Addressing the Offensive Line is a Must for the Packers in the Draft
It's flown a bit under the radar but addressing the offensive line in this year's draft is a must for the Green Bay Packers.
By Paul_Bretl
The NFL Draft is now less than a week away and for a Green Bay Packers team that was relatively quiet in free agency, it is a tremendous opportunity to land what will hopefully be a couple of impact players at positions of need.
Throughout this pre-draft process, whether it be mock drafts from draft analysts or conversations among fans, much of the attention has gone towards the linebacker and receiver positions. Which I can certainly understand why. The Packers need some juice added to this passing game and some more speed in the middle of this defense will go a long way.
However, while the tackle position has gotten some love this offseason and most recognize it as an early-round need, the entire offensive line as a whole needs to be addressed in this draft. In fact, I could make the argument that it is Green Bay's biggest need.
We will start with the obvious and that is that Rick Wagner is a short-term solution at right tackle. Although Wagner did sign a two-year deal, his dead cap hit in 2021 is only $1.75 million, so there is the very real possibility that he will only be in Green Bay for one season. And while he will likely begin the season as the starting right tackle, there is no guarantee that he finishes there.
Wagner is coming off a 2019 season where he only played in 12 games and when he was on the field, he struggled. Not to mention that since 2014, Wagner has played in all 16 games just one time. So whether it be due to injury or poor play, the Packers need a viable backup plan at right tackle for the 2020 season and it's easy to argue that at this moment they do not have that player on the roster.
Now as we look ahead to the other needs that the Packers have along the offensive line, they don't really crop up until the 2021 season. But they are big holes to fill and when it comes to important positions such as these, it's best to have a plan in place.
Two of Green Bay's current starters along the offensive line, David Bakhtiari and Corey Linsley, are both free agents next offseason. Joining them are Kenny Clark, Kevin King, Aaron Jones, and Jamaal Williams. Certainly a loaded group full of key players and it's hard to envision the Packers re-signing all of them.
While I do expect Bakhtiari and Clark to be brought back, after those two, things get a little murky. Linsley should absolutely be brought back and I hope that is what happens, but I also don't think that it is a guarantee either. He is currently just 29-years-old, he's been very durable over his career, and he's one of the more reliable centers in the NFL. Meaning, whether it be by Green Bay or another team, he is going to get paid and it'll be another big contract for Green Bay to take on.
Another potential need arises at the right guard position which is currently held down by Billy Turner. After a strong 2018 season with Denver, Turner signed a four year - $28 million contract with Green Bay last offseason.
Although he was an upgrade over Byron Bell - which isn't saying much - he was a below average guard last season and didn't necessarily live up to his lucrative contract. As we look ahead to the 2021 offseason, Turner's cap hit is fairly high at $8.05 million but if the Packers do decide to cut him, they suffer a dead cap hit of only $4.5 million. Thus creating additional cap space.
And once again,we have more uncertainty around a position on the offensive line.
So to recap, Turner and Wagner could very well be gone after the 2020 season depending on how they play, while Linsley and Bakhtiari are free agents after this season. Although as I've already mentioned, I'd be shocked in Bakhtiari isn't back. But still, that is a lot of potential turnover at key positions with a quarterback who will turn 38 during the 2021 season.
As far as players currently on the roster who could potentially take over at guard or center, Lane Taylor, Lucas Patrick, and Cole Madison are options, but not necessarily ones that'll work out. Taylor is a free agent after this season and will likely get paid more elsewhere. Patrick signed a small contract extension but can he handle a full time starting role? Meanwhile, Madison may not even make the final roster this season. And as I said earlier, there just isn't a viable option at tackle on the roster.
Sure Green Bay could rely on Patrick, Madison, or someone else currently on the roster, but that also comes with a lot of risk and if it backfires, the offense will suffer greatly. Now having said that, are my expectations that they spend three of their first four picks on the offensive line? Aboslutley not. But with 10 draft picks, I do think that spending three is reasonable.
