Green Bay Packers: Five biggest NFL Draft needs
By Josh McPeak
4. Depth on the Offensive Line
Right tackle Bryan Bulaga is under contract for the next two seasons. The often injured tackle will also make around 15 million dollars over those two seasons. When he plays, he is good, but more often than not, he is on the injury report.
The Packers need players who are capable of stepping in and keeping Rodgers clean and healthy. Rodgers is more comfortable out of the pocket, so they also need guys who are capable of blocking for extensive durations while not drifting downfield.
An NFL Draft presents a perfect, cap friendly method, of addressing such issues.
Martinas Rankin is an athletic tackle from the University of Mississippi State that could step in and provide immediate depth. He could also be ready to fill any void left by a time-consuming injury Bulaga has suffered in the past.
Connor Williams is also an intriguing prospect from the University of Texas. Williams has the ability to slide in at guard, while also providing depth at tackle.
If the Packers choose to focus at guard, Braden Smith from the University of Auburn is also a viable draft prospect. Smith is talented at both run and pass blocking. His 35 reps at the NFL combine surprised many, as his game doesn’t display that type of power.
One thing is for sure, keeping Rodgers completely healthy for a whole season absolutely makes or breaks this team.
It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the Packers use multiple picks on the offensive line. The main question is how early will they do that. How far would an Orlando Brown have to fall for the Packers to take a chance on a great player, but a poor workout athlete?
We will know soon enough.