Green Bay Packers’ biggest needs after free agency frenzy
The Green Bay Packers were active early on in free agency. However, they still have a number of needs they must address moving forward.
The Green Bay Packers did something they haven’t done in a very long time-maybe in forever. General manager Brian Gutekunst was very active in free agency and made a bunch of big moves. The level of aggressiveness came as a surprise to just about everyone, as Green Bay moved to address their biggest weaknesses.
Gutekunst spent big money on four free agents (three on defense and one on offense) in the first few days of free agency. He agreed to terms with offensive guard Billy Turner, outside linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith and safety Adrian Amos. The Packers clearly upgraded their roster with those four additions but at what cost?
Regardless, the Packers are not only better off from an overall roster standpoint, but they are also better off when it comes to the NFL Draft. Before free agency began, Gutekunst was in a position to draft for need instead of the best overall player. Because of the lack of depth in Green Bay, the general manager was going to potentially be forced to reach for a player. Now, he can let the draft come to him.
The Packers addressed their biggest areas of need in outside linebacker and safety. That doesn’t mean they don’t have needs remaining, as that’s certainly not the case. Let’s check out four positions they should attempt to address before the offseason is over.
Cornerback
Yes, the Packers spent their first two picks in 2018 on corners in Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson respectively. They also spent a high pick on Kevin King in the previous season. However, Davon House was a complete bust, Tramon Williams might move to safety and Bashaud Breeland is gone. King has also struggled with injuries throughout his career, same with Alexander during his brief stint and Jackson struggled with the speed of the NFL.
The Packers certainly have talent on their roster with King, Alexander and Jackson-don’t get me wrong. However, they could make do with adding another player for depth purposes in order to have insurance when King inevitable goes down.
Offensive Line
The Packers likely have their starters set with the addition of Billy Turner, but it’s a unit that has struggled with injuries in the past. Bryan Bulaga has hardly been healthy as of late and the Jason Sprigss hasn’t proven he can be up to the task. Turner is versatile and can move all over the line, however, Green Bay should add another quality backup.
Wide Receiver
Yes, the Packers have a bunch of receivers with potential in Geronimo Allison, Jake Kumerow, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Equanimous St. Brown and J’Mon Moore. Unfortunately, none of them are a sure thing.
If the right playmaker is there early in the draft, I wouldn’t be surprised if Green Bay takes him. Davante Adams is the only proven receiver on Green Bay’s roster and Aaron Rodgers can’t do it all by himself anymore. The more weapons the better and that includes at receiver.
Middle linebacker
The Packers certainly need to address the middle linebacker position at some point this offseason. They have Blake Martinez and very little else after that. Oren Burks has been a bust so far in his short career and the Josh Jones experiment has failed miserably.
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Martinez has been pretty good when he’s been on the field so I’m not sure if Green Bay will use a high pick on the position. Regardless, it’s clear they need to address the position in some way.