Admittedly outside of the tackle position, these potential needs are going to be more prevalent a year from now, so it certainly can be easier to focus on positions such as receiver or linebacker in this year's draft which can provide more immediate impacts.
However, while we all can get wrapped up in addressing current needs in the draft, the good NFL teams are always planning for the future. And when it comes to the offensive line, that is exactly what the Green Bay Packers should be doing. I mean, we don't see teams with bad offensive lines winning Super Bowls.
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__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
Comments (59)
dobber
April 17, 2020 at 02:46 pm
Paul, you're my hero.
Must take care of the trenches. Packers must find two OL in this draft who can contribute in 2020 if called upon (especially a swing OT), and can be future fixtures on the OL. Would not be surprised to see them draft three: an OT, an OG/OC, and a developmental OT/OG project.
splitpea1
April 17, 2020 at 03:21 pm
One is good, two is better, but three?...is a crowd.
dobber
April 17, 2020 at 03:41 pm
That's what 7th round picks are good for, eh?
Guam
April 17, 2020 at 04:18 pm
Shocked you got four thumbs down on this one Dobber. I am definitely in your camp for at least two offensive linemen. The Packers need to start rebuilding the offensive line now because 2021 contracts will remove some of that depth.
Leatherhead
April 17, 2020 at 08:18 pm
Guam.....Gutekunst has been rebuilding this line since the beginning. He drafted Cole. He signed Turner. He drafted Jenkins. He signed Wagner.
IMO, the plan is to let Linsley leave after the season and move Jenkins to center. We’ll either keep Bakhtiari or we’ll draft a tackle. Next year.
IMO, we have good starters, and good depth on this unit.
Guam
April 18, 2020 at 08:16 am
We're going to agree to disagree on the depth of this O-line LH. We do not have a backup tackle as Light was exposed last year against better pass rushers (if he wasn't, why did the Packers sign Veldheer?). Wagner hasn't played more than 12 games a year in a couple of seasons. Madison is out with a torn ACL and likely won't be back for the start of the season. Taylor could be gone this year (trade or salary cap move) and certainly when his contract is up next year. Linsley and Bakh also have contracts expiring next year.
The Packers need a backup tackle now and preferably one that can start in a year or two when Wagner's contract is up. The Packers could use depth at the interior line positions as well, particularly if Taylor is let go for cap reasons before the season starts.
James1960
April 18, 2020 at 07:51 am
I agree with you on focusing on the "Big Uglys" in the trenches. Offensive as well as Defensive side. Yosh Nijman is a prospect I watched last year. He came out of Virgina Tech. It seems he is mechanically sound. I think he will develop nicely, and expect him to be "Next Man Up" this season. Similar to Elgton Jenkins did last season, only he made a big impact in his rookie season. Cole Madison has yet to develop with his personal set back. He made the team. Lets see what he can do. Undrafted Patrick proved himself worthy. We are not as bad off on the offensive line as i've heard the murmurings from Packer nation. There is an article that was recently published by " PFF's News & Analysis " that ranked the Packers OLine 6th best overall. Not bad out of 32 teams. The Line's avg 2.62 seconds for QB pressures. "Best in the NFL" The only reason they're rated #6 is because Rodgers hangs on to the ball too long.
Still I do hope we draft a couple of more OLinemen and ensuring continuity were it matters.
I am interested in the early rounds to draft a DLineman though. I like Ross Blacklock. Jaylon Davis is another. Justin Madubuike is a good prospect. OR a real interesting guy is Neville Gallimore. Nicknamed the "Canadian Bulldozer." I would really like the Packers to pick him up in the 2nd round if possible. Love to see him in a Packer Uniform.
Leatherhead
April 17, 2020 at 02:26 pm
We have our entire starting line and three backups under contract. I think the defense needs help now. We have no starting nickel, no starter opposite of Kirksey, and nobody to rotate with Clark and Lowry. Our backups in the secondary are unproven.
dobber
April 17, 2020 at 03:02 pm
In 2019 the Packers had four OL who were in the top 15 salaries at their respective positions. Even with Ricky Wagner replacing Bulaga, the Packers are currently second in the league with regard to cap dedicated to the OL.
