Ranking Green Bay Packers Positions of Need Prior to Draft
By Paul Bretl
5. Tight End
The Green Bay Packers’ offense really missed Robert Tonyan’s presence last season. While other tight ends on the roster can be used in the passing game, none can affect the passing offense quite like Tonyan. The good news is that he will be back in 2022—although when exactly is unknown.
On paper, this group is in decent shape for this season. Tonyan’s return will provide that needed pass-catching element at the position, while from a blocking standpoint, this unit is in good shape with Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, and Dominique Dafney. Tyler Davis and Alize Mack are also intriguing players as well.
But as we’ve already discussed in this article, the draft is about planning ahead and Deguara is the only tight end under contract in 2023. With very few rookie tight ends providing any sort of significant impact during their first season, the Packers would be wise to address the need now, giving this player some time to develop—which is why I have tight end listed ahead of safety.
4. Interior Defensive Line
From a sheer numbers standpoint, the Green Bay Packers need to add to this position—they only have five on the roster at the moment, even with the addition of Jarran Reed. But on top of that, as good as this Packers defense could be in 2022, the interior defensive line rotation is still very much upgradeable.
In terms of yards per carry and rush DVOA, the Green Bay run defense in 2021 actually ranked worse last season compared to 2020, finishing 30th and 28th in each category. With the M.O. of Joe Barry’s defense being to take away the pass first, often playing with lightboxes, this group may never be dominant, but it can be better.
IDL coach Jerry Montgomery would also mention this past week needing to find an explosive pass-rushing option at the position. Two early-round names who fit this mold are Logan Hall and Perrion Winfrey. The outlook of the position doesn’t improve in the coming years either, with Kenny Clark and TJ Slaton as the only interior defenders under contract in 2023—although Clark is under contract through 2024.