DB's
The good news: When you have the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, no matter how bad things may look, you still have to feel good. And thats what Woodson does for the Packers. Experiencing a career renaissance that will likely land him in Canton, Woodson was magnificent in 2009, leading the way for the NFLs No. 2-ranked defense with nine interceptions (tied for most in the NFL), a career-high 81 tackles (61 solo), two sacks, 21 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three defensive touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. Thanks in large part to Woodson, Green Bay's defense led the NFL in interceptions (30), takeaways (40) and turnover margin (plus-24) while ranking No. 2 in total defense (284.4 yards per game). Whats more, Woodson elevated his game when Harris was lost for the season to a torn ACL in his left knee Nov. 22 against San Francisco. If only they could have cloned him.
The bad news: Harris injury turned out to be the death knell for the Packers playoff hopes. While they still finished the season by going 7-1 in the second half, their pass defense was never the same. Not only was it devastating to lose Harris, but having already lost Lee, a 2008 second-round pick, to a knee injury in the preseason finale and Blackmon to a torn ACL Oct. 5 at Minnesota, the depth was depleted. As a result, Bush, a special-teams player, was forced into the nickel role and Underwood, drafted as a project and expected to essentially redshirt, was called to action. Harris injury also led to the signing of Bell, who gave up the last-second, game-losing touchdown pass at Pittsburgh Dec. 20. Then, theres safety, where both starters Collins and Bigby are restricted free agents. At least the team came to terms with Martin on a two-year deal, although hes more of a special-teams player and possible backup in sub packages than a starting-caliber safety at this point.
The big question: Whats Collins worth?
Collins spent last offseason skipping the non-mandatory organized team activity practices to demonstrate his unhappiness with his contract situation, but it didnt lead to the lucrative multi-year extension he was looking for. Instead, before seasons end, the Packers had opted to extend part-time starting linebacker Brandon Chillar, making Collins wait again, just as he had during the summer when wide receiver Greg Jennings got his deal. Dont cry too many tears for Collins he did play last season for a $3.045 million base salary, and hell receive a slightly better one-year deal for 2010 if the Packers simply keep him with a high restricted free agent tender and dont give him the long-term deal he craves. Still, expect a lengthy holdout before hes in the fold if the two-time Pro Bowl pick doesnt get what he expects and deserves.
Offseason outlook: Theres no question the Packers will seek secondary help this offseason, given the uncertain health situations of Harris, Blackmon and Lee. The free-agent pool at safety and cornerback isnt a particularly deep one, though, and unless theres a reasonably-priced veteran in the second wave of free agents, GM Ted Thompson is unlikely to dive in. That leaves the draft, where the top cornerback prospects are Floridas Joe Haden, Florida States Patrick Robinson and Rutgers Devin McCourty and the top safeties are Tennessees Eric Berry, USCs Taylor Mays and Texas Earl Thomas. Ideally, Harris rebounds from his injury, Blackmon recovers to reclaim his return job and serve as an emergency corner in sub packages, and Lee or a new face to back up Williams as the nickelback.