2012 NFL Offseason Prospectus: Minnesota Vikings

When Minnesota took Christian Ponder #12 overall last year, there were plenty of other players they could and probably should have picked.

Now, in a draft with three, possibly four elite players (to me, Morris Claiborne isn't worth a top 5 pick), the Vikings won't get the top two and don't need the third.

That makes Matt Khalil a no-brainer pick to me, but more on that later.

Given where Minnesota is, there's a chance they could be it the mix for Matt Barkley next year, particularly given how deep the NFC North will be this year and with Adrian Peterson coming back off of serious injury.

If the Vikings get to four wins next year, I think it would be considered a success.

Ponder did show some flashes, but the best quarterback on the roster last season for the Vikings was Joe Webb. That's not good when you're talking about a guy you spent a top 15 pick on in a year when Cam Newton and Andy Dalton had outstanding rookie seasons at the position.

The former Florida State quarterback certainly didn't have the weapons or protection those quarterbacks did, but it's legitimate to wonder how high Ponder's ceiling is when you look at the talent level in both this year and next year's draft at that position.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, Ponder did get any help from his defense either. Minnesota was second to last in points allowed and 26th against the pass. The latter number likely would have been worse if it weren't for so many teams running in the second half to hold leads.

When you look at the edges of both sides of the ball, the Vikings just don't have the talent to compete in the NFL. Getting better at wide receiver and at defensive back will have to be the top priorities if the Vikings want to have any chance to catch up the their NFC North rivals.

Offense
It's safe to assume Ponder will be the starter heading into the season, but whether or not he finishes the season remains a serious and potentially precarious question about the long-term future of the quarterback position.

Minnesota also lost former All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson in free agency, while the other starting guard, Anthony Herrera, has yet to be re-signed. Geoff Schwartz was signed from the Panthers, but this offensive line group remains well below average.

John Carlson was signed from Seattle, presumably to pair with last year's second round pick Kyle Rudolph who showed promise as a rookie. Visanthe Shiancoe has yet to sign and could be on his way out of Minnesota.

Receiver is the biggest area of weakness right now for the Vikings. Percy Harvin is a dynamic, versatile player, but he's not a #1 type receiver. Getting one in a draft with a deep receiving class is a must and at the top of the second round, the Vikings could get a first round talent.

As this is being written, the Vikings signed Jerome Simpson from the Bengals. Simpson, however, is not a #1 receiver either,although he does provide some explosive athleticism.

Don't be surprised if a running back in the mid to late rounds is also in the plan with the lingering concerns over AP's health.

Key Free Agents: Devon Aromashodu WR (re-signed w/ Vikings), Greg Camarillo WR, Anthony Herrera G, Steve Hutchinson G (signed w/ Titans), Jim Kleinsasser TE/FB, Scott Kooistra OT, Donovan McNabb QB, Sage Rosenfels QB (re-signed w/ Vikings), Visanthe Shiancoe TE,

Defense
It's hard to understand how a team with such an outstanding defensive line can be so horrible defending the pass, but the Vikings join their NFC North brethren Lions with the same issue.

Chris Carr and Zach Bowman were signed to improve the secondary, just as guys like Cedric Griffin and Benny Sapp were shown the door. Getting Chris Cook back after his legal battle should help as well, but both corner and safety remain a major concern for the Vikes.

Linebacker is another weak spot for this team. Erin Henderson was re-signed, but his brother E.J. has yet to get a deal with Minnesota or any other team. Chad Greenway is a solid player, but isn't an elite difference-maker at the position, despite the way the Vikings have paid him. Even with Greenway and Henderson, Minnesota has no middle linebacker.

Regardless of the passing league the NFL has become, without a leader in the middle, this defense has little chance of getting substantially better.

If the Vikings aren't sold on Matt Khalil, trading down and nabbing a player like Luke Kuechley would be an outstanding option, but there is apparently insufficient interest in players like Khalil and Richardson to entice a team to give the Vikings anything work taking for the #3 pick.

