safeties Nick Collins and Charlie Peprah.  Collins is a ball hawk who has made three straight Pro Bowls and three straight second team All-Pro teams.  Pittsburgh will test the middle of the field with mismatch-causing TE Heath Miller.

On the Ground

Here the Steelers come in with a bigger advantage.  Their 166 yards on the ground against the Jets was a huge part of why they won that game.  The Packers, coming in having the 18th ranked run defense in the regular season, allowing 4.7 YPC.  The Packers big guys up front will need to step up and hold their ground.  370-pound Howard Green should see a bit of action on short down situations.

Pittsburgh will follow the opposite approach as Green Bay—they will run to set up the pass.  Look for Roethilsberger to roll out of the pocket to make the Packers big lineman chase him and tire out.

One benefit for the Steelers is the best run-blocking WR in the game in Hines Ward, who should be able to neutralize Woodson, a big part of Green Bay’s run defense.  Expect Pittsburgh to run off tackle more than they normally would to stay away from BJ Raji, who will be huge even if Maurkice Pouncey does play.  Like the Packers, the Steelers excel on third down and short, with Isaac Redman converting eight of ten chances on the season.

Steelers Key Player Ben Roethilsberger

Again, obvious.  The most physically gifted passer in the game, Roethlisberger is the key to winning this game.  He will endure his share of hits, as the Pittsburgh offensive line is less than stellar.  If he can take care of the ball, holding on to it when he gets hit and not forcing throws against a ball hawking secondary, he could keep the Steelers in it.

Packers Key Player Clay Matthews

Finishing second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting to Polamalu, Matthews enjoyed a breakout start to the season with six sacks in the first two games.  He cooled off, partly due to injuries in the Washington game, but has picked it back up in the playoffs.  Capers will move him around to get matchups, and expect him to use the speed rush against 35-year old RT Flozell Adams frequently.  Both Pittsburgh OTs are backups, and “the Claymaker” will need to take advantage and get to Roethilsberger to keep him from making plays of his own.

Most Important Matchup BJ Raji vs. Doug Legursky/Maurkice Pouncey

Raji has really come on in the second half of this season, and will need to have a big game here.  Whoever ends up blocking him will have to contain him in the running game and keep him at bay against the pass.  If Raji can push the pile and close cutback lanes against the running game, it will force the Steelers to become one dimensional.  If Raji can penetrate and get to Roethilsberger (he has 6.5 sacks on the year), even Big Ben shouldn’t be able to escape.

Also Watch Mike Wallace vs. Sam Shields/Tramon Williams/Nick Collins

Getting Wallace open will be key for the Pittsburgh offense.  If he can stretch the field and average 21 yards per catch like he did in the regular season, it will open up the screen game as well as the intermediate passing game for the likes of Ward and Heath Miller—48 of his 60 catches this year went for first downs.  The Packers will stick a faster corner on him and hope that they can do a similar job that Sam Shields did on Johnny Knox against the Bears.  Collins will need to keep Wallace in front of him.

Special Teams

Neither team holds an overwhelming edge in special teams.  Jeremy Kapinos has done a decent job punting for the injured Daniel Sepulveda, and has improved in the playoffs for the Steelers, and Tim Masthay did a great job kicking around Devin Hester in the Chicago Bears game after a week off when he didn’t punt against Atlanta.  The Steelers hold an edge in the return game.

Kicking, the Packers have an edge with Crosby’s huge leg, and playing in a dome where conditions aren’t a factor his accuracy issues won’t be as big a deal.  Shaun Suisham was fairly accurate for Pittsburgh this year, though didn’t make a field goal longer than 48 yards.

Prediction

There’s no way this game doesn’t come down to the wire.  The Steelers allow only half a point less per game, but Green Bay scores just 0.8 points more.  Both quarterbacks will make plays, but both will be frustrated by the two top scoring and sacking defenses in the league.  It comes down to which offensive line you trust more, and at this point (especially if Maurkice Pouncey doesn’t play), that would have to go to Green Bay.

I think the Packers will run the ball about 20 times for 60-70 yards, frequently enough to keep the defense honest, but rely on the pass to keep the box open.  Rodgers will complete passes at about a 55-60% rate, throwing a few more incompletions that normal because of shots down the field to keep Polamalu from creeping up.  He will be sacked three times, once by Brett Keisel, once by Lamarr Woodley, and once by Lawrence Timmons.  TDs will come from Greg Jennings, James Jones, and John Kuhn. Crosby hits at least one field goal from 50+ yards.

