How the 3-4 changes the needs of The Pack this Offseason

The Malnarn has already discussed some of the Pros and Cons of the Packers' switch from the 4-3 defense to the 3-4, but I have some things to add to the converstion.

I am completely in favor of the Packers switching to a 3-4 defense, but there are several changes that are going to need to be made this offseason to be successful. The 3-4 allows you to have more speed on defense by using an additional linebacker in place of a lineman, but there are some questions regarding whether or not our current personel are capable, and that will be tough to determine before free agency and the draft.

The needs of the Packers before the defensive change was that we are in need of a 1st round cornerback to eventually replace our aging corners Al Harris and Charles Woodson. I personally think that these guys both have a couple good years left in them and that the zone schemes that go along with the 3-4 may even work to their favor.

There is a rumor out there that does have me concerned, that being the movement of All-Pro lineman Aaron Kampman to an outside lineback position, much like the Giants did with Mathias Kewanuka. Kampman is one of the best pass rushers in the league so my initial response to this is that it doesn't seem like a very good idea. I thought about it further and my stance is that the Packers' D-Line with the exception of Kampman has not been very good, so I believe that it comes down to the costs associated with it. If moving him means that he is less productive, but improves the overall defense, which I believe that the coaching staff is anticipating, then it will be a good move, but only time will tell.

So here is what i'm looking for out of the Packers this offseason:

Free Agency should be relatively easy for the Pack with the notable free agents being Mark, Tauscher, Atari Bigby, and Ruvell Martin. The Packers dont have a great deal of big money players that are needing to be resigned, and with the Pack having between $25-30 million in cap space, they have the potential to make some moves this off season.

As far as the NFL Draft goes, the experts are expecting the Packers to choose Malcolm Jenkins, CB from Ohio State with thier first pick and the 9th pick overall. I think that Ted Thompson will look to the defensive line or maybe even an outside linebacker with the first pick. My potential picks include Aaron Maybin who is considered a DE/OLB from Penn State, Brian Orakbo who is also considered a DE/OLB from Texas, Everette Brown a DE from FSU, or maybe the Packers will sure up their linebacking corp and go with Brian Cushing, an outstanding OLB from USC.

Only time will tell, but I am very excited for the move to the 3-4 defense and I think that we will see a far superior defense on the field next year than we did this year.