2012 NFL Draft: Nick Perry Will Get Green Bay Packers Back to the Super Bowl

The Green Bay Packers desperately needed to pick up a pass-rusher in the 2012 NFL draft, and USC's Nick Perry has answered the prayers of Cheeseheads everywhere.

The Packers' biggest problem last season was the lack of a pass-rush, and Perry is the solution.

Perry is a 6'3", 271 pound defensive end, but he will likely switch to outside linebacker to fit Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme.

The Green Bay Packers gave up an NFL-record 4,796 passing yards last season. While the initial reaction from many fans was to blame the secondary, the pass-rush lay at the heart of the problem.

Green Bay had 47 sacks in 2010, which tied them for second in the league, and the team won the Super Bowl. The following season, the Packers dropped to 27th in the league with just 29 sacks on the year.

The secondary did give up a disgusting amount of yardage, but they also led the league in interceptions with 31 picks, which is far ahead of the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers, who finished tied for second with 23. 

The difference between the Packers' fifth-ranked defense in 2010 and their 27th ranked defense in 2011 was their complete inability to rush the passer.

Perry is the answer to many of Green Bay's problems: he was a stud at USC, finishing his junior year with 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. 

Perry red-shirted in 2008, then made an impact in his first season on the field for the Trojans with nine sacks and 10 tackles for a loss, earning him a spot on the Freshman All-American Team.

He did take a step back in 2010, but his production during his last season in Southern California has earned him the right to be a first-round pick.

General manager Ted Thompson and the rest of the Packers' war room did him justice and drafted him with the 28th pick, taking the first step towards the team's second championship in three seasons.

Perry's presence on defense will restore balance to the Packers' roster.

On offense, Aaron Rodgers led the team to one of the most prolific seasons in NFL history, which resulted in a 15-1 record, despite the defense's futility. Even if the Packers defense is mediocre, the team should be considered a favorite to win the Super Bowl.

The offense was unbeatable at times during last season, but did show vulnerability in the playoffs. A boost on defense could work wonders.

Rodgers was under pressure to win every game by himself last year because no lead was secure with the Packers' dreadful defense. If the unit can help out even with a few victories next season, the Packers' confidence would be sky-high heading into the postseason.

Few teams can match the talent that Green Bay has on their roster, especially with Perry added to the mix.

The USC pass-rusher will be a perfect complement to Clay Matthews, who shares his alma mater. 

If Perry has a weakness, it will be shown when dropping into coverage. He is a natural pass-rusher, but does not have a lot of experience in coverage.

In comparison, Matthews excels in this area. According to Pro Football Focus, Matthews held opposing quarterbacks to a lower passer rating than any other 3-4 outside linebacker in the league. 

Matthews' proficiency in coverage will give Perry free reign to go after opposing QBs, which is what he does best. As he continues to learn from Matthews and the Green Bay coaching staff, Perry will undoubtedly become a more well-rounded player.

But his future potential is not the main concern for the Pack heading into 2012, as the team has the necessary parts to put together another Super Bowl run.

Perry's presence in the pass-rush will be influential enough to draw attention away from Matthews. If Perry can be effective enough to prevent regular double-teams on Matthews, the Packers' sack totals will reach the numbers recorded in 2010. 

A Perry-Matthews one-two punch will be the key to Green Bay's success on defense in 2012. If this all-USC combination can get after the quarterback, the Packers' defense will no longer be considered one of the worst in the league.

With the offense playing at such a high level, the addition of Perry will push Green Bay towards their fifth Lombardi Trophy.