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Green Bay Packers: 5 Positions to Target Outside of Round 1 in 2020 NFL Draft

By Brian Sampson

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners plays against the LSU Tigers during the College Football Playoff Semifinal in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners plays against the LSU Tigers during the College Football Playoff Semifinal in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers might not need to target these five positions with their top pick, but should definitely address it at some point in the NFL Draft.

The Green Bay Packers are in a position to mostly play the board in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and select the best player available. They have a number of big needs including wide receiver, defensive line and offensive tackle.

There are a few caveats, however, as Green Bay likely wants to select a player who can help them win this season. That might eliminate certain positions like quarterback and running back from being selected given they have bonafide starters already on their roster.

After Round 1, the Packers will want to improve their depth and skill by targeting these five positions with their other nine picks:

Tight End

The Packers tight end room is suddenly razor thin and one of the biggest question marks on the roster. Despite Jimmy Graham’s questionable play the past two seasons, they at least had a veteran they knew they could depend on. Now, they’ll rely heavily on Jace Sternberger–a completely unproven second-year pro–next season. Tight ends traditionally take time to develop, but selecting one this season could provide them depth for future seasons and someone to rival Sternberger should he not develop as they hope.

Defensive Line

Outside of Kenny Clark, the Packers’ defensive linemen were underwhelming last season and part of the reason why they struggled to stop the run. They could definitely target this position with their first pick, but might be wise to circle back to it regardless of what happens. They need quality depth and more competition to take the next step forward on defense.

Quarterback

Jordan Love is a hot name at quarterback should he fall to the 30th overall selection. However, they’d be wise to pass on him and address a greater need this season. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be out of the question to take a look at Jalen Hurts in Round 3 or another quarterback in the middle round of the draft. Even if we’re still a few years away from Aaron Rodgers retiring, Green Bay could use a major upgrade to their backup.

Cornerback

Kevin King is a free agent in 2021 and the Packers don’t have much depth behind him and Jaire Alexander. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine also loves to use a fifth defensive back to play all over the field in his “base” defense. The Packers have used a lot of resources at the top of the draft to address their secondary, and have had mixed results. Maybe it’s time they try their luck in later rounds.

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Running Back

Both Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are free agents after next season and it’s unclear if one or both will be brought back. Christian McCaffery just signed a huge contract and if Jones has another monster season he could want a similar one. The Packers will be smart to get ahead of that issue and draft a potential placement.

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