Now that Free Agency has settled down and the big spending is seemingly over, all eyes are on the upcoming draft. The draft becomes more apparent now that the Green Bay Packers have signed a top safety and running back. I know what you’re thinking. It’s impossible to truly predict what Brian Gutekunst and the Packers’ scouting department have cooked up.
The Packers don’t always draft based on needs. Sometimes, prospects that Green Bay has ranked very high are too promising to pass on. Let’s explore the Packers’ biggest needs heading into the draft.
Strength in Numbers
The defense was inconsistent for most of last season. The one position group that may have shown the most promise is the Defensive Line. Most people would argue that the Packers are solid at the defensive line and should focus their draft capital elsewhere. I would disagree. Like most smart organizations, the Packers don’t make decisions solely based on the previous year’s production; they also consider the position’s future.
Here is a list of defensive linemen the Packers currently have under contract:
- Rashan Gary (OLB, DE)
- Age – 26
- Contract Expires – 2028
- Kenny Clark (DT)
- Age- 28
- Contract Expires – 2025 (Upcoming Season)
- Preston Smith (OLB, DE)
- Age- 31
- Contract Expires – 2027
- Lukas Van Ness (OLB, DE)
- Age – 22
- Contract Expires – 2028
- Devonte Wyatt (DT)
- Age – 25
- Contract Expires – 2027
- Colby Wooden (DT, DE)
- Age – 23
- Contract Expires – 2027
- Karl Brooks (DT, DE)
- Age – 23
- Contract Expires – 2027
- Kingsley Enagbare (OLB, DE)
- Age – 24
- Contract Expires – 2026
- Tedarrell (TJ) Slaton
- Age – 26
- Contract Expires – 2025 (Upcoming Season)
Depth Is Never Unwelcome for the Green Bay Packers
When you look at the list, it’s easy to get excited. Seven Players are 26 or younger. However, the Packers have two players on expiring contracts. Kingsley Enagbare tore his ACL in January and will likely not return to action until October. Even when he returns, he might not return to his full self until the following season, which happens to be a contract season.
The other two things to consider are last year’s production and this upcoming season’s scheme change. Last season, Green Bay recorded 45 sacks, tied for 10th in the NFL. PFF graded the Packers as the 16th-best pass rush in the NFL last season, which is in the middle of the pack. Maybe switching to a 4-3 defense will help improve those numbers. In my opinion, adding another defensive lineman isn’t a bad idea.
So, if the Packers can draft a top defensive lineman, I believe they will not hesitate to take it.
Top Five Defensive Lineman from the NFL Combine
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