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Ranking the Packers' Offseason Needs

 We've been told by our esteemed head coach that the Packers might shock us in free agency...

I chose my words for the title of this article very carefully.  The most popular term is certainly "draft needs".  As of right now, though, you still have to look at them as offseason needs.  We've been told by our esteemed head coach that the Packers might shock us in free agency.  There are a number of "released free agents" that are available and that is important.

That's important because players that were released don't count against compensatory picks.  Ted Thompson loves compensatory picks, and he should.  Thompson has selected Josh Sitton, Davon House (whose success in the free agent market is going to afford the Packers another compensatory pick), Richard Rodgers and Mike Daniels were all compensatory picks.  

I'll take a deeper dive into the available released free agents in my Football Friday column on PackersTalk.com.  I've had internet "conversations" about this topic.  If you check out my Twitter profile, you'll find it soon enough.  These offseason needs are independent of the free agents available and the quality of the draft class.  Do the Packers have a need at tight end? Hell yes.  Is the 2016 draft class at tight end under whelming? It sure is.  The Packers' needs are what they are, regardless of what is available to fix them.

1. Tight End

You can certainly make a case for the next position on this list, but I have to go with tight end.  I don't think there is a short or long term answer on the roster.  I am very much on the record sayitng that Richard Rodgers is "fine".  And he is fine, in the 2014 offense.

There can certainly be a case made that if Aaron Rodgers and the offensive line get healthy, the offense is young enough that it should be productive, like it was in 2014 (#1 in DVOA), the Packers do return all 11 starters from that group, after all.  Richard Rodgers had real skills that were useful in an offense that good.  He's capable of making one break and making contested catches.  He has very strong hands.  That's good for picking up first downs and scoring touchdowns when you're not considered the primary target.  Watch the film from the week 17 game against Detroit and the playoff game against Dallas in 2014 to see what I'm talking about.

At the end of the day, Richard Rodgers is an ideal #2 tight end.  In order for him to be a #2 tight end, Green Bay needs to acquire a #1 tight end.  Dwayne Allen, Ladarius Green, and Jared Cook are free agent possibilities, so is Antonio Gates on a one or two year deal.  If Arkansas' Hunter Henry lasts into the second round, he's a complete tight end, though not the athletic mismatch that would complement Richard Rodgers.  Jerell Adams of South Carolina may fit that bill a little later on in the draft.

2.  Inside linebacker

The Packers lost Clay Matthews from this position after the season.  That's probably fine.  Matthews was certainly an upgrade from the likes of AJ Hawk and Brad Jones, but he was barely above league average.  Pro Football Focus ranked Matthews 40th out of 97 qualified linebackers.  He's still an elite edge defender, and edge defender is a more important position anyway.

The Packers do get back Sam Barrington.  I had a semi-difficult time with this ranking, because you certainly could talk yourself into a linebacker corps of Peppers, Barrington, Jake Ryan and Matthews. That's not bad.  It's certainly not so bad that you would have inside linebacker as the #2 need on the team.  

Ultimately, though, it is.  The Packers need a specific type of linebacker.  "Chase" linebacker.  A linebacker that can run, maybe one that will make us forget about the aforementioned Hawk.  I'm not even sure it has to be a linebacker by trade.  The Cardinals play Deone Buchanon at linebacker, that sure seems to work out nicely.  I'd like to see Green Bay add a linebacker to team with Ryan, and maybe usurp Joe Thomas in the dime. 

James Laurinitis (no thank you), Jerrell Freeman (yes please), Joe Mays and Stephen Tulloch are veteran options.  Darron Lee appears to be the prototype at chase linebacker and had discussions with the Packers at the combine.  I'd be fine with Reggie Ragland, Myles Jack and Su'A Cravens.

3.  Offensive Line

It is admittedly strange to rank offensive line this highly.  The Packers at this point seem to have six starters on the offensive line.  The whole starting line and JC Tretter are starter-quality football players or better.  The problem is that you have to look past 2016 when making decisions in the 2016 offseason.