The Steelers will play Steeler football, running the ball and throwing when they have to. Roethlisberger will be hurried 10-15 times, and get sacked five times (Raji, Jenkins, Matthews x2, Bishop) but make enough plays to keep his offense in it.  Heath Miller and Rashard Mendenhall (x2) will score TDs.

Final Score: Green Bay 27, Pittsburgh 24.

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While this is way too early for a Mock Draft, we're at the point in the season where most fans know where there team is at, and some of them don't like what they're seeing. They're looking toward brighter horizons and the players that will lead them there.

This draft order is based on the most recent Vegas odds for winning the Super Bowl. Yes, I know, the last four teams are all from the AFC and therefore makes this order impossible, but just roll with it.

Begin Slideshow

I bet there are some people out there who are like me: College football takes a major backseat to the NFL. Like, third row middle seat in a Suburban to the NFL in the drivers seat. You pay most of your attention to college football between the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft.

Well with the training camp so close, it's time to look at where the holes that the Packers will be trying to fill next offseason will be. I'll take a look at a potential position of need, who needs to perform well at that position, and who may be taking their place come next April.

Cornerback

Player(s) on the Hot Seat: Tramon Williams, Pat Lee, Brandon Underwood.

On April 22 of this year, Ted Thompson decided that the cornerback position in Green Bay was not much of a need, not drafting a single corner. He apparently had enough faith in these three young players' ability to replace the 34 year old reigning DPoY Charles Woodson, and the injured Al Harris.

Williams has shown he can at least be one of the guys, filling in admirably for Harris after the Tampa Bay game. But that leaves the future other corner spot and the nickel slot to be filled.

Lee, a 2008 second round pick, has shown promise of developing into a solid player, but played only five games in mostly special teams last year before being placed on injured reserve.

Underwood was a sixth round pick last year, but also showed some potential. He has been labeled a distraction, especially after the Wisconsin Dells prositiution scandal this offseason, but the talent is there.

If any of these players falter, look for a strong 2011 cornerback class to come in.

College Prospects to Watch:

Ras-I Dowling: A 6'2" corner out of Virginia best projects as a zone corner in the NFL. He has the aggressiveness to make tackles behind the line of scrimmage or take on a block, and the straight-line speed to match most WRs. 1st round pick.

Davon House: A small-school prospect to consider, his stock could soar this year much like Kyle Wilson did playing for New Mexico State. Has good size (6', 178) and speed (4.44 second 40 yard dash). 2-3 round.

Chykie Brown: Will get lost behind top 40-prospects Aaron Williams and Curtis Brown at Texas, but is as physically gifted as either of those two. Mentality needs work, but playing for Dom Capers and learning from Woodson and Harris will do him wonders. 4-5 round.

Offensive Tackle

Player on the Hot Seat: Bryan Bulaga

This position isn't so much as who needs to play well, it's where will Bulaga play? Is he a LT? Will hsi short arms restrict him to RT? Will he end up at LG like former Iowa standout lineman Robert Gallery? This season will tell. Whatever happens, the Pack need another lineman.

College Prospects to Watch:

LT: Nate Potter: Athletic player for Boise State who's started every game since signing there. could use some more bulk, with "only" 296 lbs on his 6'6" frame. 1st round pick.

LT: Anthony Costanzo: Could also use some bulking up at Boston College at 6'7" 295. If he maintains his athleticism, he'll also require a 1st round pick.

LT: Nate Solder: a 6'9" 305 giant who runs the 40 yard dash in 4.84 seconds, has perhaps the most athleticsm of any tackle on the board. However his technique could use some work, making him a 3rd round pick. Improvements in technique could elevate him to an early 2nd rounder.

RT: Matt Reynolds: Projecting as a pure RT in the NFL, Reynolds weighs in a bit bigger than the first three prospects at 6'6", 325. Would be a great heir to Tauscher. Could get him in round 3 because of inability to play LT.

RT: Kyle Hix: has started 40 games in the college career for Texas, the last 28 of them at RT. Mauler in the run game at 6'7" 325. 4-5 round.

