Free Agency Priorities
Guard
Caleb Schlauderaff could easily become a future starter given their history of late round success and draft success in general, but I wouldn’t want to count on him next year. They almost never sign outside free agents, so they’ll probably resign Daryn Colledge instead of an outside free agent at guard.
Rush Linebacker
This has about a snow ball’s chance in hell of happening, but if they could sign an established outside free agent rush linebacker, that would be sick. Instead, they’ll hope they can find a consistent producer from Frank Zombo, Brad Jones, Erik Walden, and Ricky Elmore.
3-4 Defensive End
They seem ready to part with Cullen Jenkins as a free agent. They won’t sign anyone from the outside, but that might be a good idea. CJ Wilson, Mike Neal, and Lawrence Guy all have talent, but not a lot of experience.
Draft Needs
Rush Linebacker
Clay Matthews is a beast. Even more impressive is that he’s doing all this without someone across from him to draw attention. They need someone like what LaMarr Woodley is to James Harrison in Pittsburgh.
Drafted Ricky Elmore (#197)
Guard
Daryn Colledge is a free agent and he needed to be upgraded anyway. Danny Watkins is a 2nd rounder who can come in and help right away.
Drafted Caleb Schlauderaff (#179)
Offensive Tackle
After another season ending injury, Mark Tauscher is likely done. Chad Clifton had a Pro Bowl year, but turns 35 in June. He has 2 years left on his deal and I think he’ll call it quits afterwards. The plan likely is to move Bulaga to left tackle when that time comes. Bulaga was drafted with the 23rd pick in 2010. That would leave them needing a new right tackle. I’m not sold on TJ Lang.
Drafted Derek Sherrod (#32)
3-4 Defensive End
Cullen Jenkins is a free agent and Johnny Jolly is coming off a season long suspension that might not be lifted before 2011 starts.
Drafted Lawrence Guy (#233)
Running Back
James Starks and Ryan Grant will likely split carries in 2011, assuming both are healthy, but Grant will be in a contract year in 2011 and he’s 29 in December coming off a season ending injury. He’s likely gone after 2011. They’ll need a compliment to James Starks for the future because Starks is injury prone and Brandon Jackson sucks.
Drafted Alex Green (#96)