Green Bay Packers: If the NFL Draft were held today …
Yes, it’s only December and thankfully for the fans of the Green Bay Packers their team is still in the hunt for the NFL Playoffs – most importantly, they are in the hunt for the top spot and home field advantage.
For the fans of the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars the season is over. They have been eliminated and are playing for draft order.
So, with that said, Gil Brandt of nfl.com put together a look at the playoff picture that includes the order as it stands right now and an analysis of the needs for the teams … as well as some of the players who might be good fits for the top 10 picks.
If you’re a Green Bay Packers fan, you are hoping that they will be picking at the #32 spot in next spring’s draft – that would mean that they have won the Super Bowl.
But we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves in that regard.
But as we head into the latter half of December and toward the playoffs, we all know the Packers need help at inside linebacker and defensive line (once again).
Brandt thinks they also need to draft a tight end, but I’m not too sure about that. While the loss of Jermichael Finley was a blow to the team, the recent play of Andrew Quarless and rookie Richard Rodgers has given the Packers hope that they might be set for at least the next couple of years at that position.
How it all plays out at this point is pure speculation, but Brandt gives us a nice projection here that’s worth reviewing.
Take a look below or follow the link to the page and video … and let us know where you think things might go.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2014 record: 2-11 (.473 strength of schedule)
Top three needs: OL, pass rusher, QB
Analysis: The Bucs probably could use two offensive linemen. I’d move LTAnthony Collins to guard, where I think he’s better suited, and draft a left tackle. They need to upgrade at quarterback.Josh McCown isn’t a long-term solution and Mike Glennon is a marginal NFL talent.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: OT: Brandon Scherff (Iowa), Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M), La’el Collins (LSU); Pass rusher: Vic Beasley (Clemson), Alvin Dupree (Kentucky), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA); QB: Sean Mannion (Oregon State), Garrett Grayson (Colorado State), Bryce Petty (Baylor)
2. Tennessee Titans
2014 record: 2-11 (.524)
Top three needs: QB, pass rusher, CB
Analysis: The Titans averaged a league-worst 16 points a game in the first half of the season; that’s old-school football. Obviously, the offense isn’t very good. What do theTitans think of Zach Mettenberger? That will be the big question for this team following the season. If they don’t think he’s the guy, they have to go get a quarterback. But this is a team that that might be able to get away with subpar QB because of Ken Whisenhunt‘s ability to get the most out of his signal-callers. They could use another offensive lineman, too. I thought Bishop Sankey was the answer at running back, but the jury is still out on him.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: QB: Sean Mannion (Oregon State), Garrett Grayson (Colorado State), Bryce Petty (Baylor); Pass rusher: Vic Beasley (Clemson), Alvin Dupree (Kentucky), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA); CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon), Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest), Byron Jones (UConn)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
2014 record: 2-11 (.536)
Top three needs: OT, CB, RB
Analysis: The Jaguars need a lot of help, but the cupboard isn’t completely bare. Their defensive line has played pretty well and they took care of quarterback and wide receiver needs in the last draft. But deficiencies lie in almost every other area.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: OT: Brandon Scherff (Iowa), Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M), La’el Collins (LSU); CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon), Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest), Byron Jones (UConn); RB: Ameer Abdullah (Nebraska), Jalston Fowler (Alabama), Karlos Williams (Florida State)
4. New York Jets
2014 record: 2-11 (.568)
Top three needs: QB, CB, OT
Analysis: The Jets need just about everything, and it starts at corner. The offensive line needs an overhaul. CenterNick Mangold is a keeper, but LTD’Brickashaw Ferguson is a descending player and the rest of the starting linemen are NFL backups. This team can’t score; the entire offense is in need of help. The acquisition of WR Percy Harvin gives the team a much-needed playmaker, but will he be around in 2015?