David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, TJ Lang and Tretter are all free agents at the end of this season.  Green Bay is certainly in a healthy cap situation, but it has to be hard to believe that they bring all four players back into the fold.  They have plenty of money invested into Bulaga, and will want to eventually retain Linsley.  Someone is going to have to go, and therefore they will need to be replaced.

I have very little interest in addressing this issue via free agency, unless it is a young player who comes in cheap.  I would much rather address it in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.  My favorite such prospects are Joe Haeg, Spencer Drango, Vadal Alexander and Tyler Johnstone.  

4.  Defensive Line

It's not like the Packers don't have defensive linmen, especially if BJ Raji is re-signed (he is reportedly still in negoations with the Packers).  If Raji returns, the Packers will return every meanginful defensive lineman in 2016 and add former rotation guy Josh Boyd.  Mike Pennel will be back, Letroy Guion was just re-signed, Datone Jones is on his rookie deal and Mike Daniels got hella paid, y'all.

The problem for me is that so many of these players are "just a guy".  Raji can't regain his 2010 form, Guion has never been more than that and Pennel and Boyd aren't there yet.  Even Datone Jones is still just "flashing".  Green Bay needs another stud to pair with Daniels, especially considering they play with two defensive linemen more than 50% of the time.  I would love a tall, powerful Calais Campbell-type to pair with the refrigerator-shaped Daniels.  The Packers dont' really need D-Line depth, but they could use a stud.

The truth is that this year's class of defensive linemen is tremendous.  I'd be very happy adding any of about eleven players, highlighted by Sheldon Rankins of Louisville and Andrew BIllings of Baylor. My DL rankins will be in the CHTV draft guide as well.

5.  Outside Linebacker

Yes, this position gets Clay Matthews back, but that doesn't mean that all is well in the long or short term.  It is likely that Nick Perry (please no) or Mike Neal (go on ahead) or both will be let go.  It is very difficult to fathom that Julius Peppers is a part of Green Bay's plans past the 2016 season.  Green Bay needs to add to this position.

I'm not certain, however, that they just need to add "depth".  I think they need to try to add a star or wait until next season and add a star.  The Broncos just showed what you can do with a superstar tandem at outside linebacker (in a 3-4).  If Matthews as an OLB is the Packers' Von Miller (yes I know he's not quite as good), then the Packers need to find their long term Demarcus Ware.  This really isn't a who-just-won-the-Super-Bowl fad, either.  Having twin pass rushers is always a good idea in this league.

I wouldn't mind giving Tamba Hali or Olivier Vernon a shot.  Those guys would be expensive, but they are good players.  As far as the draft is concerned, it's unlikley Noah Spence and Joey Bosa will be available, but I love Georgia OLB Leonard Floyd.  I'm guessing that I'll be higher on him than public opinion, maybe more-so than any other prospect in this draft.

6.  Running Back

Eddie Lacy is a young player that has two exceptional seasons under his belt.  Unfortunately last season was not so exceptional.  Lacy struggled with his weight and with his yards per carry.  Yes, his offensive line struggled, but Lacy was not in shape this weekend, and was not effective.

I have a feeling Lacy will come back in shape, this is going to be his contract year.  Even if Lacy improves greatly, I wouldn't be surprised if Green Bay goes a different direction at running back.  Paying big bucks on a second contract to a running back does not exactly fit the Ted Thompson MO.  

The Packers need two things, especially if James Starks does not return.  They need a pass catching running back for the 2016 season, and they might need a longer term answer to take over for Eddie Lacy or to complement him for the next few years.

I'd be very interested in Green Bay signing Matt Forte.  He's a good player and I think if he is held to 8-10 touches a game he'll still be very effective.  I'd be interested in Notre Dame's CJ Prosise and Arizona State's DJ Foster in the draft, though I'd like Green Bay to stay away from the running back position until at least round three.

