After watching the Packers get so close to biggest stage in sports only to be turned away, has many believing the Packers are the team to beat for next year.  But, it’s awfully hard to win 13 games in a season (the Packers have done it 4 times in 87 years) that some changes need to be made to make that dream a reality.  So, here’s my Christmas in July List for Teddy Claus in order of priority.

• Shore up the offensive line.  Without Favre’s quick release, the QB would’ve gotten killed this year and it’s not like there were a lot of huge holes for the RB’s to run through either.  So, either spend some money or invest higher in the draft.  The offensive line features two good but aging tackles and a smart tactician at center.  The guard positions have been a mess since Thompson got there and they still are.  It’s not that he hasn’t tried, he just hasn’t been successful is all.  Something needs to be fixed there.  If you want to sign Fanaca that’s fine.  If you want to sign Jordan Gross and move Tauscher inside that’s fine too.  But, do something.  College is so Jeckyl and Hyde I don’t know if we’re going to get a good game out of him or not.  Coston, Spitz, Moll, it’s been a revolving door at RG and it’s up to Ted Thompson to close that door.
• More at defensive end.  Did you watch the Super Bowl?  The Giants actually flustered Brady.  I didn’t think that was possible.  He’s got ice water in his veins and yet the Giants relentless pass rush set the tone for the game.  I’d love to see another stud DE opposite Kampman and maybe another monster in the middle next to Pickett.  Allen and Haynesworth are both free agents, but they’ll be expensive.  Hell, it’s not like Teddy doesn’t have the money to spend and he loves defensive guys being a former linebacker himself.
• Another RB.  What?  Didn’t we find a guy midway through the season.  Let me give you folks two words: Samkon Gado.  He was supposed to be a savior too, remember?  Yes Ryan Grant looks the part, but I’d rather have another guy on the roster just in case.  In case of injuries, in case Grant is a flash in the pan, in case McCarthy would like to change things up a bit.  Lots of teams have 2 back attacks.  A guy like Justin Fargas would be an awesome compliement to Grant, but he might want the #1 spot.  If you want to draft Felix Jones from Arkansas (McFadden will be long gone people) or Stewart from Oregon, that’s okay too.
• More CB’s.  Can you ever have enough?  I think we should draft at least one every year but this need is probably more immediate than most Packer fans think.  Look, Owens and Burress made Harris look silly.  Could we sign maybe Asante Samuel or Marcus Trufant and move Harris to the slot?  That would be the best defensive backfield in the NFL.
• Another TE.  Donald Lee had a great year.  But, it’s the west coast offense.  We need 2 TE’s and Bubba’s contract is too expensive for what we’re getting in return.
• Competition for Nick Collins.  The kid’s got skills but they don’t seem to come out consistently on the field.  Either work with Rouse to challenge Collins or draft someone.  Rouse is a 6′4″ monster that would create dome matchup problems if he gets on the field.  He does seem to have a nose for the ball as well.  I realize Collins is rarely out of position which is important for the free safety, but he needs to make more plays.

That should do it.  Okay, I need St. Vince to throw a little luck our way on the injury front too.  For the last 2 seasons we’ve been lucky with the injury bug.  That plays as big a part in anyone’s championship season as the talent on the roster.  So, mark it down, on July 25th we’ll revisit the list at the start of training camp and see how things look for another run at the Lombardi.