The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is right around the corner. So, what positions should Packers fans be focused on the most during this illustrious event that can boost some prospects stock heading into NFL draft season? These are my Packers Top 5 draft needs Pre-NFL Combine.
Thoughts on Current Packers News
Before getting into my list, I wanted to share some of my thoughts on the current news headlines for the Packers. The first big news is the restructure/pay cut of Aaron Jones. It sounds like that if Aaron Jones did not take less money then the Packers were going to cut him from the team. Aaron Jones took a five million dollar pay cut and also had a restructure done to save money on the cap. This ultimately was probably a good deal for both parties because if Aaron Jones would have been cut, he probably wouldn’t have gotten 11 million dollars in free agency and this still saves money for the Packers.
Aaron Rodgers is the other news (like usual during the offseason). Some reports came out about the Packers being done with Aaron Rodgers and that the Packers are ready to move on to Jordan Love. What do I think about these reports? I still think it is a wait-and-see kind of thing. A lot of people are seemingly hedging their bets that Rodgers will be gone but this is kinda what happened during the 2021 offseason too. I don’t think we will know anything for real until it happens. We still have to wait for Rodgers to get out of the darkness first.
Now onto my draft needs list:
#5 Draft Need: Offensive Line
The offensive line needs some work. Let’s look at this group position by position. First things first, left tackle David Bakhtiari has a 28.8 million dollar cap hit according to overthecap.com. That is massive cap hit for a player that is probably top 5 at his position when healthy, but health is indeed a major concern. Even if the Packers find a way to restructure and add void years, Bakhtiari probably isn’t long for the team. So the Packers might look to add at this premium position early.
The Packers guards are actually in a great position. Elgton Jenkins played himself into a contract extension (even with the knee injury) and John Runyon has played well at right guard, though his contract is coming due soon too.
The Packers center is a position of need. The Packers (as of right now) missed when they drafted center Josh Meyers a couple of years ago instead of center Creed Humphries who was drafted by the Chiefs a pick after Meyers. Josh Meyers has been consistently inconsistent and could be replaced as soon as this year’s draft.
And finally right tackle could be another position drafted this season even though the Packers have Zach Tom, who has shown to be versatile on the offensive line. The Packers could draft a right tackle instead of a center and have Zach Tom play center. Now onto my #4 need.
#4 Draft Need: Quarterback
This one might be surprising to most, but I think the Packers need to do their homework on some of these quarterbacks in this year’s NFL draft. If Rodgers does come back to the team, it won’t be for long. Then what does that mean for Jordan Love? On the other hand, if Rodgers leaves, the Packers will play Jordan Love but they should still draft a quarterback high to back up Love and be capable of taking over just in case things go south.
This is the same strategy the team pulled back in 2008 went Rodgers replaced Favre. The Packers drafted Brian Brohm in the second round and then drafted Matt Flynn in seventh round. I could see history repeating itself here.
#3 Draft Need: Defensive Line/Edge
Rashan Gary is a great pass rusher. The problem is he will be still working himself back to health at the start of next season. He also can’t do it alone. Preston Smith has been great for the Packers but he is getting older and is losing a step. The Packers need to pair another rush defender with Rashan Gary. This could be someone versatile who can play inside and out. An edge player like this can help with pass rush and in rush defense.
#2 Draft Need: Tight End
This is a position of need big time because as it currently stands, the Packers only have one tight end on the roster in Josiah Deguara and he is technically an h-back/fullback type of player. The Packers could still bring back Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan but this hasn’t happened yet. And even if they did come back, they weren’t cutting it very well. The middle of the field needs to be attacked more and that could require more athleticism at the position.
#1 Draft Need: Safety
Adrian Amos is leaving via free agency and Darnel Savage, well, he either won’t be on the team come the start of the season or he will be playing a different position. The Packers don’t just need depth at the safety position – they need starters. I wouldn’t be surprised if a safety is drafted high in this year’s NFL draft.
So during the NFL scouting combine, be watching the safeties and these other positions I mentioned above.
Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
——————