7.  Wide Receiver

As Green Bay's receivers struggled to get open all season long, it all of a sudden became popular opinion that they needed to add a receiver, even draft one highly.  I really have a hard time with that.  The Packers were 6-0 with Ty Montgomery as a part of the offense, even if it didn't move the ball quite like it did in 2014.  If you add Jordy Nelson to that mix, one woudl have to think they're going to be in good shape in the receiving corps.

If you told me that Green Bay would have added Ty Montgomery to every meaningful receiver they had from that 2014 season, I would be pretty excited about that.  I certainly wouldn't be talking about adding a wide receiver in the first round.  That's crazy talk.  Maybe this receiving group is somewhere in between the elite crew of 2014 and the disaster of 2015, but it's certainly one that still has potential.  You hope that you get 3rd year jumps from Davante Adams, Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis.  You hope that Ty Montgomery develops. You hope that Jordy Nelson returns at full strength and gets back to opening up the field for Randall Cobb.

You hope all that so that you don't continue to tank resources into the receiver position.  The only type of receiver I'd like to add to this group is a tall one.  Someone at least 6'4" that brings something a little different than all of the other receivers, but I wouldn't want to use a high pick on such a player.

8.  Defensive Back

This group of Packers defensive backs are as young and talented as you'll find in the league.  Sam Shields, Damarious Randall, Quentin Rollins, HaHa Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett are the foundation to build this defense around for the rest of Aaron Rodgers' career.  If Casey Hayward returns, the group is just that much better.  Micah Hyde might not be a Pro Bowl caliber player, but his ability to effectively pitch in at either slot position and either safety position is invaluable.  I think Ladarius Gunter has real promise as an outside corner.

I have zero interest in a veteran defensive back and the only type of player that I would be interested in at corner is Cyrus Jones from Alabama.  He looks to be a capable slot corner and a very good returner.  Keeping veterans out of the return game while at the same time keeping effective returners in those positions is important.  If Green Bay sees a safety that is grossly undervalued it wouldn't kill them to build some depth behind Clinton-Dix and Burnett, in case something should happen to either of them (though as I said, Hyde can pitch in).

9.  Quarterback

This one was easy.  The Packers (still) have the best quarterback in the league.  The way that quarterbacks are protected these days (and might be even more protected in 2020), he should be able to play until he's 40.  He's 32.  That's 7 or 8 more good seasons.  They also have a young, talented backup in Brett Hundley.  The Packers have both short and long term options on the roster and do not need to add any quarterbacks of significance this offseason.

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Ross Uglem is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @RossUglem 

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Comments (40)

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Gianich's picture

March 02, 2016 at 12:19 pm

Tinkerin Ted, scheming again!

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idgafkurt's picture

March 02, 2016 at 12:22 pm

Here's how I solve their off-season needs:

1) TE - go sign a FA (Cooks, Fleener, Allen or Green).
2) ILB - draft Su'a Cravens in round 2
3) OL - draft Conklin, Spriggs or Ifedi in round 1
4) DL - deepest position in draft. Take BPA in round 3.
5) OLB - make a splash in FA and sign Oliver Vernon. They have the cap room and this guy is 25 and on the verge of NFL dominance.
6). RB - Sign Forte, something like 3 yrs 10 mil.
7) WR - just get healthy
8) DB - keep Banjo and con't to develop the talent they have. This is their best overall unit and it's filled with young talent.
9) QB - Like Wolf showed, you always take a QB late in the draft. Let Tolzien walk and let Hundley take over back-up duties.

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Allan Murphy's picture

March 02, 2016 at 02:19 pm

What about our comp pic's 2 4th rounders ?