Key Free Agents: Hussain Abdullah FS, Xavier Adibi LB, Remi Ayodele DT, Fred Evans DT (re-signed w/ Vikings), Cedric Griffin CB (signed w/ Redskins), Letroy Guion DT (re-signed w/ Vikings), Erin Henderson OLB (re-signed w/ Vikings), E.J. Henderson MLB, Tyrell Johnson FS (signed w/ Dolphins, Kenny Onatolu OLB (signed w/ Panthers), Jarrard Page SS, Benny Sapp CB,

Draft Targets

Needs: OL,DB,WR,DT,LB


Round 1 (Pick 3): Matt Khalil OT USC (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 4)

As I said earlier, this is an obvious decision here and any indication in the media otherwise seems like a pretty conspicuous smokescreen. Khalil is the last truly elite prospect in the draft and top-level NFL left tackles are cornerstone commodities. Much like a quarterback, if you don't have one, you can't pass on one. Khalil is athletic, agile and explosive, so much so he was used by USC on the kick-block team (he was really good at it too). Khalil was thought to be so good, Cowboy tackle and former Trojan Tyron Smith played right tackle for USC. Smith played at a Pro Bowl level as a rookie last year. That's the kind of ceiling Khalil has. Regardless of who is playing quarterback in Minnesota, they need a left tackle because they don't have one. 

Round 2 (Pick 35): Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina (Pos. Rank: 5, Overall Rank: 37)
Formerly a first round lock, Jeffery's weight issues and attitude concerns have his stock tumbling. With an impressive pro day, Jeffery was gotten back on track to some degree, but I still don't think most teams see him as a first round player. He certainly isn't ahead of Blackmon, Floyd and Kendall Wright, although he may seems to be back on the cusp of first round consideration. Jeffery is a lanky, strong receiver who can win jump balls, but isn't great in an out of breaks, nor does he have top-end speed. With a big-bodied receiver like Jeffery, the field could really open up for Harvin in the slot to do what he does best.

Round 3 (Pick 66): Jamell Flemming CB Oklahoma (Pos. Rank: 9, Overall Rank: 67)

Flemming is one of the most underrated players in the draft. He is tailor-made for the NFL and is one of the best man coverage corners in the draft. He was physical and even dominant at times in the Senior Bowl, despite being asked to play more off coverage. His instincts are excellent, although his ball skills are not - he reacts well to the ball, but is more likely to break it up than pick it off. He is thickly-built and could be a great fit if the Vikings continue to play Cover 2. He's somewhat similar to former Viking Cedric Griffin coming out of college and does have some injury concerns. Still, I think Flemming could be a solid player for the Vikings. 

Overall

Anytime you can address your three biggest needs and do it with value, the draft has to be considered a success. The total value (-4) is below average, but when you have such high picks, it can be tough to find value with such glaring holes to fill. Jeffery has a first round talent level and was seen as a potential top 10 pick at one point during the season. To get him in the second and get a franchise left tackle, you'd have to feel pretty good about your draft no matter what happened after that. Then, to add one of the biggest sleepers in this draft, a player like Flemming who is as NFL-ready as any corner in this class, only makes this better. A class like this would be a step in the right direction for the Vikings

Final Thought
With three picks in the top 70, the Vikings have a chance to undo some of the damage they did last year by wasting high picks on players who didn't have value. Even so, Minnesota is a long way from competing for a wild card spot, much less a division title. It's tough to know whether or not Christian Ponder can actually play, but if the Vikings can put some better pieces around him, they'll be in a better position to assess his development. If Ponder is still deemed to be inadequate, the Vikings will have a better foundation plus a chance to get a player like Matt Barkley or Landry Jones in next year's draft. Fans in Minnesota are used to talk of "next year," but with the uncertainty surrounding the team getting a new stadium, there has to be concern that "next year" may be in California. Things aren't looking good in Viking country right now. 

2012 NFL Offseason Prospectus: Chicago Bears

The legs were cut out from underneath the Bears last season when their two best offense players, in this case their entire offense, went down with injury.

Losing a starting quarterback would doom most teams anyway, but when Matt Forte went down, the only playmaker in Chicago's offense went with it.

It's perplexing then that the Bears didn't attempt to extend Forte with much vigor. Much the opposite, the Bears added Michael Bush in free agency and Brandon Marshall through trade.

Given the life expectancy of a running back's NFL career, the decision not to through a bazillion dollars at Forte does make some sense and Chicago did get Bush for a decent price.

