Visions of footballs flying through the air must give Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers nightmares.
The defense held its own last season except against top-flight quarterbacks. If theres an Achilles heel on this team, its pass defense, which got shredded by Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner. Thats one area that needs shoring up through the draft, which is just 18 days away.
Here is a ranking of the Packers by position, in order of greatest need:
Outside linebacker The best way to improve the pass defense is to sack, hit and pressure opposing quarterbacks. The Packers have one bona fide rusher at right outside linebacker in Clay Matthews. They desperately need another one on the left side to complement him.
Cornerback The second-best way to improve pass defense is to establish a strong and deep secondary. The Packers have a solid foundation with all-world Charles Woodson, and Tramon Williams continues to improve. But injuries to Al Harris, Will Blackmon and Pat Lee decimated the position and left the Packers vulnerable. More depth is needed, especially as Woodson and Harris age.
Tackle Re-signing veterans Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher bought the Packers some time but with a draft deep in quality tackles, now is the time to build for the future.
Safety Nick Collins provides a Pro Bowl presence, but Atari Bigby has endured two years of injuries and ineffectiveness, and the depth chart drops off quickly after that.
Special teams The Packers have ignored the crucial punter and kickoff return positions for too long. The time has come to stop talking about the importance of special teams and do something about it.
Defensive end Cullen Jenkins is in the final year of his contract, so the Packers must assess his value. If they dont want to shell out big bucks to keep him, they will need a replacement. Johnny Jolly has over-achieved but must overcome legal issues, while Justin Harrell gets one last chance to shed his bust label.
Running back The Packers can get by with what they have, and Ahman Green makes for a nice contingency plan, but what a difference a dynamic third-down back could make.
Tight end Jermichael Finley will make the Pro Bowl if he keeps his head on straight, but more depth wouldnt hurt.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is tough as nails and survived 51 sacks last season, while Matt Flynn could prove to be a capable backup. But it would be wise to begin grooming a capable third quarterback.
Center Scott Wells proved himself worthy last season, and Jason Spitz isnt a bad backup plan if things dont work out for him at guard.
Guard Josh Sitton is solid on the right side, and the left side will pit Daryn Colledge vs. Spitz in a winner-take-all training camp war. T.J. Lang is waiting in the wings and provides adequate depth.
Inside linebacker Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk and Brandon Chillar form a highly paid, highly efficient presence in the middle of the defense, with Desmond Bishop champing at the bit to join them.
Receiver Weve been waiting for Donald Drivers decline for years, but it hasnt happened because the man plays with a huge heart. Once again, Driver and Greg Jennings will provide explosiveness and production and will get plenty of support from James Jones and Jordy Nelson.
Nose tackle Ryan Pickett received a well-deserved new contract and along with B.J. Raji forms the best 1-2 nose tackle punch in the NFL.