With the draft quickly approaching, I wanted to focus on three positions of need ahead of the draft. Towards the end of the season, the needs become more glaring and obvious. Injuries pile up and weaknesses are exposed.

For the Packers to take a step forward in 2025, they have to bolster their roster aggressively. Last year, we saw an aggressive offseason from Brian Gutekunst with the signings of Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs. If the Packers are going to become a Super Bowl contender, there are needs to be addressed.

This year it still felt like the Packers were a year away from having a real shot to win it all. They were not equipped to handle the NFC’s top teams. So, what are three areas the Packers can focus on heading into free agency and the draft?

Cornerbacks

One of the arguments last year before the draft was how the Packers would address the cornerback room. Many were dead set on drafting Cooper DeJean or Quinyon Mitchell in the first round. However, there were also many who assured that the cornerback room wasn’t going to be changed and that Gutekunst was satisfied with the group.

Gutekunst decided not to address the cornerback room. I don’t think Gutekunst’s process was inherently wrong but also could see where it would backfire on him. Jaire Alexander is an All-Pro Cornerback when he is healthy. The key words there are, when he is healthy.

Alexander had another season where he could not stay on the field. Injuries can be out of the player’s control. There were several games this year where Jaire would practice for the entire week and then would be ruled out. This makes it especially hard to gameplan and to know who you can rely on. It is incredibly likely that Jaire’s time as a Packer is done.

Keisean Nixon is steady. He isn’t the flashiest, but he is also reliable. Carrington Valetine is starting to come into form but still needs improvement. The Eric Stokes experience is more than likely about to be over, another first round draft pick that did not pan out.

Gutekunst can take the approach he did with the cornerbacks as he did with the safeties last year or bring in a free agent. Nevertheless, it looks like adding to the group via the draft will make the most sense.

Pass Rush

The Packers group of pass rushers took an obvious step back this season. After signing Rashan Gary to a massive extension, he didn’t truly step up until the end of the year. Lukas Van Ness still needs a lot of refinement to become a reliable pass rusher.

The two big names for opportunities to add in free agency are Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett. Maxx Crosby is the face of the Las Vegas Raiders. He embodies pure physical strength and dominance. He also has worked with Rich Bisaccia, Keisean Nixon and Josh Jacobs. The three of them can be big recruiters.

Myles Garrett is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. He arguably is one of the best defensive players in the league for several years. Garrett wants out of Cleveland. Nevertheless, Cleveland is adamant they will not trade him. Things with Garrett and the Browns will probably get ugly before a trade happens.

Khalil Mack is also available. While he is almost 34, he still is playing at an elite level. He hasn’t lost a step. The Packers have also commonly been a draft pick for Shemar Stewart out of Texas A&M. The Packers have plenty of options to address the pass rush and how they will should be very exciting.

Wide Receiver

Coming into the season, it felt like the Packers were completely set up with receivers. However, none of the receivers truly improved. The only one to take a significant leap was Tucker Kraft, a tight end.

Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed both struggled to hold onto the ball. Romeo Doubs has been dealing with concussions that look very serious. Christian Watson will not return until close to the end of next season.

Just like that, wide receiver is a huge need for this team. The Packers have continued to be linked to a potential Davante Adams reunion. Adams is a veteran that actually makes sense for this locker room now. A big concern was taking snaps away from the younger players, but they had that chance this year.

Since they didn’t take advantage of that opportunity, it is essential to add to the wide receiver room. Tee Higgins is also an available free agent. However, I am not sure the contract makes sense for the Packers.

The Packers have plenty of money to spend in free agency. I prefer to add two or three free agents that are maybe not as flashy but are productive. There are many decisions to be made and how these decisions play out will shape the Packers for years to come.