Chicago's defense, though declining, is still stout and the Bears, despite the issue with Forte, have improved their offense significantly.

If Forte chooses to simply play out this year on a franchise deal, the Bears have perhaps the best dual threat running back in the game, a legitimate second back and a true #1 receiver.

Compare that to an offense which last year basically only had one legitimate playmaker in Forte, and even the erratic and precarious play of Jay Cutler is likely to improve.

If Cutler gets better, or at least plays better, the Bears could be the biggest threat to the Packers in the NFC North.

 
Offense
As mentioned above, Marshall and Bush were brought on to make this offense better, although it doesn't make them more explosive.

That, more than anything, was the biggest problem with Chicago's offense last year. The only way they could score was to go 80 yards in 14 plays. That doesn't consistently went football in today's NFL where Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers can you get you 80 yards in 3 plays.

Devin Thomas and Eric Weems were brought in to supplement Marshall, since Devin Hester has never been a reliable option and Johnny Knox is recovering from serious injury.


Also, Jason Campbell was signed in case Cutler is hurt again, something that crippled Chicago last year when they were playing their best football of the season.

All of the offensive weapons in the world don't fix the issues along the offensive line however. Last year's first round pick Gabe Carimi was lost for the season to injury. Getting bigger and more physical upfront will help give Jay Cutler more time to make throws.

Key Free Agents: Caleb Hanie QB (signed w/ Broncos), Josh McCown QB (re-signed w/ Bears), Frank Omiyale (signed w/ Seahawks), Roy Williams WR, 

Defense

This side of the ball continues to be the heart of how the Bears win games. Chicago finished 5th in the league against the run last year, but a lack of talent in the secondary had the Bears a disappointing 28th against the pass.


Given the talent upfront for the Bears with Julius Peppers, Henry Melton, Lance Briggs, and Brian Urlacher, Chicago should have been at least average with even moderately capable defensive backs.

Unfortunately for fans in the Windy City, the Bears don't have many of those. What's more, they play in a division with Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.

Chicago absolutely must get better in its secondary to compete in the NFC North. They could use a starter at essentially every defensive backfield position.

Getting young and more athletic in the back end of the defense should be a focus for Chicago's offseason.   

Key Free Agents: Corey Graham CB (signed w/ Ravens), Marcus Harrison (signed w/ Patriots), Isreal Idonije DE (re-signed w/ Bears), Tim Jennings (re-signed w/ Bears), Brandon Meriweather S (signed w/ Redskins), Amobi Okoye DT, Craig Steltz S (re-signed w/ Bears)

Draft Targets

Needs: OL,CB,TE,LB,WR
Round 1 (Pick 19): Mark Barron S Alabama (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 20)

Barron may not seem like an ideal fit for a Cover 2 team,  but the Bears have actually been playing much more man coverage over the last few seasons. Barron is a devastating, explosive safety, who lead a pulverizing Alabama defense. He can play in coverage, fill in run support and actually has a talent for coming off the edge to rush the quarterback. Barron may be ranked higher on some boards if not for his double hernia surgery after the National Championship game.
 
Round 2 (Pick 50): Amini Silatolu G Midwestern State (Pos. Rank: 4, Overall Rank: 52)

This is exactly the kind of player Chicago needs to improve its offensive line. Silatolu is racing up draft boards and has actually had some ink as a potential first round player. He played tackle in college in Division II and will likely have to move inside in the NFL. Silatolu is, on the other hand, a physical, punishing blocker, the kind of player Chicago doesn't currently have on its line. He could play tackle in a pinch because he is a decent athlete, but he's not as agile as an ideal NFL tackle, nor is he long enough. As a guard though, he could be outstanding at the next level.

Round 3 (Pick 79): Leonard Johnson CB Iowa State (Pos. Rank: 8, Overall Rank: 80)

If the Bears are committed to playing more man coverage, Johnson is the right player to start with. That being said, Johnson plays physically and loves to get his hands on receivers, something he'd be asked to do regularly in two high coverages as well. Johnson played well against top 5 prospect Justin Blackmon and has the instincts to be an excellent corner at the next level. Lovie Smith won't tolerate Johnson's erratic tackling, although he will like Johnson's affinity for making big hits. It's rare to find a corner who likes lighting guys up as much as Johnson. With his skill set as a physical corner, Johnson is a perfect fit for this Bears defense in man or zone looks.