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/positional/breakdown/
OL is one of those positions where you frequently get what you pay for, and when you find good players, you try to hang onto them. But the more good players you have on inexpensive or rookie deals, the better off you are capwise. While I think Bakhtiari is a must-sign (as we look at it in April), it takes two to tango and he has to want to be in GB. It's hard to see a scenario where Linsley is retained, and Turner didn't to anything to make us forget TJ Lang. If he's unimpressive in 2020, why pay him in 2021? Lots of room for improving and replacing players.
Since the Packers DO have OL under contract, they don't need immediate starters. They need guys who can play a couple games if needed and not get anyone killed. Who are those guys right now? The list begins and ends with Patrick and Taylor. Neither are OTs. That means you're likely looking at guys a little later in the draft...but if a quality OT is there at 30, I wouldn't think twice about taking him. And if that guy comes into camp and impresses, maybe it frees up a significant amount of cap room going into 2021.
stockholder
April 17, 2020 at 03:29 pm
but if a quality OT is there at 30, I wouldn't think twice about taking him. Over a game changer? Never! You still have Bulaga on your mind. Jenkins wasn't a #1. And Bahk, Clifton etc. weren't either.
Leatherhead
April 17, 2020 at 03:58 pm
You forgot Light, who played 151 snaps without a sack. So that’s three backups and we only activate 8.
If you take an OT at 30, he’s going to be on the bench while other positions could have used the help.
AgrippaLII
April 17, 2020 at 04:22 pm
"Game" changer? How fast will the Packer's "season" change when AR goes down because of poor OL performance?
Leatherhead
April 17, 2020 at 05:36 pm
An alternative would be to draft a QB.
We can protect Rodgers from injury by running more and throwing less, and by throwing shorter patterns that get the ball out of Rodgers hands faster......just like the second half of last season.
You want to spend 30 on somebody who will keep Rodgers healthy? Then draft Johnathan Taylor.
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2020 at 06:19 pm
He didn't have to give up a sack because he was driven backwards into the QB. They don't award sacks to the OT.
Leatherhead
April 17, 2020 at 07:34 pm
Nonsense. He was so bad and yet the coaches couldn’t see it?
dobber
April 17, 2020 at 06:32 pm
My recollection was that Light was ineffective to the point that the Packers went out and lured Veldheer out of retirement. Maybe he wasn't credited with surrendering a sack, but after the SF game he was sent to football Siberia.
flackcatcher
April 17, 2020 at 07:37 pm
Two games back to back in the west coast swing exposed him. Light was not ready for the pro level, pretty ugly. Gute gambled, and lost. Kid was crushed completely, after that the Packers could not play him even if they wanted to.
ShawnO
April 17, 2020 at 10:44 pm
Agreed NEED nickle corner, DL with talent, second ILB, and possibly replacement for king so they can afford to pay Bac next off season. All more pressing needs than OL in my opinion. Also goes along with the Pack interviewing the most CB. Wouldn't surprise me to see them go CB in the first round depending whose available.
Dzehren
April 17, 2020 at 02:44 pm
Remember The Big E beat out lumbering Lane Taylor mid season. If GB selects an OT tackle early, he could push Wagner for a starting spot by mid season. A center/guard is needed to replace Lindsey in 2021 & offer competition to Turner as well in 2020.
Patrick is a back up only.
A hybrid safety/ LB that can cover TE’s out of the slot and play in the box is an under the radar need.
flackcatcher
April 17, 2020 at 03:08 pm
The "Big E" was a replacement for an injured starter, Lane Taylor. (Who started with a ripped up shoulder that should have put him on the IR prior to the season)Lets not rewrite history just because you like player.
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2020 at 03:17 pm
Jenkins clearly out-played Taylor in the pre-season. Should have been starting from day one.
