Aug 11, 2011; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Graham Harrell (6) and Aaron Rodgers (12) during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

For the past couple of seasons, the Packers have had the luxury of having a backup quarterback who, if needed, could come into a game and play like the team has not lost a beat.

Now, with Matt Flynn in Seattle competing for a starting position, the Packers have to figure out who will back up Aaron Rodgers in case of injury.

The most likely candidate is unproven quarterback Graham Harrell. In college, he was on a pass-happy offense that revolved around him. Though he had insane passing yard and touchdown numbers, the argument has always been made that it was because of the type of offense being run at the school. There have been other quarterbacks who have come from pass happy offenses like Texas Tech or Houston that have never made a mark in the NFL and many believe Graham Harrell is just another product of an air attack offense in which any quarterback could succeed.

As a result of all these critics, Harrell was undrafted when first pursuing an NFL career and nobody even bothered to sign his as an undrafted free agent. With no takers in the NFL, he went to the Canadian Football League and signed a contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2009. With little success there, he was released in 2010. Shortly afterward, The Packers signed him to the practice squad as an emergency quarterback in case Rodgers and Flynn both went down with injuries.

He has seen zero playing time in a regular season NFL game so far but 2012 could be his season to finally earn redemption. With the Packers making no major moves involving bringing in a proven backup quarterback, Harrell is poised to take over that role which was left vacant by Matt Flynn’s departure earlier this year. In a recent interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Harrell talked about the real possibility of taking control of an NFL offense this season if Rodgers was injured.

“As a quarterback, you better be confident in yourself and believe in yourself.” Harrell said. “I believe in myself. We have a great support staff and a great group of people in Green Bay. They get quarterbacks ready to play and train quarterbacks. I’ve learned from some of the best in the business.”

It was rumored that the Packers, during the 2012 NFL Draft, were considering making a move for Browns’ quarterback, Colt McCoy. The move was never completed but it is still believed that the Packers may eventually try and bring in a veteran to back up Rodgers.

Harrell will have all of training camp to prove himself, however, and maybe he can finally prove people wrong and play at an efficient level in the NFL.

Oct 8, 2011; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defender Jared Crick (94) lines up against Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Mike Adams (75) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers are putting together a really good NFL Draft with Nick Perry, Jerel Worthy, and Casey Hayward. So, how will the Packers finish off their 2012 draft class?

The Packers have two fourth rond picks and plenty of sixth- and seventh-rounders so the Packers have some flexibility if they want to make a trade for a player like Ole Miss’s Bobby Massie to provide more depth on the offensive line after Chad Clifton was cut. If they stay where they are in the fourth round, they should look at running back and another defensive lineman.

Feb 26, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah State running back Robert Turbin runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The first thing the Packers should do in the fourth round is pick up a running back. Miami’s Lamar Miller is a definite possibility if he continues to fall but a more realistic option is Utah State’s Robert Turbin.

Turbin was productive and college and has shown a great combo of size and speed. I think Turbin has the tools to be a really good NFL running back.

Despite picking up Jerel Worthy, the Packers still need some help at defensive end and the two players that are now steals are Boise State’s Billy Wynn and Nebraska’s Jared Crick.

Wynn will probably be off the board by the time the Packers pick, but Crick will probably still be there and he would be a great pick as he could start at defensive end.

A defensive line of Crick, B.J. Raji, and Worthy would be able to dominate in the trenches.

In the sixth round, the Packers will probably look at taking a young quarterback like Ryan Lindley out of San Diego State.

Lindley has an impressive arm but he lacks in the areas of consistency and accuracy. However, I think Lindley will be at least as good as Rex Grossman with the potential to be similar to Brett Favre.

Lindley can be a backup that the Packers can develop which is eactly what they want.

December 17, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Ryan Lindley (14) against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the first quarter of the New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

In the seventh round, the Packers have four picks and plenty of possibilities.

The Packers could take some chances on some players like Arizona State’s Vontaxe Burfict as he is a high ceiling guy that would not be much of a loss if he does not pan out.

Notre Dame safety Robert Blanton could be another possibility if he is still on the board.  Colorado offensive guard Ryan Miller is a player that has a high ceiling and could be very effective.

A player that is off the radar but a very good talent that would be worth taking in the seventh round is Utah cornerback Conroy Black.

Black has all the skills to develop into a starting cornerback in the NFL as he could be a dime cornerback next season even.

The first round of the 2012 Draft is in the books.

Now the analysis, ad nauseum, at least until the second round starts tonight.

Here are a few interesting looks you might consider during your free moments today.

Get primed for tonight, because the analysis will be ongoing through Saturday and beyond.

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