Packers draft? Free agents to fill needs? I see the Packers having a 3 pronged attack here. Probably not any different than any other team, but a little more "frugal" in their case because of cap space.
1. Make a run at one or two free agents early, who could really help the team. Even if you don't get them, force those who get them to over pay, and be out of the market for others, possibly even in other positions, that we can afford but that other team can't, any longer. Of course, if one falls in our lap, get the pen out, and ink him.
2. Draft for back ups that have the potential to move into starter positions later in the season or next year. Don't settle for a guy who is "plug and play" if he doesn't have the high side of the guy who needs a little time to learn his job. It's a 17 game season, and you need to play them all, not just the early games. Make those picks count. Best players? Yes. But, best based on position of need. In my opinion, the Packers should have a listing of the top 100 guys that they want, in the specific order they want them, and stick to that list.
There is no reason to believe that because a guy who is listed 91st suddenly becomes better than the guy you have at 77, because the best players by position than the guy in 91 have been taken. That's panic drafting. You end up with some dumb mistakes. Kind of like trading up to get Love. Why?
Trade DOWN when you are absolutely certain that you're going to still be able to get the next up on your list, or someone a little further down at the same position, who is nearly as good. It also gives you a shot at adding another player from your top 100. Let's face it. If you can get a 4th, and possibly a 5th, instead of only 3, that's a pretty good deal, and the majority of players in the top 100 will at least be good enough to offer some help to a team, at least in ensuing years, and as a back up today.
3. Back to free agents. Now's when you look for those diamond in the rough players, like the Packers found with Rasual Douglas, and a couple of others. The picks of the litter are already gone, now there's the guys not worth it, and those who are trying to resort their lives and career, and have dedicated themselves to becoming a viable member of a team.
This is as much a psychological game as it is anything else. You have to interview the guys, and try to evaluate what makes them tick, and where they will take this new opportunity. Fortunately, the Packers decision makers seem to be able to see through the BS, and find those who are focused on becoming players to be reckoned with.
But, above all, this is my opinion. Disagree if you want. In fact, I hope you do, as long as you throw out reasoning, not inflammatory comments.