Coldworld
April 17, 2020 at 03:23 pm
Not from what I saw. Much as I like Jenkins, need to stay anchored.
flackcatcher
April 17, 2020 at 03:59 pm
Yeah. Jenkins had real trouble sliding to his left and setting for most of the season. That can only come with reps and experience. Curse of the CBA does not give young players and older players with new teams time to adjust inside the pro game. If Taylor had remained healthy, the Packers would have been forced to consider replacing Turner with Jenkins by mid season.
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2020 at 06:22 pm
Not for the money they paid him. Taylor would have been on the trading block by deadline time, just like Dix and Monty the year before.
flackcatcher
April 17, 2020 at 07:46 pm
No. By mid season performance counts. Contract is irrelevant. If Taylor had stayed healthy, Turner's mental mistakes in pass pro would have forced MLF to make the move to Jenkins. Teams do not trade positions where there is no depth. (Except for the Raiders. Crazy runs in that family... :-)
Coldworld
April 17, 2020 at 03:22 pm
They signed an interesting prospect in Leglue during the latter part of the season. I expect him to be in the mix. The line focus needs to be on Tackle. A guard prospect may be taken late, but that would be plenty this year. We have other needs to be addressed.
Leatherhead
April 17, 2020 at 05:31 pm
Why would you draft a guy to replace a guy that you just signed to an $8 million contract? Jenkins is very good....Taylor ended up on IR. Linsleys replacement is Jenkins. Next year we might need an earlier pick but we are fine for this season
I agree that we need to add a safety/linebacker to this defense. Pettine needs that guy.
frankthefork
April 17, 2020 at 02:49 pm
Gute are you there?...at #30 trade back with the Colts please! Pick up #100.
At #34 pick up your OT and at #62 our DT and with the #94 , #100 and #136 get the LB, WR , RB or TE.
I Think you can trade the #192 pick with a 6th and 7th pick and find good value for a QB.
Tired of waiting for these drafts...lets go.
Go Pack Go!
CoachDino
April 17, 2020 at 11:57 pm
I'd be happy with that...depending on the guys of course.
What happens if a Man CB that can play the slot outside and run drops to 32...or a DI.
If there are runs on QBs,OT,WR guys are going to drop.
Packers do have paths to success in this draft in a fair percentage of scenarios/oucomes..
Might even wait on DI and choose to bank on Keke and finding a NT with limited pass rush potential...
flackcatcher
April 17, 2020 at 03:00 pm
Well, once Bulaga went free agent that meant a rebuild of the Packer line. Cost has been the deciding factor in every case. The X-factor here is no depth, which makes any replacement tricky, even if necessary. The offensive line as currently built will not exist next year. The question is, who stays, who goes. There is a real possibility that except for Jenkins, every starter in 2021 could be a second year or rookie. (Bahk contract is too rich, Linsley would be a third contract, Taylor and Taylor's contracts out price the Packer front office etc. etc.) The Cap waits for no GM....
flackcatcher
April 17, 2020 at 03:20 pm
Edit: Tuner and Taylor's... More Coffee...
Renllaw
April 17, 2020 at 03:06 pm
I think we need more big boys on both sides of the ball. I just ran a mock with a lot of trades. 5 players in the trenches. Some new toys for Aaron. And some help in the middle of the D.
34 Josh Jones OT
62 Brandon Aiyuk WR
94 Ben Bartch OT
110 Davon Hamilton DT
142 Antonio Gibson RB/Slot WR
175 Thaddeus Moss TE
192 Tanner Muse S/ILB
195 McTelvin Agim DT
209 Shaq Quarterman ILB
216 Jon Runyan Jr OL
Dagger
April 17, 2020 at 03:48 pm
Would take your draft in a heartbeat if it exchanged Malik Harrison ILB or Logan Wilson ILB in the third
jannesbjornson
April 17, 2020 at 06:24 pm
Harrison may go in the second.
OnWisconsinGoPack
April 17, 2020 at 10:47 pm
Truthfully, I don't think you can get more perfect then this. Outside of personal preference at WR in 2nd, not sure who was there, this is perfect from both a short term and long.
