Is the 3-4 going to be the opening of Pandora’s Box? Matt Williamson thinks so.

This afternoon I popped my head into an online chat on ESPN.com regarding the NFL Scouting Combine. I came across a question regarding the Packer’s needs for the draft. It had to do with the Pack drafting a defensive tackle or end. Matt Williamson was answering these questions at the time, and this was part of his response, “I continue to bring this up, but going to a 3-4 for GB is a terrible idea and by doing so, they have multiplied their D needs dramatically”.

I partially agree with this statement when it comes to player needs. I think that there are needs on the defensive line for the Packers regardless of the defense that is being played next season. And if anything, having one less lineman on the field may be one less player to worry about for GB in the offseason. However, there are a lot more questions that go along with the switch. Can Kampman take on an OLB/DE role? Can our linebackers handle the change? Where does A.J. Hawk fit in, as an OLB or does he change over to a MLB since he filled in for Barnett some last season? Can our cornerbacks play zone schemes as well as they played man-to-man? The list of questions goes on and on.

One thing is for certain this offseason, Ted Thompson and our defensive coaching staff needs to address all of these questions this offseason. This defensive switch needs to be seamless if the Packers are to have any hope of winning the NFC North and being a contender in the playoffs, and the first step I believe will be in Free Agency at the end of the month. The Packers’ front office has not always been the most outgoing when it comes to free agency, but I believe that this is the year to be a mover and a shaker. I think that the Packers need to acquire the right personnel so that when training camps start, the endless list of questions have been answered.