We are done with the first wave of free agency and the Green
Bay Packers have made two big splashes, signing Nate Hobbs from the Las Vegas
Raiders and Aaron Banks from the San Francisco 49ers, a cornerback and guard,
respectively. The Packers have let a majority of their free agents go and while
most are not impact starters, they did provide good depth. Green Bay did
re-sign Isaiah McDuffie and Brandon McManus, though.
1.
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
While the Packers signed a
cornerback and guard this free agent cycle, one position the Team did not
address was the EDGE. Green Bay needs to address it, as Rashan Gary needs to
produce more like his contract suggests, while it is a big season upcoming for
Lukas Van Ness since he needs to take a big leap in the second season in Jeff
Hafley’s defense. Green Bay needs another pass rusher to help out Gary and
create a strong rotation. There were many games the pass rush looked
outstanding, but in many others, they could not get to the opposing
quarterback.
Mike Green was a second team
All-American and Sun Belt DPOY, leading the country with 17 sacks and second in
TFL with 22.5. He is an explosive athlete and would have a chance to contribute
immediately.
2.
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
I had the Packers taking Revel in
the first mock in the first round. He may go a bit before the Packers pick in
the second round, but I will keep him here. Green Bay needs at least one
cornerback in the draft and maybe two. The Packers signed Nate Hobbs from Vegas
and have him along with Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon, and for the
moment, Jaire Alexander. Jaire hasn’t been cut yet, which is surprising, to be
honest. Maybe the Packers think they can get something of value for him in a
trade. Eric Stokes is gone to the Raiders and Corey Ballentine was signed by
Indianapolis.
The Packers need a front-line
starter, as Valentine and Nixon are good 3-4 cornerbacks at the moment, but a
CB1 is needed. Revel has good athleticism and great size at 6-3. One thing
going against him is that he tore his ACL in September. While he should be
fully ready for camp, it will be interesting to see how quickly it takes for
him to feel back to full strength.
3.
Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
Even with the signing of Aaron
Banks, the Packers depth was a bit tested, not to mention we all saw what
happened when the Packers were banged up along the offensive line during last
season’s playoffs. As of right now, the starting five will be Rasheed Walker,
Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Jordan Morgan (or Sean Rhyan) and Zach Tom. However,
Jenkins is due a massive deal next season and both Tom and Walker are up for
extensions. The Packers are always a team that looks to the future and what
problems could arise the following season.
With both tackles in need of an
extension, the Packers could look to take one—or put Morgan out at left tackle
in 2026—and draft more interior linemen. He could be a good guard or tackle in
the NFL, which is what Green Bay likes, as well as his wrestling background, as
Kenny Clark was a high school wrestler as well. He might take a year to
develop, which could be perfect for Green Bay.
4.
Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
The defensive tackle group in this
draft might be the best group in the entire draft. Much like the Packers with
tight ends two years ago, I could see them going multiple defensive tackles in
the first two days to capitalize on that strong position group. Green Bay has a
bunch of decent players at the position, as Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt and Karl
Brooks all have their moments, but they need a stud at the position, not to
mention this very easily could be Clark’s last season in Titletown as his play
isn’t worth his hefty contract.
Hamilton is a good run defender
and with T.J. Slaton gone via free agency, a run stuffer is needed. He is a
strong and quick defensive tackle and has the potential to be a good pick at
this spot for the Packers.
5.
LaQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
Another position that is one of
the best in the draft is running back. Even with drafting Marshawn Lloyd in
last year's draft, I expect another one to be picked this time around as well.
The Packers still really like Emanuel Wilson and I could easily see them keep
four running backs. Allen is still just 20 years old and doesn’t turn 21 until
August, so there is room to grow. He is a solid receiver out of the back field,
leading all FBS running backs with 64 receptions, turning those catches into
521 yards and four touchdowns. He also has the ability to cover kicks and
return punts, both of which Green Bay is looking for.
6.
Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M
The Packers love to take their
offensive linemen and develop them. He is a mountain of a man, standing
6-foot-7, but is super athletic, as evidenced by his 9.44 RAS score. He has
been a left tackle, but despite his age, will need a year to develop. There are
not many better spots to land and develop than Green Bay, as the projected two
starting offensive tackles for the Packers were day three selections. That
includes projected starting left tackle Rasheed Walker, who was a seventh-round
selection.
7.
Zeek Biggers, DT. Georgia Tech
Green Bay should want to
capitalize on the strength of this defensive tackle class. After drafting
Hamilton in the fourth round, the Packers go back to defensive tackle. With
Slaton gone and Kenny Clark getting up there in age, Green Bay needs to replenish
the defensive tackle room. His RAS of 9.80 will be intriguing. He was honorable
mention All-ACC in each of his final two seasons at Georgia Tech. Hamilton had
3.5 tackles for loss last season and was one of the nation’s best at blocking
kicks, recording two.