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RobinsonDavis's picture

March 02, 2016 at 02:53 pm

Do we know this for sure? If so, this gives us room to maneuver with other picks and/or shore up a lot of needs! In such a case, draft 2 LBS, 1 DL, 1 OT (first 4 picks), 1 Saf, 1 WR (maybe), late round G, late round RB, late round CB

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Evan's picture

March 02, 2016 at 02:24 pm

I am starting to like the idea of Cravens a lot - he might be my draft crush for 2016. So that means there is a 0.0 percent chance he ends up in GB.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 03, 2016 at 12:08 pm

Not, 0.0... Probably like 1.2 %

Last year my draft crush was Quinten Rollins. And it actually happened, they drafted him.

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

March 07, 2016 at 03:16 pm

He was mine too!

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Tundraboy's picture

March 02, 2016 at 02:44 pm

Very nice plan. Like your order of importance and the means used to do it for the most part. Like using 1st rounder to get a potential starter on the OL, after a FA TE is signed. But rather than pick up a FA OLB, I would rather see them use their second to 4th round picks on bpa's at OLB, DL, and again ILB. Oh and find a Punter somewhere.

Not sure on the specific players mentioned but I'll leave that to the experts here at CHTV.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 03, 2016 at 01:34 am

Like some of this, hate some of it. The plan is fine if you want a good but not great team. It is the let's not rebuild the road, just patch the worst holes plan. The top talent is going to be at DL and edge rusher: waiting until pick 88 to mine some of that talent probably means that the cream is all gone. GB's defense could use a difference maker, not someone who is just okay or a JAG.

There should be a riot if TT takes Ifedi in round 1. I'd say he can't play OT in the NFL and would have to move to OG. Spriggs is questionable but at least I can project him as a LOT, but looks like a ROT early, and a 2nd round talent. I can make the argument for Conklin, maybe for Decker, but whether either has the feet to play LOT is a bit of an issue.

Sua Cravens is intriguing, but GB once again would be trying to fit him in to some sort of a role. He skipped running at the combine; he measured 6' even, 226 lbs, benched a mediocre but respectable 16, his vertical was a disappointing 27", and his broad jump was a okay at 112". I expected much better explosiveness. Looks like a 'tweener, so I'll wait for his pro day. 'Tweeners sometimes pay dividends.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 02, 2016 at 12:36 pm

I like how you made it offseason needs versus draft needs.
My thoughts on needs:

1. TE. For me I agree with TE being the top need. Rodgers is fine. But with the way McCarthy likes to run his offense, he needs a faster TE that can break tackles and make plays. I think there are more options in Free Agency then the draft that can add that dynamic playmaking ability. Draft the 1 TE I like is Jerell Adams.

2. ILB. They need a sideline to sideline playmaker. Someone that has speed that can cover and stop the run. Play all 3 downs.

3. OLB. You can never have to many pass rushers. With both Neal and Perry both free agents, and Peppers entering his final year, they need to replenish the OLB position.

4. OL. They need a backup OT, and possibly will need to find a OG that could come in and be ready to take over for Lang or Sitton next year. Either way improving the depth is huge. Expect them to draft an OT in the 4th round.

5. RB. Whether they resign Starks or not, and whether Lacy comes into the season in shape or not, they still need more players. They could really use a fast, shifty, change of pace type of RB that can make people miss in the open field. One that could be used in the passing game and be a true threat for defenses. Having to shift Cobb into the backfield to create a change of pace can't last forever. Having a true RB with speed could change this offense. The draft has a quite a few of these pass catching type of RB's available. Tyler Ervin is a guy to watch.

6. DL. Always need DL. I am assuming Raji will return. Also Josh Boyd will be returning. The draft is very deep so I think they will look to take a DL in the draft as they always do. I don't think they 'need' DL play, but adding a play maker there could really change the defense.

7. Punter. At the very least they have to bring in serious competition for Masthay to make him better. How many times did we need a big punt to flip the field. And it never happened.

8. DB. Assuming Hayward needs they will have a bigger need for a slot CB. And they will need to find another S. But this is one of the best groups on the roster.

9. WR. This need will be higher if the injuries to Nelson and Montgomery linger. Assuming they are healthy, this could be the best position group we have, if they all stay healthy. If they added a player to the position I am not sure what would help the most, A big target (6'4+) or a smaller but faster WR.

