There are some positions that in lower rounds rarely produce quality.
CB and OT(Left) are such postions (all due respect to Doug Evans and Mark Tauscher). Free agents at these positions command big money.
There are some positions that seem to produce quality at lower round picks. RB, Safety, C, OG, LB. Free agents are relatively cheap.
More concisely only Al Davis would spend first round picks on punters and placekickers.
So considering the needs and costs, how would you like to see the Packers draft choices spent (Assuming a generic draft regarding quality at all positions)? In my opinion, a
CB is a draft priority. The Packers have lots of row round type "depth on the team but need to find a quality player at this position.
There is simply too large a quality drop off once Harris or Woodson is out of the line up. Therefore CB is priority #1 and the Packers if they do not draft one in the 1st or 2nd rounds should forget it it for this draft.
#2 OT While Tauscher still has a couple of quality years ahead of him, Injury prone Clifton's contract is expiring and likely will not be back. Unlikely but possible is a scenario where he is signed for back up money and becomes a reserve. Full time starting duty his body cannot take. Additionally, Giacomini and Barbre don't seem to be making sufficient progress to starter status and upgrading quality of depth would help the Packers.
Not only should OT be addressed in the 1st or 2nd round it might be adressed again in the middle rounds.
#3 DE Listen before you yell. What happens if Jolly or Jenkins or both are injured? Wynn helps but Can you rely on Harrell in a new position? Wouldn't it be nice to have some rotation and fresh players at DE? If Kampmann's contract situation gets confusing DE could be a spot that really hurts the Packers without additional support.
#4 RB Again an injury to Grant really reduces the Packer effectivness. Jackson seems okay at the 3rd down back spot but the Packers need more quality than Wynn, Green, or Lumpkin for the change of pace back.
At this point you look for low round guys theat could help the team with depth. Not big priorities but guys that might help the team in the future if they spend a year on the practice squad and depend entirely on what player left on the draft board is best. Safety, QB, TE, Punter, etc. Perhaps finding quality player.
I go with Safety, #3QB and Punter possibly a TE.
I just never see a reason to draft a Safety, RB, or OG with a first round pick.
Late round picks at OT (like Giacomini), CB (Blackmon and Underwood), and sometimes DT don't help the team much.
The Packers are a good team (5th in NFL last season) and likely only have to replace 1 or 2 starters. This is a draft for depth.
Tell me where you agree and disagree.