2020 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers top five first-round targets
By Ian Higgins
After being eliminated by the San Francisco 49ers, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers look to retool for another run in 2020. Who should they take in the 2020 NFL Draft to make a difference?
After being knocked out by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship courtesy of an unforgettable performance by running back Raheem Mostert, Green Bay looks to retool for another Super Bowl run with the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a relatively complete roster that will be looking to add the final touches to a championship roster rather than a true rebuild, but their championship window is closing.
Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers is currently 36-years-old with four years remaining on his contract with an opt-out in 2022. Green Bay needs to focus on building around their veteran star in his remaining time and make the game easier for him with a complimenting running game, new receiving talent and a true championship-caliber defense.
This offseason, Green Bay also has a collection of interesting free agents they will need to consider bringing back, including the likes of offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga and inside linebacker Blake Martinez. Some of this talent can be retained for a hefty price, but some will have to be replaced by young talent from the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Packers currently sport an offense headlined by Davante Adams, Aaron Jones, and Jimmy Graham. These three weapons can only help Rodgers so much and need to be complemented by other young stars in the draft. These future rookies will have their contracts coming to an end the same offseason as Rodgers (assuming he opts-in through 2024), meaning their value outside of a Rodgers-led offense can only be valued if they are brought back for a second contract.