Only thing possibly missing is CB, perhaps pass on Bartch for a CB who could replace King if he's not resigned, but that's it
Renllaw
April 18, 2020 at 08:06 am
Yeah, I kept looking at corner from rd 3 down, but it never lined up for this mock. In most of my others I take one in the mid rounds. In this scenario I would bring back Tramon on a one year deal.
stockholder
April 17, 2020 at 03:10 pm
I disagree with everything written in this Article about "We NEED". Your not even giving Wagner a chance. Didn't Jared Veldheer Step up for Bulaga?. So will Wagner! And wasn't Turner a good signing? Turner was just as good as Lang. Lang played for Crap in Detroit! The packers didn't panic when they stuck Jenkins in. And Taylor is still here. WE have Good depth already. Next year is NOT this year. And if they don't get anybody in the draft, they'll get somebody else in FAs. Stop scaring the fan base into submission! Thinking we need some high price player isn't "Team thinking". This offense Line wasn't last in NFL. It doesn't need high picks. You sure did forget what TT did when he dumped are Guards. Dump them, then draft them!
Coldworld
April 17, 2020 at 03:27 pm
You also highlight that guards can be found other ways than in the draft. We need to address tackle. Beyond that if we drafted no other OL, I would not be shocked or perturbed.
stockholder
April 17, 2020 at 03:38 pm
We need to address tackle?? . Clifton was replaced by Bahk. Picking guys early get you a Spriggs. Derek Sherod?
AgrippaLII
April 17, 2020 at 04:35 pm
Brian Bulaga was drafted early.
flackcatcher
April 17, 2020 at 03:44 pm
Short response: See dobber this comment thread... Shorter but more complete: This is more about 2021 than this upcoming? Season. Packers have no depth and only two quality backups in Patrick and Taylor. Draft needs have existed since 2017, and now the team is up against the wall via numbers. (both Cap and players) The need for seasoned experienced players in the offensive line to replace the Capped out veterans will be a driving force in this draft. Otherwise, we could see a daze concussed No. 12 playing like a daze concussed No. 4 the next season.
Duneslick
April 17, 2020 at 04:42 pm
I think he is saying that turner was not as good as lang was when he was in GB
TXCHEESE
April 17, 2020 at 03:41 pm
I pretty much expect the Pack to go OL or DL with the 2nd rounder, and possibly multiple picks on day 3. The starters are all pretty solid and we have serviceable backups, but you may find a real stud that can push for a starting spot, depending on how offseason pans out. Those are the guys you can fill up your 90 man roster with, because sometimes you find a sleeper when the pads go on.
AgrippaLII
April 17, 2020 at 05:01 pm
I don't mind waiting til the fourth round to draft Offensive Linemen...just make sure the word "nasty" comes up somewhere in their scouting report!
mbpacker
April 17, 2020 at 05:06 pm
In my view, the Packers need to get an OT and DT in this draft that can contribute ASAP. I know they are going to re-sign Clark but I worry that he has no relief and plays a lot of minutes. Daniels got beat up and feel we need a viable DT or two to give Clark a blow or to team with him so Clark isn't double teamed as much. Need to look ahead for the OL as well to get some depth and develop for the future. We lucked out last year with the injuries and no guarantee this year will be a repeat health-wise. This is a deep WR draft so we should be able to get someone to compete and add depth. Would love a pure speed slot guy, but know the Packers like the tall, big receivers. As everyone knows we need an ILB. Hope Gute can find one. He may have to go early to get a good one. I would not want to be in his position knowing the clock is ticking for AR and to develop for the future. Go Pack Go!
stockholder
April 17, 2020 at 06:31 pm
Just No ! Tony Mandrich vs. Barry Sanders!
Samson
April 17, 2020 at 07:09 pm
2 WR
2 OL
2 DL
1 RB
1 ILB
Best player possible in all rounds regardless of position... All will make the final 53.... Unfortunately, they may all sit until season 2021.... Then add another 8 or so rookies from draft 2021.... That's a lot of unproven players all at once.... What a dilemma the world has become, all at once.
frankthefork
April 19, 2020 at 01:24 pm
Sam love your comments but, In 2021 your going to have at least 11 picks not 8...4 comps.
