Since the Packers last won Super Bowl XLV in 2010, only 4 current players remain from that roster. Aaron Rodgers, Brian Bulaga, Tramon Williams
Another key departure this
Also gone is Coach Mike McCarthy and several of his staff. Mike had revamped his staff after the 2017-2018 season, but couldn’t muster a record worth keeping him around any longer. His game plan and message had grown stale. Replacing McCarthy is the young, energetic Matt LaFleur, along with his enthusiastic staff, and a lofty goal to return 1265 to greatness.
Brian Gutekunst stepped into the Free Agent market this off season quite unlike his predecessor Ted Thompson. Gutekunst signed four free agents who were familiar either to the Packers or a member of the current staff. It appears all four will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. Billy Turner OL will be a welcome sight for the Offensive Line, while Za’Darius Smith OLB, Preston Smith OLB, and Adrian Amos S, will likely all be starters on Mike Pettine’s Defense. With the signings during Free Agency, Brian Gutekunst will have much more freedom during the 2019 Draft.
Targets I expected to see in the draft have changed slightly since the addition of t
At pick 30 or 44 a combination of offensive/defensive line and safety would be excellent. I’m looking at Cody Ford OK, or Jonah Williams AL for the offensive line or Ed Oliver HOU, Christian Wilkins CLEM, for the D-line and Safety Nasir Adderley DEL for the back end of the defense.
For pick number 75, I think the Packers look for a Tight End. TJ Hockenson and Noah Fant will likely be gone, so maybe Irv Smith Jr AL or Caleb Wilson UCLA would be good choice here. For picks 114 and 118, I anticipate the Packers target a Running Back and Wide Receiver. Miles Sanders PSU or Wes Hills SR would be a great addition in the backfield. Projected Wide Receivers in the 4th Round (WalterFootball.com) are DK Metcalf UM, or N’Keal Harry ASU. Either would work out nicely in the slot for Aaron Rodgers and the offense. The Packers should just add depth with their remaining picks and UDFA’s.
One thing we can be sure of, the 2019 Packers will have a much different look. A combination of some seasoned veteran’s, young upside veteran’s, and young players making positive strides are expected. Matt LaFleur’s new offense has a run first appearance, but mixes similar formations, with different execution. As fans, we are hoping to see better chemistry between Rodgers and his receivers this season. We also plan on seeing more improvement from Mike Pettine’s defense especially with the additions he’ll have.
The Packers can actually turn their fortunes around in 2019. Fans have good reason to be optimistic for the upcoming season. The Packers will have a healthy Aaron Rodgers, a bolstered offensive line, young wide receivers with a year of experience, paired with veteran receivers and quality running backs. The defense has added experienced youth, returned veteran/experienced players and will definitely see talent from the draft. Let’s all buckle up, enjoy the ride and realize the Packers will be a Super Bowl contender again in 2019!
As Always, Go Pack Go
PackerGreg
PackerGreg Veteran/Go Army @DrGTP on Twitter
2 responses to “Green Bay Packers, 2019 Time for Change”
Pick number 114 should be Andy Isabella and 118 Miles Sanders or the Notre Dame running back who looked great at the Senior Bowl. I can’t remember his name but really was impressive.