Pros and Cons of Green Bay Packers 2020 NFL Draft
A lot of attention is paid to the negatives of the Green Bay Packers 2020 NFL Draft, but let’s take a look at a few positives as well.
Heading into the draft, analysts and fans alike expected the Green Bay Packers to address what outsiders considered their biggest needs–pass-catchers and offensive and defensive line. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur saw things a bit differently. Okay, a lot different.
In the first round, Green Bay moved up four spots in the draft (by trading away their fourth round pick) and acquired Jordan Love, a quarterback out of Utah State. That wasn’t the only surprising move throughout the three-day extravaganza, however, as they selected running back A.J. Dillon and tight end/H-back Josiah Deguara in the next two rounds. On Day 3, they went with an inside linebacker in the fifth, three straight offensive linemen in the sixth and a safety and outside linebacker in the final round. There’s one notable position missing.
That’s not exactly the path people thought the Packers would take, as they failed to draft a wide receiver with any of their nine selections. Still, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of their 2020 NFL Draft.
Pro: A Clear Plan
Even if it isn’t the plan everyone thought it would be, it’s clear Gutekunst and LaFleur are operating on the same page and have a plan in place.
Dillon enters the season as the clear number three running back, but will surely be able to earn playing time in his rookie campaign. LaFleur figures to pound the rock time and time again with free agent to be Aaron Jones leading the way.
Third-round pick Deguara is another indicator they plan to hand the ball off more often than ever before. He’s a versatile player who can line up at fullback, tight end and even play a little in the slot. Even in the year of our lord 2020, the Packers are aiming to become a more run-heavy team.
Con: Didn’t Adress Immediate Needs
The Packers’ first two picks had the future written all over them. Green Bay can have Love for up to five years by accepting his rookie option, and has officially started the clock on Aaron Rodgers’ departure. And with both Jones and Jamaal Williams set to be free agents in 2021, Dillon looks to be the running back of the future.
Unfortunately, Gutekunst failed to address the holes at wide receiver and along the defensive line. Other than Davante Adams, the Packers don’t have an established pass-catcher for Rodgers to throw to. The same can be said with Kenny Clark and his pals on the front lines. After reaching the NFC Championship game last season, it’s unclear if the Packers improved.
Pro: Strong Running Game
Nobody will question the depth and talent Green Bay has at running back. No other team can match the guys they do with three quality backs in Jones, Williams and Dillon. Even better, Jones and Dillon complement each other nicely. Where Jones dances and zags, Dillon runs right through people. It will be fun to watch the
Badgers
Packers pound the rock next season.
Next. Packers: Remaining Free Agent Targets After Draft. dark
Con: No Pass-Catchers
On the flip side, the Packers passing game will be hard-pressed for playmakers. Adams will be better than ever, but secondaries will pay him all the attention. Gutekunst and LaFleur feel a lot better than guys like Darius Shephard, Jake Kumerow, Allen Lazard and Devin Funchess than most analysts around the NFL. It’s clear LaFleur wants to rely on the run to set up the pass, but what happens when there is nobody to throw to?