2007 Outlook:

The Pack enter 2007 on the heels of a 4-game winning streak to close the 2006 campaign. The club has tried to surround its franchise quarterback with young talent and have done a good job finding it in previous NFL drafts. In order for this team to have a quality season, the running back questions will have to be answered quickly. With the loss of Ahman Green to free agency, the Pack is left with Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, and rookie Brandon Jackson leading the charge from the backfield. It will be critical for them to run well to take some of the pressure off of Brett Favre. The NFC North division is not an overly strong division, so the Pack must get their wins against the Vikes and Lions and hope for a split with the Bears to have any hopes of making a wildcard appearance in the NFL Playoffs.

2007 Draft Review:

Much to the dismay of Packer fans around the world, the Pack used it's first round pick on a player who would have been a top 10 draft pick, had he not been hurt during his final season as a Tennessee Volunteer. Harrell will solidify the weakest part of the Packers team which proved to be an achilles heel for the defensive unit all season long. The Packers also added some speed and skill positions with Brandon Jackson and Clowney which have an opportunity to provide the offense some rushing and a much needed deep threat. They also managed to get a possible opening day starter at the safety position in Aaron Rouse and got the best kicker in the draft with Mason Crosby. Despite the fact that Packer fans only like "sexy" draft picks, Ted Thompson did the right thing and earned his club a high mark on the draft. Draft Grade: B+

Key Acquisition:

The Pack did not make much noise in the NFL Free Agency period this season, opting instead to look to the draft for help. Second round draft pick, Brandon Jackson, will have an opportunity to take over the running back position by seasons begin and could provide fantasy owners with a respectable 900 yd/6TD rusher. Jackson however, was unable to be the full time back at Nebraska, so his ability to handle the entire grueling NFL season will be suspect.

Key Departure:

Two key members left the Packer backfield in Ahman Green and long time lead blocker, William Henderson. While both players had great careers, the Packers were smart enough to cut ties with both of them in lieu of paying high free agent contracts to players that are past their prime. Both will be missed, however the right decision was made. It will be up to the fresh crop of runners to make these two missed a bit less.

Offensive Preview:

The Packers enter 2007 with some quality young talent. After posting the 10th best offense in the NFL, the Packers have lost a couple key members of their skill squad by choosing not to retain Green and Henderson. The good news for the incumbent running back, whether it is Morency or Jackson, is that the offensive line is young and good. A full season together was instrumental in the Packers late season run last year as the line continued to improve all season long. Look for the offensive line to continue it's growth and with Jennings and Driver leading the way on the edges, the Pack will be in line for an exceptional passing game assuming the running game can provide some relief to draw up the defensive backs.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

Winner of the "Most Improved" award last season, the Packers showed some life on a defense that over the past four seasons, has been one of the leagues' worst. The linebackers are solid with budding stars AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett and the D-line was given a boost in this years draft with the addition of Harrell to complement Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Kampman. The Packers boast two of the best cover corners in the league in Harris and Woodson and have a solid free safety in Collins. This unit is the RobinSports sleeper of the year for defensive units as we predict a top 7 statistical finish with the team being available in the late rounds of your fantasy draft. While Rayner had a decent year at best, it may not be enough to hold the job with newcomer Mason Crosby entering the mix. Best to avoid the Packers kicking situation until further notice.

Season Prediction:

While the Packers finished last season on a high note, you cannot ignore the fact that they enter the 2007 season with a host of unproven players on the offensive side of the ball. The question for this team is whether the defense can step up and carry them into a wild card slot in the NFL Playoffs. The four game run at the end of the season last year, hurt more than it helped in multiple facets. Their draft pick was lower, but most importantly, they end up with a mid-level strength of schedule with which they will not be able to navigate to a winning season and a playoff birth as old Favre's time runs short.

Projected Finish

8 Wins, 8 Losses (2nd NFC North)

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