Outside Linebacker

Player on the Hot Seat: Brad Jones

Jones possibly has the hottest seat on this list. While he was productive in his few starts, he needs to show explosiveness and playmaking ability that had fans screaming for Jerry Hughes this April. If he can emerge as an 8-10 sack guy who can drop into coverage opposite Matthews, he could eliminate this position as a need completely.

College Prospects to Watch

Von Miller: The NCAA Leader in sacks last year with 16.5, Miller brings an explosive first step and elite speed to the table. Already is appearing in mock drafts to the Packers. Broke up 5 passes last year for Texas A&M, so he can even drop into coverage. Compares to Elvis Dumervil. 1st round pick.

Dontay Moch: If you want speed, look no further. This Nevada product used his sub 4.4 speed to rack up 20 TFL last year and was an All-WAC First Team choice last year. Lack of elite competition drops his grade to a 3-4 rounder.

3rd Down Back

Player on the Hot Seat: Brandon Jackson

The Packers remain one of the only teams still using a primary running back. While Ryan Grant is a solid option, being pretty much a lock for 1200 yards and 8 TDs with few to no fumbles, it seems to be working so far. However, both Super Bowl teams this year ran a 2 back system, and it seems to be a key to success.

Jackson has emerged as a great blocking back to protect Aaron Rodgers, but has been less impressive when asked to actually do something with the ball. If he shows he was worth a 2nd roun dpick and can be a solid recieving option out of the backfield as well as being able to run a bit, he will, like Jones above, eliminate this as a position of need.

College Prospects to Watch:

Noel Devine: My favorite player on the list, I think Devine would be the perfect fit in the Packers pass-first offense. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry and 8.2 yards per catch. His 5'8" frame has some scouts saying don't even look at the guy before the third round, and others are saying that his skills make him a borderline first rounder.  His size is less of a concern when you consider that he benches 435 lbs and his three-drill total weight is 1,235 lbs . He ran for over 1400 yards with 13 TDs last year.

He's got a chance to run a 4.2 at the combine, which would lock him into the first two rounds. If he falls to the Packers in round 2, taking him would really open up the offense, as well as ignite the struggling return game.

DeMarco Murray: If Thompson decides Devine's size is too much of a risk, the Oklahoma product's 6'1", 214 frame would do the trick. Murray ran a 4.42 at Texas' winter workouts in 2007, so he's got speed to burn as well. While he only averaged 4.1 YPC last year on 171 carries, he also caught 41 passes for 522 yards (12.7 YPC) and 4 TDs. 2nd round pick.

Brandon Batch: Dual threat RB who rushed for 5.3 YPC last year but also brought in 57 passes at Texas Tech. Solid frame at 5'11", 205 lbs.

Wide Reciever

Player(s) on the Hot Seat: James Jones and Jordy Nelson

With Donald Driver getting up there in years, it's time to find out who the third option in the passing attack is going to be, behind Jennings and Finley. Either of these guys could take the spot and run with it, as they have the talent but it hasn't translated into production. If neither improve, the Pack could be looking at a WR in the next draft, preferably one with size to complement Jennings, Jones, and Nelsons smaller figures.

College Prospects to Watch

Jonathan Baldwin: Baldwin has been described as a taller, faster second coming of former Pittsburgh Panther Larry Fitgerald. At 6'5", 225 lbs Baldwin has the size to be the next Vincent Jackson and a real threat in the Packers offense. While he most likely won't make it this far, if he does drop, the things he would do for this offense would make him the perfect BPA pick for Ted Thompson. 1st round pick.

DeAndre Brown: This Southern Miss junior brings similar size (6'6", 228) that Baldwin does, and similar speed (4.48 to Baldwin's 4.50). Coming off of a broken leg last winter (check this out) he racked up 47 receptions for 785 yards and 9 scores. Lack of elite competition drops him to a 4-5 round projection, where he'd be a major steal.

First Green Bay Packer Mock Draft

Round 1: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Round 2: Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
Round 3: Nate Solder, LT, Colorado
Round 4: Chykie Brown, CB, Texas
Round 5: DeAndre Brown, WR, Southern Miss

OR

Round 1: Jonothan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Round 2: Devon House, CB, New Mexico State
Round 3: Matt Reynolds, RT, BYU
Round 4: Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada
Round 5: Brandon Batch, RB, Texas Tech

What do you think the Packers biggest need will be going into next offseason?