10. QB. Hundley was extremely impressive last year as a rookie. Did his play make Tolzein expendable? If the Packers don't resign him that will tell us a lot about Hundley's progression.

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RobinsonDavis's picture

March 02, 2016 at 02:39 pm

LOVE the article Ross and responses by Duke and RC! Finally, have others recognizing & communicating similar ideas.
1) Draft 2 LBs to add depth/start - Target pass rushing and speed
2) Although TT has an abysmal record with DL, we need a horse, and I doubt he will pay-up for one in free agency, sign Raji if price is right, and draft Secretariat!
3) Draft top OT & sign before camp Tretter & Lang or Sitton, Compared to D-linemen, look at the success of TT & Mike drafting these positions, WOW!
4) Sign a high level TE in Free Agency (pending price...Green?)
5) Draft a tall SS (or one with hops..not beer) to teach...Caputo? Sign Richardson (injury) and Banjo to one year deals if able. Again TT has a good record here.
6) RB & FB - Sign Kuhn & Starks or Forte
7) QB - I am skiddish about letting Tolzien go. Did we forget where we were two years ago? Hasselbeck?
8) WR - Janis(tall/speed guy), Abby (possession route runner) can contribute more, but we need AROD to PLAY exhibition games and work in practice more with them!! It is his fault, as well, when they are not on the same page. Adams (I am trying to remain positive, but I see no improvement). Do not be surprised if Ted drafts an athletic type (exceptional speed/height/hands) if he does not have to reach for it in the draft.
9) Get Edgar Bennett (and I love Edgar) help with OC position. If other teams, with less talent can get their WRs open, we should be able to. `

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Tundraboy's picture

March 02, 2016 at 02:56 pm

Thumbs up.

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lou's picture

March 02, 2016 at 03:52 pm

" If other teams, with less talent can get their WRs open, we should be able to". This is so true and logical, why did none of us post this yet ?

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

March 07, 2016 at 03:26 pm

Field stretching, vertical isolation routes only, right MM? If the receivers can't beat press, don't change the game plan! Just wait a few weeks (years) until they can beat the press and run these routes effectively. It doesn't matter if the QB has no time to wait for the routes to develop, WE WILL NOT CHANGE!
-GB 2015 coaching strategy pertaining to WRs

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croatpackfan's picture

March 02, 2016 at 02:09 pm

I think there is nobody who predict correct 3 moves in off season & draft Ted Thompson did and will do.
We will be surprised...
And I agree with Ted Thompson - you do not know what is your season needs on the both sides of the team...
And, regarding TE, who is Mitchell Henry? Do anyone knows?

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RobinsonDavis's picture

March 02, 2016 at 03:02 pm

Yeah, he & Backman are two I will be watching this year. High effort guy who played well in limited time with a club on his hand at camp last year (I think he broke his thumb). I don't know if he can sprint the seam or his dependability blocking, but I like his effort.

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meatstyk's picture

March 02, 2016 at 05:12 pm

Agreed, as much as i love to read and speculate on who the pack will draft, we all know that Ted will surprise us all! HE doesnt even know who will fall to him. It all depends on the draft board

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EdsLaces's picture

March 02, 2016 at 02:18 pm

I like Higbee or whatever his name is for TE. And a big fat Yes Please on Cravens! But really Floyd? I just don't see it. I think he's way too lean to stay effective in the NFL.

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NickPerry's picture

March 06, 2016 at 05:37 am

He's 6' 4" though, lots of room to add a few pounds without really effecting his speed. I wouldn't mind seeing Floyd but I'm really liking Lee. My biggest concern is will Lee be able to hold up? Look at Shaizer, he's already missed 11 games in 2 years and is built almost exactly like Lee.

