Green Bay Packer News: McMillian Could Solve Defensive Woes

Despite finishing with the league's best record, and claiming the number one seed in the NFC, the Green Bay Packers finished last season on a low note.

The first and final appearance for the Packers in the postseason was unbearable, to say the least, for the fans and the organization to watch.

However, the best teams in the offseason, as history has shown, are the ones who address their needs directly, and correct the problems that destroyed their hopes of another championship.

As good as the Packers were last season, their secondary was terrible. Their defense allowed more passing yards than any other team in the history of the league.

Defensive captain Charles Woodson, a 15-year NFL veteran, is well aware of this situation.

For us in the secondary, Woodson said, it stings a great deal to be attached to the worst passing defense in the league. We look forward to this season and being able to play the way we love to play.

After the Packers let go of safety Nick Collins, due to health concerns, the team looked to the NFL Draft to supply their needs, and provide some depth for their secondary.

With their second pick in the fourth round, Green Bay selected Jerron McMillian from the University of Maine. McMillian has taken reps with the first team and the Packers believe that they have found the solution to some of their problems.

We're going to be a lot stronger, cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The way we played last year . . . that's my group and I take responsibility for it. We're going to play better. Period.

We're going to get back to playing like we did in the past. And that will happen.

McMillian, who impressed scouts at his pro day by running an astonishing 4.35 40-time, was known as a hard-hitter during his years at Maine, and is considered by many draft analysts as one of the steals in this year's draft.

After his selection, defensive coordinator Dom Capers told the media about how he impressed he was with McMillian skills, and how he expects him to make a big contribution to the much needed secondary.

He had a very aggressive style. He had the movement and speed, Capers said. He could play deep and go after the ball, but also had the speed to move up and play the run. I even talked about bringing him up in the blitz for pass rushing.

The Packers secondary has been known to have its legion of stars, and yet after last season's disappointing results, the reputation is considered tarnished by most spectators.

When asked if he thinks he can begin his NFL career as a starter, McMillian shrugged off the question, but seemed optimistic about his ability.

I don't want to say I can, I don't want to say I can't, McMillian told the Associated Press. If this opportunity comes, I feel good about it now. I will work hard.

The Packers and rookie McMillian will have their first crack at live action on August 9 in their first preseason game against the San Diego Chargers.