Packers: 7 Needs to Try & Address in 2021 NFL Draft

Inside Linebacker Depth

I don’t believe that the Packers will spend a first-round pick on the linebacker position like so many mock drafts have them doing. Now, that isn’t to say that they can’t upgrade the position, they certainly can, and perhaps they try to on Day 2. But an early selection would be very much against the grain for them, and I do believe that they are comfortable entering the season with Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin as their top-2 options.

With that said, depth is a concern. Both Barnes and Martin missed time last season with injuries; Oren Burks has primarily been a special teams player and is in the final year of his contract, while Ty Summers has been a special teams player as well. Maybe Green Bay doesn’t upgrade the position early on, but they certainly need to add to its depth.

Get Kenny Clark some Help & Depth

This is a very thin position group in Green Bay, and unfortunately, it’s a very thin draft class as well. So although most would consider this a top need, fans should brace themselves because a selection may not come within the first few rounds due to a lack of value or the right player just not being there.

In this Joe Barry defense, there are two main roles that the Packers can try to fill, with the first being a nose tackle. Currently, Clark is the only player on the roster at the moment who can fill that role, and the other is a 4-tech player who can shoot gaps to get upfield. Kingsley Keke is an ideal fit for this role, and Clark would be as well if Green Bay can find another option at 0-tech. But after those two, it’s just a lot of question marks.

A Third Option at Running Back

With AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones, the running back room looks very good, but don’t be surprised if the Green Bay Packers spend a late Day 3 pick on the position either. On the roster options include Dexter Williams, Mike Weber, and Patrick Taylor. Taylor is someone who I really liked coming out of Memphis in 2020 and fits the Matt LaFleur offense well with his ability as a ball carrier and a pass catcher–but where he’s at in his development, we don’t know.

If there is a box that doesn’t get checked, it could very well be this one, given that it’s not a high priority. But if the Packers have the opportunity to land a do-it-all type of running back who can move around the formation and make plays in both the running and passing games, I imagine that selection will certainly be in play.