Overall

From a draft value standpoint (-4), this isn't an impressive draft. That being said, the numbers don't tell the whole story. The Bears would address their biggest needs with reasonable value.  All three could potentially start and both Barron and Silatolu have Pro Bowl potential. Despite a disappointing finish last year, there truly aren't many glaring holes on this roster and Chicago will be able to zero in a few players they think can help them most. In this case, the Bears add two quality players to their depleted secondary and a starter to their offensive line. Regardless of the value (and it isn't bad), that's a job well done.

Final Thought

Stuck behind two of the best young teams int he league, Chicago will have to draft well this year to catch up in a hurry. Jay Cutler turns 29 at the end of the month so his vacillation between All-Pro and awful can no longer be chalked up to him being a "young quarterback." This is who Jay Cutler is, a risk-taker with a fragile psyche and a temper. On the other hand, he's as talented a quarterback as you'll find and he'll have a better cast this season than he's ever had. If the secondary can improve, this defense will keep the Bears in every game. That means Cutler will get every opportunity to show he can be an All-Pro all the time.

2012 NFL Offseason Prospectus: Detroit Lions

Starting with Detroit, every subsequent team on this list is in need of improvement if they want to compete next season.

Of those teams, Detroit may be the closest, coming off a playoff appearance for the first time in almost a generation for the Lions.

The core of this team is young and ultra-talented with players like Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Ndamukong Suh.

On the other hand, the defensive back seven is severely lacking in talent and the offensive line needs some help as well.

Calvin Johnson is one of the most unique physical talents in the NFL's long history, a unique mix of Terrell Owens and Randy Moss, only without the diva attitudes.

The biggest diva on this team is actually Detroit's head coach Jim Schwartz who nearly came to blows with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh last year over a handshake.

Suh was suspended for stomping a Packer player - after shoving his helmet into the turf - and was voted the NFL's dirtiest player by the players themselves.

There appears to be some issues with institutional control in Detroit and the gross amount of personal foul penalties this team has accumulated over the past few seasons speaks to a lack of discipline.

That being said, the Lions, including their head coach, are loaded with talent and if they can mature, and figure to be a dangerous team for years to come. 
   
Offense
Detroit was a top five offense last year despite finish third to last running the football. They've used two high draft picks on running backs with no success and part of the reason is neither has been able to stay healthy.

A lack of elite talent on the offensive line doesn't help either, but frankly, the best way for this offense to be successful is to throw the ball to Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew and Titus Young.

There are some concerns that this team cannot move the ball effectively and relies too heavily on big plays to score. Getting a possession receiver to pair with the deep speed of Titus Young should open up lanes for Megatron and Pettigrew.

If this backfield is healthy, there is versatile talent with Jahvid Best and Mikel LeShoure, but it seems only logical to draft a back even if it's not in the first few rounds. A quarterback also makes some sense in the mid rounds given that Stafford has an injury history and both of Detroit's back-ups are exiting in free agency.

Offense wasn't a problem for the Lions last season, but there are some spots they can afford to upgrade. If they can, Detroit belongs in the same conversation with the Saints and Packers as the best offenses in the league.


Key Free Agents: Jeff Backus OT (re-signed w/ Lions), Leonard Davis G, Will Heller TE (re-signed w/ Lions), Shaun Hill QB, Maurice Morris RB, Kevin Smith RB (re-signed w/ Lions), Drew Stanton QB (signed w/ Jets, traded to Colts), Maurice Stovall WR, 

Defense 

Despite boasting perhaps the best front four in football, Detroit's defense was the biggest deficiency for the Lions in 2011. Suh being suspended certainly didn't help, but with Cliff Avril, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams and Nick Fairley, there was enough talent upfront to be a good, or even great defense.

The reason the Lions weren't an elite defense was the back seven is a major problem. Stephen Tulloch is the only above average starters in that group with Eric Wright leaving in free agency.

Talent, more than scheme or execution, is the biggest reason Detroit finished 23rd in points allowed and 22nd in passing.

