5. Wide Receiver
Even with Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb likely to come back, the Packers still need a receiver, specifically a deep threat, which they lacked last season. More weapons makes the Green Bay offense that much better. A player like John Brown would make this offense so incredible. The offense would average 30 points per game. Even if they stand pat in free agency, Brian Gutekunst could take a page from Ted Thompson’s book and look ahead since both Nelson and Cobb are free agents in 2019. They could very easily draft one in the first few rounds next month for the future.
4. Right Tackle
Starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga likely will not be ready for the opening game and may actually start on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which would force him to miss the first six weeks. Regardless, if he is kept, the Packers will need a capable backup at right tackle. They are solid from left tackle to right guard, but still have questions at right tackle. When healthy, Bulaga is one of the best right tackles in the league. The key is “when healthy,” as the former Iowa Hawkeye has played 16 games just twice in his seven-year career and has played 12 or fewer games four times, including playing a career-low five games in 2017. The players who played there last year struggled, so a capable backup is needed, especially if Bulaga has to miss a third of the season. Fortunately, Green Bay has done well drafting mid-round offensive linemen. They also could sign a veteran in free agency, such as Justin Pugh.
3. Tight End
There is a big gap between the top three and the rest. Tight end is a must-add this offseason. As of right now, Lance Kendricks is the only tight end on the roster. Mike McCarthy asks his tight ends to do quite a bit, so adding one via free agency is the best option, such as Austin Seferian-Jenkins. The former Buccaneer and Jet is a solid receiver, despite having only 1,070 yards receiving in four years. The quarterbacks for those teams are not exactly good. One thing that does concern me is he has only played 38 games in four seasons. He has improved his blocking significantly, which is a definite positive in McCarthy’s offense. Tight ends always take a little bit of time to make a real impact, which is why a free agent also makes sense. However, unlike a number of Packers fans, I would rather not spend big money on Jimmy Graham. He’s still a good receiver, but he is on the decline, and does not offer much as a blocker. In addition to signing one, drafting one in the first four rounds would be wise too, as there are some real solid players who can be had in the first half of the draft.
2. Cornerback
Some might think this should easily be No. 1, and I admit, it was a tough call between cornerback and pass rusher. It is easy to see why, considering the Packers just shipped off Randall to the NFL’s version of Siberia. There is no question Green Bay needs to use free agency and the draft to shore up this position. One player who intrigues the Packers is Trumaine Johnson, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams. He was No. 1 in press coverage in 2017. It will all depend on how much he asks for, which could knock the Packers out of the running. Some others who may intrigue the organization are Jacksonville’s Aaron Colvin, Washington’s Bashaud Breeland and the recently released Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The draft class is also deep at the position. Grabbing one early and then in the middle rounds would be a good plan. The player I am a huge fan of is Florida State’s Derwin James. He is listed as a safety, but he can also play slot corner as well, and was asked about that in their interview at the combine. With their early fourth, a corner like Wisconsin’s Nick Nelson would be great as well.
1. Pass Rusher
As I stated above, it was close, but what is the secondary’s best friend? That’s right, a pass rush. Clay Matthews is still is a good player, but his days of being a premier pass rusher are over. Add that along with the fact that Nick Perry has yet to play a full season, and you get a gaping hole at pass rusher. They can get pass rushers of any position. Yes, in a 3-4 defense, outside linebackers are the main pass rushers. However, they should look for guys who can rush the passer at other positions as well. I mentioned above about James. Well, he is a jack-of-all-trades guy. He can cover, he can play in the box and he can blitz. The Florida State standout only had one sack last season, but he had 4.5 as freshman. A few more players the Packers could look at in the draft are UT-San Antonio’s Marcus Davenport, Boston College’s Harold Landry and Louisiana State’s Arden Key. In free agency, guys who the Packers could try to sign are Washington’s Trent Murphy and Junior Galette or one of the Eagles pass rushers (maybe Vinny Curry or Brandon Graham, if released) since Philadelphia is in cap hell. I guess we will found out in the next month or so.
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