Green Bay Packers Rumors: NFL Draft Decision Comes Down To Defense
The Green Bay Packers rumors surrounding the 2014 NFL draft on May 8th have focused primarily on defense. Although they lost Jermichael Finley and James Jones on offense, as long as Aaron Rodgers is under center, the Green Bay Packers offense can cycle through receivers. Also, the emergence of Eddie Lacy last season allowed the Packers to finish seventh overall in the NFL for rushing yards per game.
In the 2014 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers rumors have focused in on a need to regain the defensive prominence the team had developed over the last few years. There were rumors that the Packers would be able to rebuild through free agency. Rather than adding a slew of new players, the Packers chose to resign Sam Shields and B.J. Raji. Though they did go out and get Julius Peppers from NFC North rival the Chicago Bears, there is still work for the Packers to do in the NFL draft.
In many early mock drafts, the Green Bay Packers rumors suggested they would make a run at a safety. Neither M.D. Jennings or Morgan Burnett functioned as playmakers last season. In the Packers 3-4 defense, the safeties are relied upon to come up with some big plays. With strong cornerback play from Shields and Tramon Williams, the Packers could really benefit from an upgrade at one of the starting safety positions.
Unfortunately, the Packers’ best options at safety in the 2014 NFL draft will probably be off the board when they pick at number 21. Analysts disagree on who the best safety is in the NFL draft, but the top two is fairly undisputed. Calvin Pryor from Louisville and Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix from Alabama are both the top prospects at the safety position and the Packers would love to have either. If one of those players is still on the board when the Packers are on the clock, expect to see them in a Packers uniform next season. However, if they are gone, the Packers will probably move on to a different position.
Another big need the Green Bay Packers are rumored to be looking for is an inside linebacker. One guys who has been slipping down draft boards is C.J. Mosely from Alabama. According to rumors, teams are worried about his durability. Moseley’s talent is unquestioned and he is considered to be one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2014 NFL draft. There is a good chance that he makes it to 21 and don’t be surprised to see the Packers grab him if the safeties are off the board.
It will be a long week for many NFL teams as they wait for the draft. Because of their previous success in the past, expect the Green Bay Packers rumors to really heat up this week.
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