NFL Draft Team Preview: Green Bay was crushed by age, injuries in 2013; Younger defensive players key at No. 21? [VIDEO]

Here at Sports World News we will count down each NFL teams’ 2014 draft needs and perfect fits. At the end of every team we will make a pick on who the team could take at their position. The Packers were crushed by injuries in 2013 and were slow in the defensive side of the ball. That needs to change if they want to catch Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick

2013 Review: The Packers will be a contender as long as Aaron Rodgers decides he wants to play football in Green Bay, but if they want their second Super Bowl the defense has to improve greatly. The Packers looked slow and old against the younger teams like the 49ers and Seahawks. Unfortunately, those are the teams Green Bay will have to go through if they want to win it all. Getting younger and faster on defense wis the key here.

Needs:
Tight End:
 Jermichael Finley is gone and likely will never be the same so the Packers need to find competition for Andrew Quarless. Eric Ebron will likely be gone by No. 21 and Austin Seferian-Jenkisn will likely be gone by their second pick. The Packers can ride with Quarless or get a tight end later on.

Linebacker: This is the likely pick in the first round for Green Bay. Both C.J. Mosley and Ryan Shazier should still be around so they will have their choice. Mosley would an instant upgrade in the middle and can learn from Julius Peppers and Clay Mattews. The Packers are in a good spot with No. 21.

Safety: The Packers could take a look at Calvin Pryor, but they will likely covet the upside of Mosley more. Pryor would be the best safety on the team overnight and some second day prospects could say the same. The safety position for Green Bay is a train wreck and should be addressed early.

Targets: Ra'Shede Hageman, DE/DT, Minnesota
C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State
Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

Best First Round Fit: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
Mosley has a nice combination of size and speed that will be a welcome addition to the Packers defense. Mosley’s stock has taken a hit as of late and rumors have him dropping out of the first round in some mocks. He has recovered somewhat, but nowhere near the top 10 grade he has early in the draft process. If he lives up to his earlier billing, the Packers get a steal and a 10-year starter.

NFL Draft Team Previews:
Philadelphia Eagles
Kansas City Chiefs
San Diego Chargers
Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints
Carolina Panthers
New England Patriots
San Francisco 49ers
Denver Broncos
Seattle Seahawks   

What should the Packers do at No. 21? Tell us @SportsWN

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