Lost Goodson, Frackell, Bulaga, Springs, Martinez and dropped Graham (Taylor or Linsley).
Thegreatreynoldo
April 20, 2020 at 04:36 am
Funchess probably cancels out Goodson. GB released Graham, so he won't count. Looks like three comp picks, probably a 4th, 5th, and a 6th. Probably would need Spriggs to get $2.25M to receive a 7th for him.
https://overthecap.com/compensatory-draft-picks-cancellation-chart/
MarkinMadison
April 17, 2020 at 07:14 pm
This draft has at least four quality tackle prospects who could work in a zone blocking scheme. I don't think they have to go OT in round 1, but they definitely should go there by the end of round 2. There are so many intriguing wide receivers, it will be hard for the Packers to pass on that position. Then there is the ILB problem. I was encouraged by the podcasts here the last few days. I'm also not convinced that any of the ILBs are a sure enough, do-it-all, can't miss, kind of player that the Packers would really be screwing the pooch by putting that position off until after rounds one or two. So to me, it is WR/OT in the first two rounds based upon BPAP (best player available at the position), and then pick up a RB and ILB in rounds 3 and 4.
PackfanNY
April 17, 2020 at 07:42 pm
I don’t think it’s ever a bad idea to draft quality offensive line players. However, labeling it a “Must” as in the headline is a little strong. Last year we used a second round pick on Jenkins. That’s a high pick. He also played very well and I expect he improves. Yes Bulaga left but they spent money on free agency in signing of Rick Wagner. We also signed Billy Turner to a fairly lucrative contract.
So, it might happen that way but Gute has not left a big hole there where it’s a must. I suspect if Gute takes an o lineman early it’s because he sees great value and not a “must”.
taarons420
April 17, 2020 at 07:48 pm
"Addressing the Offensive Line is a Must for the Packers in the Draft"
Other than OL, TE, WR, CB, ILB, DL... this team is set.
Throw in a 100 year old QB and you got a juggernaut.
CoachDino
April 17, 2020 at 08:42 pm
Thank-you!! Serious Article Allows/Segways for serious conversation.
Thoughts: Is Corey L a must return? Is center where to spend a top end position contract? Is Cory beginning to breakdown physically? Is his performance on the rise/leveled/declining going forward? All debatable and leads to if issues what can be done?
Option: Starting Centers and Guards are available in mid to late rounds compared to most positions.
I compare CL situation to BB, we all like him and was a great Packer. It's a capped league. It's the rules and you lose if you don't play by them. Tougher to
I have been projecting Cory and Turner both being out in 2021. I think that is Gutes plan.
Don't see Lane getting big money in 2021. He may be a back-up in 2020 and was hurt / beat out in 2019. The Packers will be the most interested in him.
I see the Packers taking two OT (if the board allows) one kicks into Guard and the other takes over for Wagner in 2021. You can then keep the one that works out best to replace Bach after his next contract orrr after they franchise him for 2021. Best to be prepared even if you decide to give Bach another contract in 2022. LT is crucial so if he's still on his game pay him and be thankful.
Not having to Start the OT in 2020 is huge. Can draft for upside more than NFL ready day 1. Those guys will be available in rounds 2 and 3. There are zone guys out there that just need time to get stronger and coached up.
Cap wise Rodgers contract is going to loom big. They pushed it out and its a serious issue. Sacrifice has to be made.
Should we draft to replace Kevin King? He might be another cap issue. CBs get paid.
Keep the money for Jaire/Addams/Bach/Clark..
Travis72
April 17, 2020 at 08:52 pm
We got pushed around by the niners so I really hope we get a OT in the first and Raekwon Davis in the second. I think Lafluer likes the recievers he has
BrianMaafi
April 17, 2020 at 09:14 pm
I've been saying they will probably Target three offensive linemen. RT of the future, og/it depth/ possible replacement for turner, and a center of the future. Lindsey will probably get more on the open market.
