Green Bay Packers: Ranking the 6 Biggest Positional Needs

With the offseason now here for the Green Bay Packers, in order to continue improving, here is a ranking of the 6 positions they need to address.

While it certainly was a disappointing ending for the Green Bay Packers, overall it was a successful season and they truly came a long ways in just one year. After missing the playoffs two straight seasons, GM Brian Gutekunst helped bring in a new head coach and was very aggressive in free agency and in the draft.

Those efforts certainly paid off, but we also saw they still have a little ways to go to be considered true Super Bowl contenders. Meaning, while this roster doesn’t need the same overhaul that we saw a year ago, some key additions need to be made.

With Green Bay’s offseason now officially underway, it won’t be long before free agency arrives and the NFL draft is here. So as we begin the process of looking ahead, these are the six positions that Gutey and the Packers should look at addressing this offseason, ranked by importance.

6. Tight end

I think it is safe to assume that Jimmy Graham has played his last game in Green Bay and Marcedes Lewis is a free agent, although he has already stated that he would like to be back. Meanwhile, Jace Sternberger saw his role slowly increase after returning from injury and all signs point to Green Bay being in good hands with him as TE1. And given that Robert Tonyan is still an ERFA, he should be back as well.

While those two have a lot of promise, they are still young and tight end is one of the more difficult positions in terms of transitioning from college to the pros. Tight ends need to be effective blockers and be able to run routes like a receiver. Considering that, I think the best alternative is a veteran in free agency. Whether that be Lewis or someone else, but I think having that experience and stability will be a positive for this team.

5. Cornerback

This is a position that the Green Bay Packers have spent some draft capital on in recent years but I still feel there is some uncertainty moving forward. While Jaire Alexander is turning into a shutdown corner and Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan experienced breakout seasons, depth is a very real concern.

For one, Tramon Williams will be 37-years-old soon, so can we expect him back and if so, what level will he be playing at? Also, it’s clear that they don’t trust Josh Jackson, Ka’dar Hollman has potential but is still an unknown, and Tony Brown was cut. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a high draft pick, but addressing CB in April or even in free agency may not be a bad idea.

4. Interior defensive lineman

The lack of help along side of Kenny Clark has never been more clear than what it was in the NFC Championship game. And while that was definitely the worst it’s been this year, it wasn’t new. For much of the season the Green Bay Packers ranked in the bottom quarter of the league in terms of rushing yards allowed per game. And most of that damage was done in between the tackles.

Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster are fine players, but your interior defensive line is going to be limited if they are your second and third options. Meanwhile, Montravius Adams has really been a non-factor. Although Green Bay has already invested a lot into the defensive front, getting Clark some help inside should be high on the to-do list this offseason.

3. Tackle

I have this at No. 3 but it could very well become No. 1 depending on what happens with Bryan Bulaga in free agency. My gut says he will be back and that is why I have the tackle position here. While some may disagree, I don’t think that they have Bulaga’s predecessor on the roster at the moment, I’m just not a fan of sliding Billy Turner over. I think he is best suited where he currently is at guard.

So what I would like to see this offseason is for the Green Bay Packers to spend one of their first three draft picks on a tackle that can sit for a year or two behind Bulaga and learn. Tackle is a premier position in the NFL and the Packers have had two of the best for a while now, but it is time to start planning for the future.

2. Wide Receiver

This could very well be priority No. 1 but given that Allen Lazard, Jake Kumerow, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown and of course, Davante Adams will all likely be back, I’m giving the No. 1 nod to ILB. However, that doesn’t mean this position shouldn’t be a high priority.

The passing game this season was incredibly inconsistent and a big contributor was due to the lack of playmakers Aaron Rodgers had at his disposal. MVS all but disappeared and Geronimo Allison was plagued by drops and he’s just not that dynamic with the ball in his hands. Fortunately we saw the emergence of Lazard, but I believe he is best suited for that 3rd receiver role.

Last offseason we saw Gutekunst revamp the edge-rusher and safety positions and I’m expecting much of the same this year with an infusion of talent at wide receiver. Not to mention that this is a great draft to do just that.

1. Inside Linebacker

Blake Martinez has rarely missed a snap over the years, has been near the top of the NFL in terms of tackles in recent seasons, and he’s the quarterback of this defense. However, he comes with his limitations but that won’t stop him from getting paid in free agency, and I also don’t expect it to be by the Green Bay Packers.

Meanwhile, B.J. Goodson will be a free agent as well, but even if he is brought back, he’s a limited player. And that leaves Oren Burks who’s struggled to see playing time and former 7th round rookie, Ty Summers, which is why I have this as position No. 1 to address this offseason. The Packers just simply cannot go into next season with Summers and Burks as their top ILBs.

A name in the draft many Packer fans are becoming familiar with is Kenneth Murray of Oklahoma and another to watch is Patrick Queen of LSU. In free agency, Joe Schobert has been a solid coverage linebacker for Cleveland but will likely be pricey, and some other names include Danny Trevathan, as well as Kyle Van Noy.

The Green Bay Packers took a giant step forward in 2019, however, we all saw the talent gap that lies between them and the San Francisco 49ers. While not nearly as much work needs to be done in the offseason ahead as was needed previously, there is still work to be done.