If A.J. Hawk wasnt so awesome, the Packers might look foolish for not drafting Vernon Davis last year. No worries, though, there are plenty of tight ends available in the early rounds this year.

NFL free agency began on March 2. For Ted Thompson and the Packers, though, it begins on April 28.

Sure, they splurged a little and signed backup cornerback Frank Walker during the NFLs free agent period, but for the most part, Thompson looks to fill the teams holes during the NFL Draft.

That being said, there are plenty of holes to fill. Heres a look at what the Packers need to address most over draft weekend, along with a few candidates to occupy the current vacancies.

Running back

With Ahman Green on his way to Houston, the Packers are left with a Texas-sized hole at the running back position. The thought of Vernand Morency and Noah Herron splitting carries next season is worse than the thought of Brett Favres inevitable retirement in 2018.

Hopefully, the Packers will find a more suitable replacement for Green. As the UWM Posts Mock Draft shows, trading for Chargers backup Michael Turner is a possibility, and might even be the best-case scenario aside from a miraculous fall to pick No. 16 by Oklahomas Adrian Peterson.

Possible draft picks: Ohio States Antonio Pittman (Projected Round: 2), Penn States Tony Hunt (2-3), Auburns Kenny Irons (2-3), Louisvilles Michael Bush (2-4), or anyone but Cals Marshawn Lynch (Undrafted).

Tight end

Bubba Franks was used more as a blocker in 2006, and when he was used as a pass catcher he certainly looked more like an offensive linemen than a tight end.

As for his backups, Donald Lee will return but was pretty ineffective last season, while David Martin decided that hed rather get hurt for the Dolphins this year. Needless to say, its definitely time for an upgrade at the position.

If A.J. Hawk wasnt so awesome, the Packers might look foolish for not drafting Vernon Davis last year. No worries, though, there are plenty of tight ends available in the early rounds this year.

Possible draft picks: Miamis Greg Olsen (1), Arizona States Zach Miller (2), Delawares Ben Patrick (3)

Wide receiver

Wide receiver isnt as big of a need as it has been made out to be, what with the whole Randy Moss trade rumor going around, but it still could be addressed. Donald Driver is a Pro Bowler, Greg Jennings is a nice young prospect, Ruvell Martin is a solid target, Koren Robinson is a big-play guy (when sober), and Robert Ferguson â?¦ well â?¦ hell be here, too.

Any one of these players could be starters on a lot of teams in the NFL “ even Ferguson. Yet, unless a Moss deal goes down on draft day, the Packers probably will select another receiver relatively early. This year, they arent too hard to come by, seeing as this is the deepest position in the draft.

Possible draft picks: Ohio States Ted Ginn Jr. (1), USCs Dwayne Jarrett (1), LSUs Dwayne Bowe (1), Tennessees Robert Meachem (1), South Carolinas Sidney Rice (1), LSUs Craig Davis (2-3), Washington St.s Jason Hill (2-3), UTEPs Johnnie Lee Higgins (3-4)

Safety

In case anyone wonders why Thompson doesnt like throwing money around in free agency, he signed Marquand Manuel to a five-year deal last off season just to remind everyone what a crapshoot it really is.

Manuel was a disappointment in his first year with the Pack and will be a disappointment again next year if he isnt replaced. Marviel Underwood, who had a great training camp in 2006 before an injury ended his season, could take over, but it is very likely that the Packers will spend a first-day pick on a safety.

Possible draft picks: Floridas Reggie Nelson (1), Texas Michael Griffin (1-2), Miamis Brandon Meriweather (1-2)

The running back, wide receiver, tight end and safety positions should all have a few new names on the depth chart following draft weekend, but Thompson wont stop there. The Packers are also looking at numerous offensive and defensive linemen, linebackers and cornerbacks. And, actually, pretty much everything else, too.

Ted Thompsons been waiting all off season for this weekend. Hopefully, his patience will pay off.

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