How Can the Green Bay Packers Get Back to Contention in 2019?
The final step in the reloading process is the draft. Come April, the Packers will have hopefully made a few additions in free agency to lift up the roster and have a clear picture on what positions need upgrades in the draft.
No matter how free agency goes, the Packers will likely enter the draft with needs along the edge, interior offensive line, safety, and wide receiver.
The good news is that Green Bay has two first round picks. One will likely be in the top 15, while the other will be in the late 20s or even the very back end.
With one of those picks, Green Bay needs to get someone to help the pass rush. Even if Green Bay retains Nick Perry, they will have him, Reggie Gilbert, and Kyler Fackrell at the top of the depth chart. They will likely get a pass rusher in round one, and they could possibly double up like they did at corner in 2018. Guys like Josh Allen and Brian Burns are players that could be targeted early on, while Montez Sweat, Jachai Polite, and Chase Winovich could be options later on.
If the Packers wait on edge until their second first round selection, they could land Alabama safety Deionte Thompson with their first pick. Thompson, possibly combined with Earl Thomas, could be an excellent pair.
The wide receiver group needs help as well. It takes a while for later round receivers to develop, and with second round options like A.J. Brown, Marquise Brown, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, and Deebo Samuel. Three of them could instantly play in the slot while Arcega-Whiteside would fit best on the outside. Whether it be a red zone threat, a precise route runner, or a deep threat, someone needs to be drafted to help Rodgers.
As far as the offensive line, the guard spots need to be upgraded to keep Rodgers clean in the pocket. Two names come to mind early in the draft process that could be taken in the mid rounds. Chris Lindstrom and Garrett Bradbury, both from the ACC, are solid players who could develop into starters very quickly. Green Bay always has drafted linemen well in the mid rounds, so keeping that trend going is key.
Next. 2019 NFL mock draft update. dark
If the Packers get the right coach and staff in, add pieces in free agency, and reload through the draft, they can be right back in title contention in 2019.