Green Bay Packers: Ranking Needs Heading into 2020 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers could go a number of ways in the 2020 NFL Draft, so let’s rank the top needs they should give love to.
For a team that made the NFC Championship game last season, the Green Bay Packers have a number of needs they must address in the 2020 NFL Draft. Although few are glaring, almost all must be addressed within the next two years if they want to stay in contention for a Super Bowl.
With the draft just days away, let’s rank the top seven needs the Packers have.
Tie-5. Running Back, Tight End and Inside Linebacker
I couldn’t decide which was a bigger need between these three positions so we begin this list with a three-way tie. At running back, the Packers are set at the top of their depth chart for the upcoming season with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. However, both are free agents in 2021 and it’s unclear how much they’d be willing to pay to retain one or both.
Inside linebacker is in the same boat with Christian Kirksey signing a two-year deal in free agency. Kirskey has been injury-prone over the last few years, meaning Green Bay could use both depth this season and a long-term plan.
There’s a more immediate need to address tight end, as the unproven Jace Sternberger is projected to be the starter next season. However, it’s unlikely they’ll find an immediate contributor in the draft, as tight end is one of the most difficult positions to find an early contributor for. Selecting one this year could be a depth play for 2020 and a long-term prospect for the future.
4. Cornerback
Similar to inside linebacker and running back, the corners are locked in with Jaire Alexander and Kevin King holding down the starting spots. King is a free agent in 2021 and he’s likely low on the totem pole of all the other pending free agents that season. If Green Bay drafts a corner early this year, it’s likely a signal it will be King’s last go around with the squad. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine also likes to use a fifth defensive back in place of a second inside linebacker, making this position higher on the needs list.
3. Offensive Line
The Packers may be set at the top of their offensive line, but need quality depth and a long-term plan at right tackle. They signed Ricky Wagner as a stop-gap, but it’s unclear how long he’ll hold up for. It’s not out of the realm of possibilities Gutekunst targets a tackle who can begin the season as a reserve and quickly slide into a starting role.
2. Defensive Line
The Packers were one of the worst teams against the run last season and a large reason was the suboptimal play of the defensive line. Other than Kenny Clark, they might not have any other average to above-average players putting their hand in the dirt on every play. There are a couple of players who could slip to the Packers at the end of the first, but it’s more likely they target one in the middle rounds.
Next. Packers: 5 Bold Predictions for 2020 NFL Draft. dark
1. Wide Receiver
The most glaring need on their roster, wide receiver is, fortunately, the deepest position in this year’s class. They’ll have a chance to grab a legit pass-catcher in every round, taking the pressure off them from having to select one early on. Still, don’t be surprised if they double down at the position, grabbing one early and then circling back to snag another receiver in the middle to late rounds.