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This moves comes at a bit of a shock, considering the success the defense had last year, finishing second in overall defense and boasting the top rushing defense. However, instead of keeping as much of the line the same as possible, now Raji will replace Ryan Pickett at NT and Pickett shifts over to left DE. Cullen Jenkins will remain at RE.

The odd man out here is Johnny Jolly, who was a pleasant surprise last season, leading all defensive lineman in pass deflections. Jolly faces potential suspension by the league on drug charges, and his contract expires at the end of this season

So what does this mean for the defensive line and who makes the 53-man roster? This move leaves only Raji and undrafted free agent rookie Aleric Mullins from North Carolina. This move greatly increases Mullins' chances of making the team.

At defensive end, Jenkins and Pickett are locks to make the team. After that, however, there are question marks. The Packers must then choose from Jolly, finally-healthy Justin Harrell, who has the chance to now live up to his first-round draft status, second year player Jarius Wynn, and rookies Mike Neal and CJ Wilson.

Neal would seem like a lock to make the team after getting drafted in the second round and considered by many to be a reach. Wilson, previous to this move, was looking impressive in workouts and was definitely impressive at East Carolina.

Harrell was actually a player I was looking forward to seeing this season, as he was on the verge of actually playing healthy. Wynn seems to be the first odd man out.

Altogether, that leaves Raji, Mullins, Jenkins, Pickett, Jolly, Harrell, Neal, and Wilson on the defensive line—eight players. My first opinion was that Raji and Mullins would make it at NT, Jenkins and Pickett starting at DE, and two from the remaining four backing up the ends.

Then I decided that the two players best for the backup positions were Neal and Wilson, given's Jolly's contract/legal status and Harrell's injury history. However, this gives us three rookie backups on the line and a second-year player in the mix. That's too much inexperience for a team with Super Bowl dreams.

So which should we keep—Jolly's aforementioned contract/legal troubles or Harrell's injury history? It comes down to Ted Thompson and his preferences. Given two facts, it becomes pretty simple who the odd man out is.

Fact 1: Thompson likes high-character guys that stay out of trouble.

Fact 2: Thompson, like any other GM, has a loyalty to his first round picks.

You guessed it. Justin Harrell has the upper hand in this battle. Now, granted, it will most likely be the last cut made, and ideally the Packers can try to find a trade partner for one of these guys, but if worse comes to worst and the Packers have too many DEs on roster, Jolly will be the guy to go.

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The cornerback class is deep. After Joe Haden, the top corners in the class are all expected to go starting at the 17th pick (Atlanta, Houston, and Pittsburgh all could use cornerback help).

These corners include

1. Kyle Wilson—The Boise State standout is considered by many the consensus second-best corner in the draft.
2. Devin McCourty—This Rutgers star has the skills to play fluid man-to-man or zone coverage in any scheme.
3. Kareem Jackson—Playing across from playmaker Javier Arenas at Alabama, Jackson didn't get much national attention, but is easily the better pro prospect.
4. Patrick Robinson—The burner from Florida State has amazing top-end speed, and with some coaching could be a star at the next level.

All of these players could be considered legitimate options at the No. 23 overall pick. Robinson might be a reach there, and is probably a better early-second round prospect, but could sneak into the first round based on potential.

But would any of them really be the right pick? Knowing Ted Thompson, probably not.

The first three on that list—Wilson, McCourty, and Jackson—all have one fatal flaw that all but eliminates each one of them from being the possible pick. None of them meet the 5'11" requirement Ted Thompson wants. McCourty and Jackson are close, and rounded up they'll say 5'11" on their scouting report, but official NFL Combine records put McCourty at 5'10" 3/4, and Jackson at 5'10". Wilson also measured at 5'10".

Robinson, like I said earlier, might be a stretch in the first, and his style doesn't exactly fit the Packers 3-4 system. He's much better suited for man-to-man coverage, while the Packers played a lot of zone this year.

Which brings me to the kicker. If you thought this cornerback class was deep, wait until you get a look at next year's...

1. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska, 6'1", 200
2. Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech, 5'11", 186
3. Ras-I Dowling, Virginia, 6'2", 200
4. Patrick Peterson, LSU, 6'1", 211
5. Aaron Williams, Texas, 6'1", 190
6. Brandon Harris, Miami, 5'11" 185
7. Javes Lewis, Oregon, 6'1", 188
8. Curtis Brown, Texas, 6'0", 180

All of these players could be first round picks. The last five are all sophmores, so they may or may not enter the draft based on how next season goes.

Walterfootball.com projected Peterson to go fourth overall in next years draft, with Brown going 20th, Dowling going 23rd, Harris going 24th, and Amukamara going 26th (to the Packers).

Charles Woodson is still playing well. The Packers get three cornerbacks back from injury to start the season. Tramon Williams has become a solid starting-caliber cornerback.

The Packers can afford to wait.

The grass is indeed greener on the other side.

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Packer fans can breathe a little easier now.

Ted Thompson has always been known for focusing on drafting and retaining players, rather than making splashes in FA, and here, he stuck to his roots. There was some question about deals getting done, as many expected Collins' deal to be finalized by training camp, but nothing materialized.

On Friday, Collins signed a three-year extension (in addition to the upcoming season) worth $23.4 million. Including this season's $3.3 million tender he signed as a restricted free agent, the deal is four years and worth $26.7 million, including $14 million this season. Whether he's worth that much as a safety is another discussion. For now, let us rejoice that the two-time Pro-Bowler is locked up through 2013.

Pickett's deal, according to an NFL source, was worth $28 million over four years, including $10 million in the first year. He is also locked up until 2013.

These three signings (Collins, Pickett, and Clifton) have a combined worth of $75 million, with $31 million of it this year. In a capped year, that would be huge; however, because the deals are front-heavy, most of the money will be payed while the league is uncapped, and if a new CBA is reached before the 2011 season, the cap numbers will be much smaller.

And yet, the Packers may not be done. Head Coach Mike McCarthy is optimistic about signing veteran RT Mark Tauscher, whose midseason signing last year may have saved the Packers' season. The offensive line allowed only 14 sacks in the eight games Tauscher started, compared to the 36 allowed previously. Keeping Tauscher would keep the pressure off finding a starting-caliber OT in the draft.

McCarthy is also confident play will improve from the two veterans, Clifton in particular. Since Clifton isn't coming off surgery or rehab, he'll be healthier, in better shape, and more productive.

These moves are great for the Packers, as pressure on nailing draft picks slightly lessens, especially if Tauscher is resigned. Things are looking good in Green Bay.

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After throwing around possible moves and picks, I've decided that trading down is the most helpful scenario to the Packers. With trading down being GM Ted Thompson's style, it also seems more likely.   

Assuming neither Anthony Davis nor Bryan Bulaga fall to the Packers at 23, there is no player available worth the pick that the Packers won't be able to grab later.

The trading partner I feel makes the most sense is the New England Patriots.

My proposed trade:

Green Bay's first-rounder (No. 23 overall), rated 760 points on the Draft Value Chart .
Green Bay's third-rounder (No. 86 overall), rated 160 points.

for

New England's second-rounder (No. 42/44 overall), rated 460/480 points.
New England's second-rounder (No. 53 overall), rated 370 points.
New England's sixth-rounder (No. 181 overall), rated 20 points.

New England's first second-round pick depends on a coin flip. But that trade calculates to 920-850/870 points, favoring New England. The trade has to be somewhat uneven against the aggressor team, in order to make the other team bite.

New England should go for this trade because they have glaring holes that should be addressed with first-rounders, while also retaining five of the first 85 picks in the draft.

Green Bay gets an early second-rounder and a mid-second-rounder so they can take solid, but underhyped, players—just Thompson's style. The sixth-round pick is important, as I will demonstrate later.

If Green Bay were to do this, here's how the draft could (and in my opinion should ) play out:

Second round (No. 42/44 overall): Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU

I've advocated taking Hughes in the first, and I would have no problem if the Packers did that.

Hughes may be the closest thing to a natural 3-4 OLB in the draft, as he was a high school running back who converted to DE when he didn't get any big-time scholarship offers.

Hughes obviously has the athleticism to drop back in coverage, something we lacked with Aaron Kampman. That's not a knock on Kampman but, the reality is, the majority of Kampman's success came as a result of his nonstop motor. With Hughes, we get that motor, plus youth and athleticism.

