Reevaluating Packers Positions of Need After Early Free Agency
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers Position of Need: Interior Defensive lineman
If many are going to consider wide receiver as the Green Bay Packers’ biggest need — which I certainly understand — then the interior defensive line should be No. 2 on the list.
As I discussed in a recent article, the Packers have kept a large portion of the 2021 defense intact, and the unit could be in-store for Year 2 leap under Joe Barry. Although, as well put together as that side of the ball is, the interior defensive line is one area where they can really improve.
Against the run, the Packers may never be a dominant unit by any means; after all, Barry’s M.O. is to take away the passing game first, but that doesn’t mean they can’t improve either. Even with Dean Lowry playing at a higher level and having a career year as a pass-rusher, Green Bay still ranked 28th in both yards per carry allowed and rush DVOA.
On top of that, there are currently only four players under contract for 2022. While we hope TJ Slaton takes a step forward in his sophomore season, he is still a fifth-round pick with only a few hundred snaps of experience–relying heavily on him comes with some risks.
This is a position where I would love to see the Green Bay Packers bring in an inexpensive veteran, but my guess — or at least I hope — is that they turn to the draft early on, which is much deeper at the interior defensive line position than what it was a year ago.
Honorable Mentions
Cornerback: We will likely see several players take snaps in the slot next season, but with Rasul Douglas back in the mix, the Packers primary slot corner could be Jaire Alexander. They also have second-year player Shemar Jean-Charles on the roster as well.
However, having a true slot corner on the roster, whether it be a draft pick or re-signing Chandon Sullivan, would give Green Bay a ton of flexibility at the cornerback position.
Maybe with that slot corner we see Alexander and Eric Stokes on the boundary with Douglas playing as the third safety at times. This is just one example, but you get the idea, the Packers will have plenty of ways to mix and match their coverages.
Long-snapper: The Green Bay Packers made the switch from Hunter Bradley to Steven Wirtel last season, and it’s a move that I’m sure paid off. Brining in competition for Wirtel this summer is a must.
Tight end: It still wouldn’t be a bad idea to address tight end in the draft. As we look ahead to 2023, the only tight end on the roster who is under contract is Josiah Deguara. Having that pass-catching element at the tight end position is very important to this Green Bay Packers’ offense.