If I had to guess with the amount of depth questions in play, this really will be the best player available approach again in display for the Packers. I believe they will stay true to their draft board, and possibly trade down if value is presented to them.
We are fairly deep at corner if House is healthy with Shields, Williams and Hayward in place.. Bush and his jack of all trades talent is there are well. Williams will probably be a salary rework or a cut in the near future, so adding depth there might be a possibility if the right player is there.
Safety.. I view our safeties different than most I guess, because we played young guys in Jennings and McMillian that will only get better.. same probably applies to Burnett. If Richardson can return.. I see them as the four guys that would have to be displaced. In other words, it isn't a position of need that some make it out to be.
I think our back end of the defense is pretty well set in terms of dire need.. adding a blue chip talent would bolster it, but I like this backfield a heck of a lot more than even 2 years ago.
On defense, I believe our real issues are directly at the point of attack, with line play that is consistent and does there job in consuming attention to allow the backers to flow a bit more cleanly. I think we may still be weak in coverage with the backers, but that pales in comparison of creating consistent disruption along the front allowing players to make impact plays.. sacks, tackles for loss, forcing the protection to over extend.
I think on offense we need to add more depth options at WR, but this draft has a deep receiver talent.. so I don't know that the first round talent is that much more of an impact than the mid rounds compared to other positions. But I see them adding a player that will develop in the next 2 years to give them options with the contract demands of Jones, Cobb and Nelson creeping in.
Running back.. about the same story as the receivers however I think there are about 4 or maybe 5 that separate themselves.. so maybe that warrants a first or second round usage to grab one of them.
After that, I believe we could really use a blue chip center on this team or more depth/competition options across the board. I like Newhouse more than most.. I think he will continue to develop, but will always need a bit extra against speed 4-3 ends. Blue chip tackle there at the Packers pick.. take him. I would still prefer a anchor at the center spot early.
Tight ends are abundant in this draft, I see the Packers adding competition or even a potential replacement for Finley.. but I doubt that comes round one unless he is a prefect fit for Ted.
Summary, the Packers lack a true dire need anywhere on the roster, they could use improvements at a handful of spots, so it will come down to how the draft breaks. And sorry mocks just aren't viable, even less so now that trade ups are more desirable with the slotted approach with the new CBA.
Only three positions I see the Packers avoiding in round 1.. K, P, QB. After that.. depends on the players that slip to our spot or near it.
And if we move out of our spot.. I anticipate it will be a downward move based on the meat and potatoes flavor of this draft.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"