As the league gears up for the draft, it is important to evaluate how the Packers will address the roster. The Packers are set to have seven selections. Most notably, they will not pick in the first round due to trading for Micah Parsons.
Micah Parsons fills in gaps for the defense and has proven to be worth giving up a first round pick. With major departures in free agency, there is plenty of room for improvement.
If there is ever a year where the focus should not solely be on drafting and developing, it is this one. Without a first round pick, the selections become even more crucial to get right.
The Packers Positions of Need
While the team arguably added one of the best players in the league, Edge rusher remains the top need in the draft. Kingsley Enagbare and Rashan Gary departed, and both Parsons and Devonte Wyatt are coming off injuries.
It is not clear if Parsons will be able to start the season. However, it is more likely that he will be ready closer to week three or four. How the Packers start the season without him matters.
By round two, most of the top edge rushers will already be gone. The most important thing is to at least add a player with experience and an ability to play in rotation immediately.
The team is also in desperate need of a cornerback. After the signing of Nate Hobbs failed, the Packers immediately cut their losses and decided to move on. This leaves Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon as the projected starting cornerbacks.
Thankfully, this draft has plenty of options and is a strong cornerback class. Expect a cornerback to be addressed by round four. There could also be another cornerback pick later on in order to add a special teams’ contributor.
The offensive line is always a need, and luckily, the Packers have been known to draft strong picks in the later rounds. Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker both left the team. With Sean Rhyan being the starting center for the first time, any picks on the line will be for camp competition and depth.
The Packers seem to have the offensive line they want heading into the season. However, with injuries inevitable, having backups who are ready to go will be key.
Every year a team’s goal is to compete for a Super Bowl. The Packers will stare down another season where they must make a deeper post season push. Time is of the essence, and the draft is yet another opportunity to make this team Super Bowl ready.
