The Packers finished the season 27th in the league with 29 sacks. The lack of pressure on the quarterback was mainly due to weak linebacker play, outside of Clay Matthews. Another problem the Packers may have for next season is the health of Nick Collins.

Green Bay, however, he could become the explosive third down back that the Packers have been looking for. He would be a nice compliment to James Starks, becoming a more explosive version of Ryan Grant. James would be able to contribute right away to an...

The big question: While picking Green off the scrap heap in 2010 proved to be a savvy move by Thompson remember Greens hit on Ben Roethlisberger in Super Bowl XLV causing Nick Collins pick-six interception? Hes clearly not a high priority to re-sign.

On the other, the Packers intercepted 31 passes, tops in the league. The first number suggests the Packers struggled in coverage. The second suggests they were covering pretty tight at least a fair amount of the time, even without safety Nick Collins...

He started all 13 games for the Irish and ranked No. 2 on the team with 93 tackles. Smith's seven interceptions were a team-high as was his seven pass breakups. The Packers are in the market for safety help with the unknown future of Nick Collins and...

Consider when some of the Packers free agents signed in years past: LB A.J. Hawk, 2011 - Agreed to a five-year, $33.75 million deal hours after pre-lockout free agency started. K Mason Crosby, 2011 - Agreed to a five-year, $14.75 million deal the same...

But there is little doubt he could help the Lions on the field. 28. Green Bay Packers Kiper's pick: Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith Seifert comment: The Packers figure to know the future of Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins by the time the draft comes. ...

They'll both need to cutback on their aggressive nature and just let plays happen. With Williams and Shields in the backfield, the Green Bay Packers should hopefully be able to slow down opponents' receivers. See, I told you we would get to Charles...

The former Michigan State Spartan was selected by the media as a First Team All-Big Ten player and recorded 80 tackles and four interceptions in his senior year. The Packers may have to a glaring hole in their roster if Nick Collins is unable to return...

Cullen Jenkins was sorely missed at right defensive end, little to no production was received from outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews and Nick Collins' season-ending neck injury handicapped the back end. But one factor that gets overlooked is...

If they were to find a couple of pass rush options in FA it would go a long way in helping the defense. Moreover, their secondary could use some work. They should look toward FA for help there, especially at safety. With the whole Nick Collins neck...

The days from Weeks 1 and 2 when Morgan Burnett and Nick Collins were paired up in the Packers' defensive backfield. Now, it's Charlie Peprah and Morgan Burnett. I guess you never know what you have until you lose it. After the way Burnett played in...

Nick of Columbus, Ohio, wrote: "What might the chances be of [ Green Bay Packers general manager] Ted Thompson going for another Oakland free agent cornerback? Maybe they could pair him with Tramon Williams on the other side, and move Charles Woodson...

When the draft and free agency rolls around this year, if there was one position the packers should try and stock up on it would be the defensive back unit. There is no immediate need for an upgrade in this unit except for the issue with Nick Collins...

Allen is just the type of player who can fit into the Packers' style of defense. He is a playmaker and a ball hog. He should be a solid strong safety in the league who can also make tackles and help stop the run game. The health of Nick Collins might...

He was replaced five years later by a good, one-time Pro Bowl center, Mike Flanagan. He played until 2006 and was replaced by a good, one-time Pro Bowl center, Scott Wells. LeRoy Butler was a linchpin of the 96 Packers defense. He was followed by Darren...

They will still trail Pittsburgh (6), San Francisco (5) and Dallas (5). If the Patriots lose, they will tie the Broncos, Bills and Vikings for most losses (4). A defensive player has scored a touchdown in the last three Super Bowls. (James Harrison,...

If Thompson does decide to address the rush OLB position later in the draft, Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB, West Virginia or Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma would also be solid choices. Charlie Peprah is a huge liability in coverage; he cannot be trusted. Nick...

This was clear in 2011 when Morgan Burnett, a talented but young safety out of Georgia, tried to take over for Nick Collins, but struggled at times, despite making some big plays throughout the season. I think that if the Packers lose Collins, it would...