The team's most pressing concern in the days before the draft later this month is to get a quarterback on board to serve as Aaron Rodgers' backup after the retirement of Brett Favre. GM Ted Thompson seems inclined to add a veteran for that role, rather than wait on taking a prospect in the draft.
Come draft weekend in late April, the Packers will be in solid position to upgrade the depth at cornerback, tight end and on the offensive line with three picks in the first 60 selections.
1. Cornerback: With age creeping up on Pro Bowlers Al Harris, 33, and Charles Woodson, 31, and no surefire young replacements in reserve, Green Bay figures to give a long look to the top prospects at the position as the draft commences. Tennessee State's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a perfect fit as a tall, aggressive, speedy cover corner, but high marks he's received thus far in the offseason will have him off the board by No. 30, when the Packers have their first-round selection.
2. Tight end: Even before former starter Bubba Franks was cut in February, Donald Lee was the only reliable player at the position. The team is hopeful young prospect Tory Humphrey can be immune to an injury history. To protect itself, Green Bay could strike early in the draft and tap into a deep tight-end class, led by USC's Fred Davis.
3. Offensive tackle: Like the situation with their starting cornerbacks, the Packers have to start thinking about taking out a couple insurance policies for mainstay bookend tackles Chad Clifton, 31, on the left side and Mark Tauscher, 30, on the right side. Both players have been injury prone the last few years, though they've been hardy in playing through them.