2008 Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Needs

The Packers shocked the NFL last season when they emerged as one of the best teams in the league, nearly advancing to the Super Bowl. With Brett Favre officially hanging up his cleats, a new era of Packers football will be underway. The ball will now be placed in the hands of Aaron Rodgers as the Packers look to groom him into their QB of the future. When you lose a Hall of Famer like Favre, there's no question that a step backwards is inevitable. Find out how the Packers plan on reloading in this 2008 Green Bay Packers NFL Draft needs preview.

#1 Guard

With Favre now ready to enjoy his retirement, the Packers may need to think about bolstering their running attack to help Aaron Rodgers out as he goes through the growing pains of becoming a starting NFL QB. We don't anticipate many solid options at pick 30, so Green Bay will likely address this need on the second day, looking for a sleeper.

#2 Cornerback

Al Harris and Charles Woodson are two of the biggest names in the NFL in the defensive secondary, but Harris will turn 34 and Woodson will turn 32 during the NFL season. The Packers needs to get some talent waiting in the wings here and now would be a great time as a youngster would benefit from learning from these two All-Pro's.

#3 Offensive Tackle

This is another spot where the Pack must get a player to give them some added insurance. Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are aging and eventually they'll have to be replaced, probably sooner rather than later. USC's Sam Baker, Kansas' Anthony Collins and Pitt's Jeff Otah are all solid option and at least one should still be on the board at pick 30.

#4 Outside Linebacker

Middle linebacker is shored up with Nick Barnett, but the outside is far from solidified. Landing a big, physical backer with speed could instantly improve a defense which already ranked 11th in the league last season. Auburn's Quentin Groves is a very intriguing option.

#5 Running Back

Ryan Grant emerged from a nobody to a special player last season when he created a running game for a team which did not have one when Ahman Green headed south. Grant is more of a punishing, physical runner and the Packers could benefit from a guy like West Virginia's Steve Slaton who has great speed and exceptional hands for a back.

#6 Quarterback

This spot may not be as low on the priority scale as many think with Aaron Rodgers still very much unproven. Don't be surprised if GM Ted Thompson takes a middle-to-late-round QB, looking for a sleeper to add depth and competition.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

April 1st, 2008