Green Bay has the twenty-ninth pick and made it to the AFC final before losing to Kansas City. Aaron Rodgers leads this team, as he has for over ten years. The team exceeded expectations, but need to add a few more offensive weapons to take the next step.
The Packers have ten picks in the draft: a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, three sixths, and two sevenths.
I list the needs below, including major, for depth, and areas they are unlikely to look at. I may add categories for a particular situation.
Major Needs (No Particular Order):
Quarterback: While Aaron Rodgers is talked about as one of the game’s best, he is 36 and an eventual backup needs to be found. In reserve are Tim Boyle and Manny Wilkins. I don’t know how long Rodgers has to go, but it would be a good idea to see a possible successor chosen.
Wide Receiver: They have a very good receiver in Devante Adams and not much else. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard are the other holdovers with Geronimo Allison leaving for Detroit in free agency. Jake Kumerow had playing time and Devin Funchess signed in free agency. Ryan Grant is unsigned. A big team need in a draft loaded with quality receivers is a no-brainer for the Packers to make a pick or two.
Tight End: With Jimmy Graham leaving for Chicago as a free agent, Marcedes Lewis is the starter for now. Robert Tonyan is in reserve and the hope is for last year’s third-round pick, Jace Sternberger, to take a big step forward after missing time with injuries. Evan Baylis is also on the roster. There is a good chance they address this position between rounds two and four.
Offensive Line: David Bakhtiari is one of the game’s best at left tackle, but right tackle is questionable with Brian Bulaga’s signing with the Chargers. Ricky Wagner was signed away from Detroit and he is the frontrunner to replace him. That is a step down from Bulaga and depth is shaky with Alex Light and John Leglue. At left guard, Elgton Jenkins had a good rookie year as their second-round pick stepping in for the injured Lane Taylor. Billy Turner was adequate at right guard and Lucas Patrick is on the roster. Corey Linsley had a good year at center and he is backed up by Cole Madison. There is a need at guard and for some depth.
Inside Linebacker: There will be a new pair here with Blake Martinez (NY Giants) and BJ Goodson (Cleveland) leaving in free agency. Christian Kirksey was picked up from Cleveland and Oren Burks is tentatively set to play next to him. Ty Summers and Curtis Bolton are the reserves. They will make a pick at some time and it could be the first round if the right player is available.
Depth:
Running Back: The Pack has a good tandem in Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Jones rushed for 1,084 yards with 49 receptions, while Williams rushed for 460 with 39 receptions. Also on the team are Tyler Ervin, Dexter Williams, and Damarea Crockett.
Defensive Line: The big pieces of this line were nose tackle Kenny Clark plus end Dean Lowry. Rounding out the starters is Tyler Lancaster. The backups are Kingsley Keke and Montravius Adams. This is a unit that can use more depth for rotational purposes.
Outside Linebacker: The Packers enjoyed a big pass rush from Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith with 13.5 and 12 sacks, respectively. Off the bench is Rashan Gary, one of their first-round picks. Tim Williams and Randy Ramsey are also on the team. Kyler Fackrell signed with the Giants in free agency. They are in good shape with a possible pick for depth.
Cornerback: Jaire Alexander made good progress in his second year. Kevin King has his ups and downs on the other corner. Chandon Sullivan was the third corner, while Josh Jackson and Ka’dar Holliman filling out the corners. Tramon Williams is unsigned. Another pick could be used for depth.
Safety: Darnell Savage Jr was their other first-round choice and met expectations with Adrian Amos also providing solid play. Raven Greene and Will Redmond are the backups. Ibraheim Campbell is unsigned. Another backup safety may be chosen.
*Information from various sources, including Pro-Football Reference, Sportac, and ESPN.