Green Bay Packers: Top team needs entering 2021 NFL Draft

2. Defensive Tackle

The Green Bay Packers had a deficiency against the run under defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, and that played into some major letdowns in his career, especially in the NFC title game against the 49ers. Things picked up for the Packers down the stretch in 2020, partially due to the addition of Damon Harrison.

Now, in 2021, the Packers are expecting some growth from Kingsley Keke, who brought some juice as a pass rusher. Green Bay tendered Tyler Lancaster as well, who doesn’t do too much other than provide depth. Maybe Harrison returns, but nothing has happened up to this point.

Finding a running mate for Kenny Clark makes a ton of sense in the 2021 NFL Draft. The obvious, clear-cut target is Alabama’s Christian Barmore. Barmore has the strength and ability to handle double teams against the run, and was productive as a pass rusher, logging eight sacks in 2020. He’d fit the bill if he’s available at 29.

If Brian Gutekunst and his team look elsewhere, it will be much later. This defensive tackle group isn’t very strong, and many prospects don’t offer much more than juice as a pass rusher. If they want someone who can be effective against the run, North Carolina State’s Alim McNeill would be a good fit as a run-stopping one-technique. Otherwise, a pass rusher like Osa Odighizuwa could be a pressure machine in sub-packages. He plays with excellent leverage and hands at the point of attack.