Green Bay Packers 2013 Draft Preview

Apr 15, 2013 - 4:20 PM (Sports Network) - Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson doesn't believe in free agency and builds through the draft. That philosophy generally works for Thompson but this version of the Packers is showing more than a few holes, ones that are often masked by the best player in football, quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

A pedestrian offensive line is in need of multiple reinforcements while it seems like Green Bay hasn't had a legitimate running back since John Brockington called Lambeau Field home.

Even receiver is a question mark these days in Titletown. Jordy Nelson was a great No. 2 receiver when Greg Jennings was headlining the marquee, while Randall Cobb merged as a dangerous slot option and James Jones had a career year in 2013. That said, Jennings is now in Minneapolis and if you bump each of those receivers up a spot on the depth chart, they aren't quite as imposing.

The defensive holes are even vaster. The Packers are still looking for a 3-4 end who can hold the edge consistently and nose tackle B.J. Raji is often hit and miss thanks to a lack of conditioning.

Veteran defensive back Charles Woodson, a true leader, is also gone and both M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian are very weak in run support.

SMU defensive end Margus Hunt is the kind of off the radar prospect Thompson likes and is the type of raw talent you gamble with late in the first round. At 6-foot-8 and 280 pounds Hunt projects as a 3-4 end who can own the edge with some sound and patient coaching.

Green Bay is also taking a hard look at San Jose State offensive lineman David Quessenberry as a second- or third-round pick. The 6-foot-5 Quessenberry is a versatile player who can handle multiple positions and fits the Pack's blocking schemes.

2012 Record: 11-5

Top Needs: OL, DL, RB

First Three Picks: No. 26, No. 55, No. 88

Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2012 - Nick Perry (OLB, USC); 2011 - Derek Sherrod (OT, Mississippi State); 2010 - Bryan Bulaga (OT, Iowa); 2009 - B.J. Raji (DT, Boston College), Clay Matthews (OLB, USC); 2008 - none; 2007 - Justin Harrell (DT, Tennessee); 2006 - A.J. Hawk (LB, Ohio State); 2005 - Aaron Rodgers (QB, California); 2004 - Ahmad Carroll (CB, Arkansas); 2003 - Nick Barnett (LB, Oregon State).