Detroit did sign Jacob Lacey, but the former Colts corner isn't anything special and getting some young talent in the back end of the defense to match the front end would go a long way in making this a more complete team.

Key Free Agents: Bobby Carpenter OLB, Erik Coleman CB (re-signed w/ Lions), Andre Fluellen DT (re-signed w/ Lions), DeAndre Levy OLB, Brandon McDonald CB, Stephen Tulloch MLB (re-signed w/ Lions), Eric Wright CB (signed w/ Buccaneers). 

Draft Targets

Needs: DB,LB,RB,WR,OL
Round 1 (Pick 23): Dont'a Hightower ILB Alabama (Pos. Rank 2, Overall Rank: 26)

There has been some speculation that Hightower might actually go ahead of his Alabama teammate Courtney Upshaw, which would make this pick even more valuable than it seems right now. Hightower is an explosive, powerful linebacker who plays downhill all the time. He's exactly the type of aggressive, physical player the Lions need and although he played the middle of Alabama's defense, certainly has the athletic abilities to move outside at the next level.

Round 2 (Pick 56): Rueben Randle WR LSU (Pos. Rank: 7, Overall Rank: 54)

After running what some scouts said was a 4.33 40 at his pro day, Randle may not fall this far. If he does though, Detroit would be wise to draft him, filling the possession receiver role Nate Burleson was supposed to occupy. Randle has the speed to get deep, but at 6-4 can be a target across the middle and draw safeties away from Calvin Johnson. On third and eight with Megatron facing a double team, Randle could be a go-to receiver with his ability to beat single coverage on intermediate routes.

Round 3 (Pick 85): Vontaze Burfict LB Arizona State (Pos. Rank: 4, Overall Rank: 89)

If there's a place that doesn't need another hot-headed defensive player it's Detroit. If there's a place where they don't seem to care if you have a short fuse, it's also Detroit. Burfict was considered a top 20 talent heading into the year, but inconsistent play, not to mention a propensity to let his emotions get away from him, have him plummeting down draft boards. A below average post-season set of workouts has actually spurred some teams to remove him from their boards completely. He's somewhat redundant with Hightower and Tulloch, but from a talent standpoint, this is an absolute steal in the third round.

Overal

The value in this draft isn't terrific, but with the stock of Randle and Hightower rising, I would say it's better than the numbers (-5) indicate. Between Burfict and Hightower you have at least one starter and potentially two down the road. If you pair Randle with Johnson and put Titus Young in the slot, that's a scary group as well so this draft would make Detroit better at areas of need. Getting an offensive lineman would be nice, as would a running back and quarterback to develop.

Final Thought

Maturity should be the word of the offseason for Detroit. Can they mature? If they can be more disciplined, eliminate the silly penalties, the personal fouls, and execute, they have the talent to match any team in the NFC. Targeting a few players to help in the secondary and linebacker could help really improve a defense that already boasts one of the best pass rushes in the league. Another double-digit season and a shot at the playoffs seem likely, depending on whether or not Matthew Stafford can stay healthy. Teams in the NFC saw last year what the Lions are capable of. They are a year older, and if they are a year wiser, look out.

2012 NFL Offseason Prospectus: Green Bay Packers

The prohibitive Super Bowl favorite coming into 2011, the Green Bay Packers chased perfection for 13 weeks, then they did something in their first playoff that they had only done once all season: they lost.

An anti-climactic finish belies the fact that this Packer team had the greatest regular season in team history, quite a feat when you consider the Lambeau, Lombardi and Holmgren teams that have played there.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy is probably the most underrated coach in the league and has done nothing but win since he took over for Mike Sherman in 2006, getting to the NFC Championship game in his second season and winning a championship in his fifth season.

His offense is arguably the best in the league with the best quarterback in football and if the defense can do anything to improve, you can expect another double-digit win season and a deep playoff run.

With just a few places to address in order to improve the worst pass defense in history, the Packers will be able to focus in on those needs and Ted Thompson has already shown a willingness to be aggressive this offseason having signed two (!) free agents to this point. 
  
Offense
Aaron Rodgers might be the best player in football. That's basically everything you need to know about this offense. Rodgers played as well as any quarterback ever last year and this offense is loaded with skill position players from Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson to Jermichael Finley and James Starks.