I think TT will play it safe and draft Reed, Billings, Lee, Ragland, or Rankins for example, depending on who's there. Anyone of those players could step in and help the Packers. I think a day one starter will be there for the Packers and help is needed on the DL just about as much as anywhere else.

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Allan Murphy's picture

March 02, 2016 at 02:22 pm

Look for that big body that can get down the field that's what they need even if it's a WR turned to a TE .

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wolfie's picture

March 02, 2016 at 03:53 pm

What about converting Janis to TE?

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marpag1's picture

March 03, 2016 at 08:28 am

Tim Masthay might be able to make the conversion as well. Kind of a big project, though, don't you think? But hey, if either of them can gain 40 pounds of muscle and learn how to block NFL caliber defensive ends, I suppose they could make a go of it.

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

March 07, 2016 at 03:30 pm

Seriously????

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ShooterMcGee's picture

March 02, 2016 at 05:08 pm

Scott Chandler is a guy we should take a look at for TE. I wanted us to sign him last year when he was cut by the Bills. He seems to move pretty well and has good hands. Draft Higbee in round 4 for the future too,

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meatstyk's picture

March 02, 2016 at 05:13 pm

Chandler is slower than Rodgers. Cook, or Dwayne Allen and then draft a guy you can develop.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 02, 2016 at 05:41 pm

Slower than Rodgers? I have to see that.

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Handsback's picture

March 02, 2016 at 05:38 pm

That is a very nice article that will generate a lot of responses. Here's what I see, in the first round, TT will probably be selecting a stud DT/DE. I don't see any of the LBs making it to 27 except Smith from ND or maybe Noah Spence. I would be surprised if TT took either, but would have no issues if he did. So DT guy in the first a ILB in either the 3-4 round range. Now, for the WR/TE position. A good TE will eliminate the need for another receiver. The issue is experience. A rookie TE won't provide much the 1st year. If TT goes the FA route for an experienced TE, then it solves the receiver issues, a rookie just won't do that. Also Mitchell Henry could be a dark horse in that TE corral. He's fast and strong. I also see TT drafting a safety and probably a CB because that's what he does. The last issue is RB. I also like the ND RB and expect TT will also select one and keep Starks. I don't see Crockett as a good option, but maybe he's better than what I saw in the few carries he got.

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Since'61's picture

March 02, 2016 at 06:05 pm

Primary needs are TE and OL. TE can be solved by signing a FA, Antonio Gates or Bennett if available. Since we have 9 picks draft 2 mid- round OLs. 1st round take a stud DL. Sign a FA ILB and draft one in round 2 or 3. After that pick up OLB, WR, RB and BPAs. Thanks, Since '61

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AgrippaLII's picture

March 02, 2016 at 09:09 pm

Sorry, but I don't see TE and ILB as bigger needs than OL and OLB/DE. The OL is going to take a big hit after this season and nothing repeat nothing is more important than keeping AR off the turf. The players the Packers have at TE and ILB aren't pro bowlers but they are adequate to move ahead with.They are young and didn't totally embarrass themselves last season. The Packers are in dire need of another pass rusher to put opposite Matthews be it at OLB or at DE. Peppers will be gone after this season.They will lose Perry to FA and possibly Neal too. No big loss there because Peppers was better than both of them. Jones isn't the pass rushing threat the Packers hoped for and he is a free agent after this season. Other than Daniels at DT Clay is the the entire pass rush...one guy...and once he's double teamed there will be no pass rush. It wouldn't surprise me if Thompson drafts a couple of speedy athletic OLB/DE playmakers and an OL in the first three rounds.

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dobber's picture

March 02, 2016 at 09:57 pm

^^^THIS^^^

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marpag1's picture

March 03, 2016 at 08:11 am

My thoughts exactly, Agrippa.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 03, 2016 at 02:32 am

Nice article, overall. I don't agree with describing RR an ideal #2 TE. If RR hired Baghdad Bob as his agent, ole Bob couldn't say RR is an ideal #2 TE with a straight face. TE might be the biggest need but only FA can change that unless Hunter Henry is the pick, and then he is a reach at #27. Hunter looks to me like an ideal #2 TE, assuming he runs reasonably well at his pro day (and I was a disappointed with just 13 reps on the bench). ILB might be the 2nd biggest need, but again the draft isn't deep and lacks quality at that position. Ragland at #27 would be a pick that is justifiable.

