2009 Packers New 3-4 Defense Improved with Draft
Green Bay Getting Ready for Playoff Run, Draft Two Studs Round One
Apr 28, 2009
Packers Build Up Defense Through Draft
The Green bay Packers selected Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji, with the 9th pick in the 2009 NFL draft. By drafting Raji, the Packers added size, strength, and depth to their defensive line.
With the new 3-4 scheme the Packers will play on defense, drafting Raji (325 pounds)will give Green Bay one of the biggest lines in the NFL. Justin Harrel (310) will move from DT to DE with Cullen Jenkins (305) on the other side and Ryan Pickett (330) will clog up the middle at nose tackle.
The depth of the defensive line will allow Green Bay to rotate their line and give offenses different looks; thus creating mismatches, and adding more pressure on the quarterback. The Packers ranked 25th in the league in 2008 with just 27 sacks. To be successful in the 3-4, the Packers must produce more pressure on the QB...must.
Packers Rookie Linebacker Clay Matthews
In the 2008 draft, it was Raider great Howie Long having his son picked number one. The Packers 26th pick; USC linebacker Clay Matthews III, has his own family legacy at USC and in the NFL.
Matthews father Clay Jr., and uncle Bruce Matthews, each played nineteen seasons in the NFL after attending USC. Bruce retired in 2001 having played in a record 296 games, Jr. played in 278; hows that for pedigree?
In Matthews, the Packers are getting a very versatile linebacker that can play inside, or on the edge and attack the QB. He also excels in special teams, being named USC's special teams co-player of the year his last three seasons there.
Green Bay Packers 2009 Defense
Adding Raji and Matthews to Green Bay gives the Packers the talent needed to ease into the 3-4 scheme. It even allows them run a 4-3 without much problems; as Raji is a natural nose tackle and Matthews can play anywhere at linebacker.
The secondary, anchored by Charles Woodson and Al Harris , needs to stay healthy for maximum success. Once again, the added pressure will also add to interceptions (3rd in NFL with 22), and defensive touchdowns (1st with 6); just ask the 2008 Super Bowl Giants.
It takes a total team effort to be a Super Bowl contender in the NFL. The 2009 Green Bay Packers are built to win now. With Aaron Rogers to start his second season under center, the offense should be as good as or better than last year (8th in the NFL).
On paper, the Packers defense looks to be a top three unit in the NFL. Time will tell though; that's why they play the games.
If the defense flops and the Packers don't make the playoffs; it could be an embarrassing moment for the coaching staff. Head coach Mike McCarthy took a chance by changing schemes hiring Dom Capers. The talent is there; but can he get them to execute?
