2013 NFL Draft team needs: Green Bay Packers
What will it take for Green Bay to get back to the Super Bowl?
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
In 2010, the Green Bay Packers made a surprising playoff run and claimed the franchise's fourth Super Bowl victory. With a potent offense, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, it looked like the Packers were set to enter a period of perennial championship contention. However, that hasn't happened. Since winning the Super Bowl, Green Bay has lost in the NFC Divisional round twice.
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While the offense hasn’t disappointed, defense has been an issue for Green Bay. The Packers allowed 21.0 points per game in 2012, ranking 11th in the NFL. That’s an improvement over 2011, when they ranked 19th in the league, giving up 22.4 points per contest. While Green Bay has been good against the pass, its run defense has left something to be desired. The Packers allowed 4.5 yards per carry last season and 4.7 two years ago.
Top three needs
Defensive line -- Shoring up that run defense is a top priority for the Packers, and a bulky defensive tackle to clog the middle would be welcome.
Running back -- Green Bay currently has six running backs listed on the roster, but none of them inspire much confidence. Cedric Benson played in just five games last season, rushing for 248 yards, and while Ryan Grant was once a force in the backfield, he's compiled 736 yards over the last three years.
Center -- Jeff Saturday gave way to Evan Dietrich-Smith over the last six weeks of the 2012 season, and the 14-year veteran is now retired, leaving Garth Gerhart as the only other center on the team. If for no other reason than depth, adding another wouldn't be a bad move.
Ideal pick -- Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
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