NFL Offseason Roadmap is a series focused on the needs of NFL teams as they begin the offseason.
After going 8-8 in 2006, and the annual rite of spring -- awaiting word on Brett Favre's future -- the Green Bay Packers weren't expected to do much this season. They were still a young team, with a young coach, and a quarterback who didn't seem sure he wanted to still play. And then there were the Bears, division rivals coming off a trip to the Super Bowl.
Well, a funny thing happened on the way to not doing much; the Packers won 13 games, put up some impressive offensive stats, and the defense was among one of the best in the NFC. There was the disappointing loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship game, but
1. Quarterback. Obviously, it's Favre's job if he wants it. What's not so obvious is if Favre wants the gig; he's supposedly figuring that out right now. Even if Favre decides to retire, the Packers are in good shape with 2005 first-round pick Aaron Rodgers. He showed promise during the preseason and limited action in the regular season. If Rodgers becomes the starter, Green Bay will need to find an adequate backup.
2. Defensive line. Rookie first-rounder Justin Harrell had a disappointing year, but the Packers expect to lose one of their three top defensive linemen to free agency. Harrell will need to have a solid sophomore season, and it might be a good idea for the team to add some depth.
3. Safety. Atari Bigby made some progress in his second season, but he sometimes struggled in coverage and was on pace to set the single-season pass-interference record. He played well later in the year (particularly against the Seahawks in the NFC Divisional round), but he will need to be more consistent in 2008.
4. Wide receivers. This isn't really an immediate concern, especially with Greg Jennings lighting it up in '07 (53 receptions, 920 yards, 12 touchdowns). But Driver will be 33 next season and although James Jones had a strong showing as a rookie, the Packers made need some depth at the position in a year or two. Again, nothing urgent, but potentially a long-term concern.
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