Since every team in the NFL has needs, including the Packers, I figured to explore what I feel are the biggest "needs" for the Packers.

I know it is early, but the "needs" seem to be "glairing" to almost every Packers fan on almost every Packers message board, so I figured, why not!

Everyone knows the Packers need for a LT of the future, but I wanted to explore the Packers lack of a home run threat at RB. Ryan Grant is not a guy that can take it to the house everytime he touches the ball, and is a 2 down back.

The Packers lack a 3rd down back that can go the distance anytime he is on the field. The Jets have Leon Washington and the Chargers have Daryn Sproles, to name a few. Here are my 5 guys that can be that guy. Yes, some may be top 10 or even first round picks in the draft, but they are "game breakers".


Here they are:

1. Joe McKnight- USC



2. Jahvid Best- Cal



3. DeMarco Murray- Oklahoma



4. Damion Fletcher- Southern Miss



5. MiQuale Lewis- Ball St.





Next I will dive into the Packers OL issue and list my top 5 OT prospects.

[quote name='Arrigo' post='268199' date='Sep 29 2009, 09:43 AM']Since every team in the NFL has needs, including the Packers, I figured to explore what I feel are the biggest "needs" for the Packers.

I know it is early, but the "needs" seem to be "glairing" to almost every Packers fan on almost every Packers message board, so I figured, why not!

Continue reading...

This was my "home run" list. If you read the article on the front page you will see I have my top 10 and Spiller is #2 and the most complete back overall.

I would agree the Packers need a "go the distance" guy that Grant used to be. Spillers, or Best would be great additions. Murray is very talented,and I loved watching him play, but coming off a big injury last year. I can't see McKnight being anything other than a third down back in the NFL. He certainly hasnt lived up to the hype he got when he got to USC, and at this point I wouldn't take him in the first round. I havent seen anything from him that would warrant that. Could develop into a good third down back, but as a franchise back, no way.

Spiller is a "home run back" better than Fletcher or Lewis. MUCH better

I haven't got in to looking at '10 prospects yet, but would like to see a first round selection spent on OL. We need to start building from there. Championships start there IMO

Diesel, PLEASE read the article first. If not, then in it I said that LT is the great need as of now, BUT instead of focusing on that, I wanted to focus on other needs first. The OL will be addressed in the next article, later tonight.

I think they need an every down back before they get one that only plays one down.

I agree. I would phrase it as we need a starting running back. Grant is looking like a number two to me. Who knows though. I still dream of someday having an offensive line that can contol the line of scimmage and open some holes. That might make Grant look better.

Isn't there a guy out there we could trade for? It seems there are more than a few productive backs playing second fiddle on other teams. Guys like Glen Coffee, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, Tashard Choice, etc. who are all getting some reps right now to cover injuries, but will most certainly be warming a bench when their #1 guy recovers. Anyone need a fullback? We've got three. It would also be nice to be relatively deep in most positions and pick up some seriously monstrous O-linemen in the draft, versus going to the draft with a huge shopping list.

I would add Toby Gerhart to the list... like Riggins, with swerve. I also like Scott from LSU. Enough of the lollipop kid, munchkin backs. Packers need a back that will hit the hole between the tackles, and not fall down after his shoe laces get swept at.

I'd Like to see a guy like this- Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgjJWU5PTH8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3rmS4fh-z4

If you think the Packers have bigger needs than RB (OT, CB, S) as I do, then add this mid-round sleeper running back:

Anthony Dixon, Miss. St. 6'1" 235 with speed. IMO, he will be a better pro than collegian because Miss St is so woeful.

Probably a late-3rd to late-4th round pick.

Wow. Dwyer looks like a real beast. Reminds me of Michael Turner. If he goes pro. . . consider me officially on that bandwagon. Nice call Vinnie. Thanks.

I guess it depends on what happens in FA

How about Clay? Is he the real deal?

Years back when Ron Dayne,the leading rusher in Div.1 college football history, came to the NFL, all my fellow Badger fans were saying he will be a great pro. I said he would not because he had no quickness. Clay is the same. Behind a huge OL and used as a battering ram works in college and does not work in the NFL. He will probably be a pro and will find a niche but will not be an impact player IMO.

One of my favorite quotes was from an Ohio State linebacker. When asked to describe what it was like to tackle Ron Dayne, he paused then said " It's like trying to stop a piano tumbling down a steep flight of stairs."