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: QB: Sean Mannion (Oregon State), Garrett Grayson (Colorado State), Bryce Petty (Baylor); CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon), Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest), Byron Jones (UConn); OT: Brandon Scherff (Iowa), Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M), La’el Collins (LSU)
5. Oakland Raiders
2014 record: 2-11 (.580)
Top three needs: Pass rusher, CB, WR
Analysis: The Raiders are difficult to understand. They spent a lot of money on older descending players and haven’t drafted very well, trading away picks in the process. That’s how you get a depleted roster that needs a lot of work. And this Raiders roster needs A LOT of work, although Derek Carr looks like he could become a franchise-type quarterback.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: Pass rusher: Vic Beasley (Clemson), Alvin Dupree (Kentucky), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA); CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon), Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest), Byron Jones (UConn); WR: Devante Parker (Louisville), Josh Harper (Fresno State), Ty Montgomery (Stanford)
2014 record: 3-10 (.485)
Top three needs: Pass rusher, DB, OT
Analysis: The Redskins have a lot of issues on defense, starting with a pass rusher and ending with a safety — positions that were never addressed adequately last offseason. Jason Hatcher hasn’t worked out and Brian Orakpo can’t stay healthy. Their offensive skill positions are set, but canRobert Griffin III stay healthy? If not, add quarterback to the list.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: Pass rusher: Vic Beasley (Clemson), Alvin Dupree (Kentucky), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA); CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon), Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest), Byron Jones (UConn); S: Derron Smith (Fresno State), Kurtis Drummond (Michigan State), Durell Eskridge (Michigan State); OT: Brandon Scherff (Iowa), Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M), La’el Collins (LSU)
7. New York Giants
2014 record: 4-9 (.533)
Top three needs: Pass rusher, OL, ILB
Analysis: The Giants are embarrassingly bad on defense. They can’t stop the run or the pass, and they don’t have an enforcer. It’s sad because the Giants always prided themselves on defense. Now they have a defensive unit that has ranked in the bottom six in two of the past three years, and finished the first half the current season dead last. LB Jon Beason, on IR, is their best defender but can’t stay healthy.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: Pass rusher: Vic Beasley (Clemson), Alvin Dupree (Kentucky), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA); OT: Brandon Scherff (Iowa), Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M), La’el Collins (LSU); ILB: Eric Kendricks (UCLA), Denzel Perryman (Miami), Hayes Pullard (USC)
2014 record: 4-8-1 (.530)
Top three needs: Pass rusher, OT, CB
Analysis: Any team without a left tackle will have a difficult time on offense, and the Panthers‘ offense is struggling. When Jordan Gross retired in 2013, Carolina moved Byron Bell from right to left tackle, but his run blocking and pass protection have been equally subpar. Right tackle hasn’t been much better with Nate Chandler. The defense has been struggling to mount any pass rush without Greg Hardy, and who knows what his future holds.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: Pass rusher: Vic Beasley (Clemson), Alvin Dupree (Kentucky), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA); OT: Brandon Scherff (Iowa), Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M), La’el Collins (LSU); CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon), Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest), Byron Jones (UConn)
9. Chicago Bears
2014 record: 5-8 (.524)
Top three needs: Pass rusher, LB, DB