The offensive line has some solid players, but only Josh Sitton is considered elite at his position. Bryan Bulaga is one of the best young tackles in football, but couldn't stay healthy last year and rookie Derek Sherrod broke his leg in a gruesome injury.

Green Bay signed Jeff Saturday to fill the void left by Scott Wells who signed with St. Louis. Saturday is a veteran who, while getting up in age, can still play at a high level.

Getting a running back to pair with Starks will likely be on Thompson's agenda in the draft with Ryan Grant being shown the door.

Adding depth to the offensive line looks like the only other place where this offense could use some help. This is one of the few teams where essentially every starter from last year on offense will be back.
 
Key Free Agents: Matt Flynn QB (signed w/Seahawks), Ryan Grant RB, Scott Wells C (signed w/ Rams)

Defense 

Personnel-wise, this wasn't a dramatically different defense in 2011 than it was in 2010, when the Packers finished best in the league against the pass.

Coming off a historically putrid season stopping opposing quarterbacks, the Packers will be looking to upgrade a pass rush that was non-existent last season.

This secondary, if Nick Collins is cleared to play, has some of the best playmakers in the league at created turnovers. They lead the league in takeaways and interceptions last year thanks in large part to an aggressive, gambling secondary.

Last season, losing Cullen Jenkins while getting nothing from the ROLB position allowed opposing quarterbacks just enough time to get to a secondary that can be susceptible to double moves.

Expect Ted Thompson to get a player for every level of his defense this offseason.


Key Free Agents:Jarrett Bush DB (signed w/ Packers), Howard Green DT, Pat Lee CB (signed w/ Raiders), Erik Walden OLB

Draft Targets

Needs: OLB,DL,DB,OL,RB

Round 1 (Pick 28): Nick Perry OLB/DE USC (Pos. Rank 4, Overall Rank: 27)
Green Bay already has a dominant pass rusher from USC and Perry, while a little raw, may actually have better physical tools than Clay Matthews. In fact, he's somewhat similar to Packers linebacker coach Kevin Greene as a strong, overpowering outside linebacker. Perry has plus speed and explosion, but needs to use his hands better to ward off blocks. This would make quite the combination for opposing offenses to try and block.

Round 2 (Pick 59): Chris Polk RB Washington (Pos. Rank: 4, Overall Rank: 60)

Truly a value pick here. Green Bay lost Alex Greene last year to a knee injury and Ryan Grant is getting up in age. Polk is a versatile, physical runner who can also be effective out of the backfield. McCarthy likes to use multiple running backs and ride the hot hand, which means the Packers using a draft pick on a running back shouldn't be at all surprising. Also, none of the running backs on the roster, even if Grant were brought back, have shown the ability to stay healthy.
 
Round 3 (Pick 90): Mike Martin DT Michigan (Pos. Rank: 11, Overall Rank: 85)
This is one of my sleepers in the draft. Martin is a former wrestler and you can see it in how he plays. Some believe he's an undersized nose tackle, but he run a sub 4.9 40 at the combine and has the athletic ability to slide outside in the Packers' 3-4 defense. Furthermore, Martin's ability to stay low and use his hands to ward off blockers should help keep offensive lineman off Green Bay's linebackers. This could end up being a steal.

Overall 

No one drafts with value in mind better than Ted Thompson with his best player available strategy. It's how Green Bay wound up with players like Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson. In this draft, there will be more opportunities for value with the draft loaded with defensive front players, a weak area for Green Bay. Getting an outside linebacker like Nick Perry with his strength opposite Clay Matthews would be a coup and Mike Martin is a tremendous value in the third round. In terms of value, this is a solid draft (5+) not to mention giving the Packers at least two starters, while Polk could be key in McCarthy's stable approach to running backs. I wouldn't be shocked to see Thompson package a few picks to move up and get the outside linebacker he most fancies.

Final Thought

New York may be the favorite in the NFC, but Green Bay has beaten New York two out of the last three time they played and Green Bay has the younger, more talented team. While the Lions and Bears both will be better in 2012, the Packers remain the favorite in the NFC North and should be in the mix once again for home field advantage in the playoffs. Packer fans will anxiously await to see which pass rusher Thompson brings in to help this defense rebound. Get a difference maker and this Packer team could be scary good once again.