Packers Could Seek D-Line Help in Draft

Midway through the 2011 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers injury bug and lack of pass rush at the defensive end position has added pressure to the secondary, which has, in turn, led to a rough start for the entire Packer defense.  It is safe to say that the loss of Mike Neal to injury in the first half of the season has been a disappointment, as the 2010 second round pick has gotten on the playing field only a handful of times in his first two seasons. With Howard Green, C.J. Wilson, and Ryan Pickett manning the end positions, the Green Bay line is stout against the run, but struggles to get to the quarterback. 

In analyzing this position of need, there are two players I have identified as possible help for the line via the draft. 

Nebraska's Crick (6'6, 285) is a prime candidate for the 3-4 DE position at the next level, having played as both a defensive end and tackle for the Cornhuskers. Crick's 2011 campaign has been cut short due to a torn pectoral injury, but he was coming off of two prior seasons in which he recorded 9.0 and 9.5 sacks, respectively. Crick shows a nonstop motor and appears to be a blue-collared type of lineman in the mold of Aaron Kampman.  Though Crick does not have the same elite sack artist skills that made Kampman so unique for his size, Jared does possess the ability to bull rush, as well as occasionally get around the tackle with his speed to rush the quarterback. One of the things Crick does especially well is his ability to diagnose and react to plays in both the run and pass. It was unfortunate that he went down with an injury this season, Jared Crick could still be a mid to late second round pick this upcoming draft.

Boise State's Billy Winn (6-4, 295) has experience on the inside and outside and stands out for his quick burst off the snap to penetrate the line and make stops in the backfield.  He has had a slower start to this season, but had a breakout season as a sophomore when he had 6.0 sacks and 12..5 tackles for a loss.  Though Winn can get caught up in blocks and sometimes disappears, he does seem to show a sense of energy play in and play out that could be molded into an effective part of a defensive line rotation at the NFL level. His numbers do not reflect the impact he makes on the Broncos line and I see Winn as a late second, early third round pick, with his stock on the rise.