Another plus with Hughes that Green Bay wouldn't get with Ricky Sapp or Sergio Kindle: playing on the left side. Never underestimate that need for a pass-rusher to play on the side where he is comfortable—much like OT's being able to play one side but not the other.

Second Round (No. 53 overall): Larry Asante, SS, Nebraska

Asante may be a bit unhyped, as teammate Ndamukong Suh got all the headlines from that team, but there was more to Nebraska's impressive defense this season. Asante's size (6'1", 215 lbs.) gives him a two-inch edge over Atari Bigby, but what may surprise some is his straight-line speed and agility.

He could run near a 4.4 at the combine, which should improve his current third round projection, and the Packers would be wise to snatch him up. He's got more coverage ability than Bigby, but is also a help in the run game.

He had 77 tackles and two FF last season. He also intercepted two passes, returning one for a TD. This would make Bigby expendable, and he could become possible trade bait.

Second round (No. 56 overall): Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana

Saffold's been climbing up the boards, and for good reason.

He's big (6'5", 318 lbs.), athletic, and the star of the East-West Shrine Game. The combine could push him (like Asante) to second-round status, and it's no secret that the Packers need some help at OT. Clifton and Tauscher are getting up there in years and, while I think that Tauscher has at least two good years left, that's an argument for another day.

Saffold would come into a good situation with a mentor in Clifton and wouldn't be asked to start right away. If Clifton gets hurt, he'll be there to take his place.

Fourth round (No. 112 overall): Myron Lewis, CB, Vanderbilt

The exact numbers of all draft picks from the fourth round on are inexact because supplementary draft selections are undetermined. But if there were none, here's where it would be.

There is some talk of Brandon Ghee falling to the fourth round, in which he'd be the pick. But I don't see it, so Lewis is the pick.

He's got great size (6'2", 205lbs.), but unspectacular speed. If he runs around a 4.5 at the combine, I like him as the pick.

Zone corners don't need top end speed (as they often have safety help), so this pick really is continuing Green Bay's transformation into a 3-4 defense.

Lewis was second team All-SEC behind Joe Haden and Javier Arenas. He has 10 career interceptions and would be a solid guy to be the third corner, unless Al Harris miraculously is ready for the season.

Fifth round (No. 144 overall): Darryl Sharpton, ILB, Miami (Fl.)

ILB is not a need, per se, but it's a slight concern.

Nick Barnett is unspectacular, but definitely solid, as he's right below the Pro Bowl level.

AJ Hawk has been underwhelming, to say the least.

Brandon Chillar, although he just got a contract extension, is not a full-time starter, as he's a passing down specialist.

Desmond Bishop is solid depth.

Sharpton comes from a school that has produced a few decent ILBs in the past 15 years in Ray Lewis and Jonathan Vilma. Sharpton leaves the school with less hype, but has the production. He had 99 tackles, a INT TD, and a FF. He's a solid, but unspectacular, ILB—the perfect complement to Barnett.

Sixth round (No. 173 overall): Trindon Holliday, KR/PR, LSU

Holliday was All-SEC Honorable Mention as a returner this season.

The track star has blazing speed and, although he lacks size (5'5", 161 lbs.), he should be given the chance to show his stuff on the football field. The lack of size should deter any team from using him as a RB. But as a KR, he could be explosive.

The Packers haven't had an explosive return game since Desmond Howard, and never underestimate the value of great special teams play.

Sixth round (No. 176 overall): Curtis Steele, RB, Memphis

Steele had a huge senior season, rushing for 1,239 yards and a 6.3 average, and 15 TDs. He's not overpowering, at 6'1", 185lbs., but has a very strong lower body to power through arm tackles.

He can also be used in the passing game, as he's a decent blocker, and he is good in the screen game. I see him as the third down back in Green Bay, being what Brandon Jackson hasn't developed into.

RB is a need, as Grant is most effective when kept to 15-20 carries a game, but Brandon Jackson has only shown brilliance against poor teams (Seattle this season, Detroit last season).

Steele could be the diamond in the rough, overlooked because of his small school. But he has all the physical tools needed to play in the NFL.

Seventh round (208 overall): Jeremy Boone, P, Penn State.

The Packers need a punter, as Jeremy Kapinos is perhaps the worst in the league. His successor at Penn State may be the answer, as he led the Big Ten in punts inside the 20 for two straight years, and also manages 43.0 yards per punt.

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