Well I gave an outline of a 3-4 in a previous post when the specuation started and my guess is this is what the defense looks like
DE Johnny Jolly
DT Ryan Pickett
DE Cullen Jenkins
OLB Aaron Kampman
MLB Nick Barnett
ILB A.J. Hawk
OLB Brady Poppinga
Secondary is basically the same although I think Al Harris could be dealt because the Packers will likley play more zone.
I think the biggest need is the outside pass rushing linebacker which can be addressed via the draft. Three hybrid players are top ten caliber picks and they're Brian Orakpo, Aaron Maybin, and Everette Brown.
Another need I think is at nose tackle. They need depth. B.J. Raji is a first round caliber player who will be looked at, but honestly it's not a deep draft for that position so they may have to use a rotation of Pickett, Harrell, and Jolly. I think both Harrell and Jolly can play both NT and DE in the 3-4, but obviously both might be unreliable due to other factors.
A DE that would look good in the 3-4 via the draft is Tyson Jackson of LSU.
We all know the obvious free agents, but based on what Mike McCarthy said, sounds like more of the same in free agency so they'll be going defense heavy in the draft in my opinion. They got too.
"Bigbyfan" wrote:
I see Desmond Bishop moving into the starting lineup at ILB, with AJ Hawk taking Poppy's spot. Bishop is the big thumper you need in a 3-4 defense.
I also think we are keeping Al Harris because press man to man is still very effective in a 3-4.
I am already very excited for next season.
"porky88" wrote:
The problem is the Packers have three inside backers that might fit the 3-4. A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, and Desmond Bishop.
Neither can really play the outside because neither is a pass rusher. I don't see Hawk as an outside backer in the 3-4. I think he wouldn't be very effective, but I could be wrong.
I think a lot depends on Nick Barnett's rehab and how well it's going. If he's going slow then they might just consider parting ways with Nick Barnett and going with Desmond Bishop in the middle.
I actually like Desmond Bishop. I think he's a very good player and I think the middle part of the defense is going to be improved with a variation of Hawk, Barnett, and Bishop in the 3-4, but only two can play. I think it's a good problem to have, but the outside backers are extremely weak.
A guy that could make a huge impact that fits the 3-4 very well is Jason Hunter. He could end up being that outside pass rusher for the Packers if they can't find one via draft or free agency.
The good thing about the Packers is they do have a lot of linebackers and you need a lot of linebackers to play the 3-4, You also need several defensive lineman to do it too.