Analysis: The Bears spent so much money on offense in free agency that their defense was mostly ignored, and now it’s showing. They became the first team since 1923 to give up 50-plus points in consecutive games. The problem is, the defensive depth chart is full of good, but not outstanding, players, and that rears its ugly head against talent-rich offensive teams like Green Bay. The free agency swap of Julius Peppers for Jared Allen has been a downgrade, and LB Lance Briggs is nearing retirement. I’m not sure the Bears don’t need a quarterback, too; Jay Cutler is so inconsistent.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: Pass rusher: Vic Beasley (Clemson), Alvin Dupree (Kentucky), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA); LB: Jake Ryan (Michigan), Eric Kendricks (UCLA), Denzel Perryman (Miami); CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon), Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest), Byron Jones (UConn); S: Derron Smith (Fresno State), Kurtis Drummond (Michigan State), Durell Eskridge (Michigan State)
2014 record: 5-8 (.524)
Top three needs: OT, CB, LB
11. Minnesota Vikings
2014 record: 6-7 (.464)
Top three needs: OT, LB, DL
12. St. Louis Rams
2014 record: 6-7 (.527)
Top three needs: QB, CB, RB
Analysis: This is a team with some very good players, especially along the defensive line. Safety was solidifed with the acquisition of Mark Barron. The receiving corps is better than it gets credit for. The Rams need someone who can run the ball and a corner that can make plays. And, of course, a quarterback who can stay on the field.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: QB: Sean Mannion (Oregon State), Garrett Grayson (Colorado State), Bryce Petty (Baylor); CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon), Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest), Byron Jones (UConn); RB: Ameer Abdullah (Nebraska), Jalston Fowler (Alabama), Karlos Williams (Florida State)
13. Houston Texans
2014 record: 7-6 (.429)
Top three needs: QB, WR, OT
14. Cleveland Browns
2014 record: 7-6 (.435)
Top three needs: WR, ILB, DL
15. San Francisco 49ers
2014 record: 7-6 (.503)
Top three needs: QB (backup), OL (depending on their free agents), DL
16. Miami Dolphins
2014 record: 7-6 (.515)
Top three needs: LB, CB, OT
17. Buffalo Bills (pick owned byCleveland Browns)
2014 record: 7-6 (.515)
Top three needs: QB, LB, S
18. Kansas City Chiefs
2014 record: 7-6 (.533)
Top three needs: WR, OT, CB
19. Baltimore Ravens
2014 record: 8-5 (.488)
Top three needs: Pass rusher, RB, OL
20. Dallas Cowboys
2014 record: 9-4 (.432)
Top three needs: CB, DL, TE
Playoff teams if season ended today
21. Atlanta Falcons
2014 record: 5-8 (.479)
Top three needs: Pass rusher, TE, DB
Analysis: The Falcons have one of the least productive pass-rush defenses in the NFL. LB Kroy Biermann is steady but not flashy and has been losing snaps this season. TheFalcons thought they had solved their pass-rush issues with the signing of Osi Umenyiora, but that hasn’t worked out as expected. If you have a good front four, you can make up for lesser linebackers. If the Falcons fix the front of their defense, then they don’t need a Clay Matthews-type at linebacker. On offense, production from the tight end position since the retirement of Tony Gonzalez has been absent.
Top-rated seniors at positional needs: Pass rusher: Vic Beasley (Clemson), Alvin Dupree (Kentucky), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA); TE: Jeff Heuerman (Ohio State), Emmanuel Bibbs (Iowa State), Sam Arneson (Wisconsin); CB: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (Oregon), Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest), Byron Jones (UConn); S: Derron Smith (Fresno State), Kurtis Drummond (Michigan State), Durell Eskridge (Michigan State)
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
2014 record: 8-5 (.426)
Top three needs: S, DL, CB
23. San Diego Chargers
2014 record: 8-5 (.485)
Top three needs: CB (Brandon Flowers is on one-year deal), NT, OL
24. Cincinnati Bengals
2014 record: 8-4-1 (.459)
Top three needs: CB, S, PK
25. Detroit Lions
2014 record: 9-4 (.459)
Top three needs: CB, DL (if Ndamukong Suh is not re-signed), PK
26. Indianapolis Colts
2014 record: 9-4 (.476)
Top three needs: OL, ILB, S
27. Philadelphia Eagles
2014 record: 9-4 (.488)
Top three needs: CB, S, OLB
28. Seattle Seahawks
2014 record: 9-4 (.530)
Top three needs: TE, OL, DL
29. Green Bay Packers
2014 record: 10-3 (.488)
Top three needs: ILB, DL, TE
30. New England Patriots
2014 record: 10-3 (.536)
Top three needs: WR, DL, RB (if they don’t re-sign Stevan Ridley)
31. Arizona Cardinals
2014 record: 10-3 (.521)
Top three needs: DL, OLB, MLB
32. Denver Broncos
2014 record: 10-3 (.538)
Top three needs: DL, LB, TE/WR (bothJulius Thomas and Demaryius Thomas are in option years)