NFL Team Needs: Green Bay Packers Team Needs
By Jon Dove
The Green Bay Packers are hoping that a healthy Aaron Rodgers will lesson the urgency to fill the other team needs on the roster.
Aaron Rodgers remains one of the top quarterbacks in the entire NFL. However, he has had some injuries throughout his career. The Green Bay Packers always tend to immediately fall out of the playoff race when Rodgers misses an extended period of time.
During this past season, Rodgers’ absence also brought to light some of the teams bigger needs. Green Bay has nearly $20 million in cap space and a pick in each round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Reviewing the Packers roster shows several areas that need to be addressed. Outside of the top-3 listed below, Green Bay could use help in the pass rushing department and along the interior of the offensive line.
Below are the Green Bay Packers top-3 team needs:
1. Right Tackle
Bryan Bulaga has only started all 16 games in a season twice in his career. Even when he’s in the starting lineup he is often nursing some sort of injury. The Packers must find a more reliable option at right tackle.
More from With the First Pick
- 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
- 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
- Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
- 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
- 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023
This becomes a major need based on the fact that this team isn’t the same with Aaron Rodgers out of the lineup. Green Bay would be wise to sure up the offensive line in order to keep Rodgers upright and healthy.
Bulaga is a solid player, but his lack of availability creates problems across the entire offensive line. There is just too much inconsistency and shuffling when he is forced to miss time.
2. Inside Linebacker
Blake Martinez and Jake Ryan are serviceable inside linebackers. However, neither player stands out as a difference maker. The Packers have been searching for a stud inside linebacker for the past several years.
This year they might have an opportunity to land someone like Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds or Georgia’s Roquan Smith in the draft. Both would serve has an upgrade and provide the Packers with some upside at the position.
3. Defensive Line
Mike Daniels is a stud and force along the defensive line. However, the rest of the group doesn’t offer him much help. It’ll be interesting to see how new defensive coordinator, Mike Pettine, wants to fill out his lineup.
Pettine has mainly ran a 3-4 base system in the past, but does feature a lot of different alignments. Maybe, he looks to bring in a more traditional defensive end prospect who could also help with the pass rush.