ReaganRulz
April 18, 2020 at 08:01 am
If I was a weatherman, I would say that we have a pretty good chance of drafting an offensive or defensive player in Round 1 and 2 :).
Someone mentioned the Niners and those games last year are what really stand out. We don’t have enough physical guys on either side. We got mauled by their offensive and defensive lines. Plus we didn’t have enough talented wideouts to challenge their secondary.
Lots to factor in, but I’m sure Gute and the Boyz are mapping out scenarios A-ZZ. Just a few more days. Go Pack Go!!
Qoojo
April 18, 2020 at 10:53 am
They really do need a lot of offensive tools. OL and WR + 3rd RB just in case Dexter doesn't pick it up and is gone. The offense has been neglected so long, that it's time to pay a little more attention. Keep Rodgers upright and comfortable.
James1960
April 25, 2021 at 08:59 am
"Drafting Lineman for now, and the future" is exactly right!
The way I'm looking at this years draft with the Packers having 10 draft picks, yeah, trading up in the first round is certainly possible given someone is willing to give their spot up for a few picks later in the draft...
Gute Has been active in moving around in the First round of the NFL draft ( seemingly quite easily ) in is early few times choosing players in the NFL Draft as the Packer's GM, however, my view is that it wouldn't be prudent this particular year.
Being we have 10 picks is important to keep as many choices as possible, even TRADING BACK to gain extra picks would be more wise given the shortage of FA capital signings. The more rookie players drafted, the more likely to strike those couple of impact players that will get the Packers over the Championship hump to win another Super Bowl.
That does not mean I would be angry if they do trade up in the first round. BUT, my view is that it should be a Lineman. Defense or Offense. If It's Defense, I see an opportunity to get a few players. If one of those players that are rated in the top 20 best players and slips past the 20th pick, you trade up maybe 5 or even 6 spots to get them. Here are those players I feel worthy of trading up... DL Christian Barmore, or Daviyon Nixon (but may not have to trade up to get Nixon.) If it's not a D-Lineman, these are other defensive players I'd like to see the Pack trade up for- CB Greg Newsome, or CB Caleb Farley (although they may not need to trade up for Farley) The only other worthy Defense player I see trading up for would be at the Linebacker or maybe Edge Player. Edge Jaelan Phillips of Miami, or Edge Kwity Paye of Michigan.
The only Linebacker I see worthy of trading up for is ILB Micha Parsons of Penn State. I just don't see him lasting past the top 12 picks. He will certainly be the first Linebacker off the board. BUT I would trade up for Safety Trevon Moehrig who could play the role of a "Hybrid" Linebacker given the size he possesses. Plus he has the necessary coverage skills to play the 5-20 yards off line of scrimmage that the Packers so desperately need.
If the Packers trade up for an Offensive player, again, I hope it's a Lineman. I will be VERY angry to see the Packers trade up for a Wide Receiver in a deep class of quality WR's.
My only player I believe the Pack should trade up for is O-Tackle Teven Jenkins of Oklahoma. Although he is rated the bottom of the first round and could possibly be there at number 29th overall pick, I don't think I wouldn't take that chance if Barmore is not available. The other first round pick would not even have to trade up for in my opinion. The center from Alabama should be there at the 29th pick. But even a possibility he will be in the second round, in which case they could trade back to get him and even pick up a couple of more draft picks.
IF ( and that's a big IF ) the Packers trade back, they could possibly get both quality Defensive, and Offensive Linemen!
stockholder
April 25, 2021 at 09:54 am
Teven Jenkins of Oklahoma.? The knock on him is his feet. He can't get set with faster players , and trips easily. Liam Eichenberg is considered the best in technique. The problem is his strength/arm length. The DL have a Bench/rep problem. Thats the knock, plus the size. Compare them to Kenny Clark. If were to be versatile on the DL , like the OL. Draft Size and strength. I'd still draft a DL within the Packers first two picks. And trade up for a (second third) for one.