I don't think OL is that big of a need: it depends on what TT thinks he wants to do with Sitton and Lang. Due to their injuries, he may not be sure either. I'm guessing that TT bites the bullet and signs Bakh long term, and uses two picks somewhere in the 3rd thru 5th rounds to fill OG, and considers signing one of Lang and Sitton. Maybe move Linsley to OG and insert Tretter at OC. I believe that depending on playing time/injuries, Tretter is going to want what a good starting OC makes. That would leave Rotherham, Walker, mid rd. draft pick 1 and 2 and maybe Linsley to fill the other OG spot(s). Sounds like a plan to me.

I'd take the best DL or OLB in the draft in RD 1 or 2. The DL is indeed Daniels and a bunch of JAGs. Guion is a bit below average if he is our starting NT, and Pennel didn't quite show enough for comfort. Maybe both can play some DE. A stud DE would look awful good, or a DT even. I am not sold on CM3 still being an elite OLB - my view is he is a red chipper. Peppers was a red (maybe a red minus) last year. I like Elliott, but it is put up or shut up. If he is the answer and looks wonderful next season (his 3rd year), and we will just be talking about his contract year. Draft a stud at OLB if possible. 3-4 is predicated on having good OLBs.

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

March 07, 2016 at 03:35 pm

^^Agree with everything posted above ^^

Now get us an OLB early, Ted!

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croatpackfan's picture

March 03, 2016 at 06:05 am

Who is Mitchell Henry?

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WKUPackFan's picture

March 04, 2016 at 10:20 am

Mitchell Henry is a second year tight end from Western Kentucky University (WKU!), UDFA in the Packers camp last year, signed to the Bronco's 53 at season's beginning, then back to GB mid season.

Tyler Higbee, mentioned above, is also a WKU tight end in this year's draft.

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egbertsouse's picture

March 03, 2016 at 08:32 am

Good analysis except I would put punter at #3. Masthay has been awful for two seasons and I don't see him getting any better at this point.

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4thand10's picture

March 03, 2016 at 06:19 pm

A lot of good insight from everyone. I don't have much to add other than I feel the offensive system kinda plays as a unit. For example...WR's and RB' play a roll in getting TE's open and vice versa. I made the case earlier in the year for WR simply because is Nelsons health and age guaranteed? What if there is a setback the first or second game? What if Adams has another regressive year? I feel we need a down the field threat other than Nelson and cannot hold hope that Janis would totally hold that roll on his own. I feel Janis's true value is on special teams and just the fact that he can haul in a catch once in awhile is an added bonus. But is he a #1 type WR? I'm not so sure on that. If he proves me wrong...great.

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Maverick91's picture

March 06, 2016 at 02:21 pm

Nice article. I really like your analysis. Our two biggest needs at TE and ILB can be solved in free agency. We should sign Danny Trevathan or Jerrell Freeman, then sign LaDarius Green or Bennett (even though he's a head case lol). Then draft to fill the other needs. Here's who I think we need to take in the first 5 rounds:

- Round 1: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
- Round 2: Austin Johnson, NT, Penn State (STEAL!)
- Round 3: Shalique Calhoun, 3-4 OLB, Michigan State
- Round 4, Pick 1: Chris Jones, DE, Mississippi State
- Round 4, Pick 2: An OL for depth
- Round 4, Pick 3: Another OL for depth
- Round 5: DJ Reader, DT, Clemson

Let's see how things play out.

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

March 07, 2016 at 03:37 pm

Garbage.

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CallingIt's picture

March 10, 2016 at 01:39 pm

I would throw Punter in there somewhere as well.

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