Green Bay Packers draft to improve depth
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix could be a great addition to the Packers’ defense. Photo Courtesy Cbssports.com
The 2014 NFL Draft is just under a month away and the Green Bay Packers have a number of areas where in which they can improve and add depth.
If you are optimistic, as I am, the Packers are in an ideal position. They are not a team in need of a “face of the franchise” or a player to build around. I would argue that they don’t necessarily lack playmakers, on either side of the ball. They need to upgrade talent at a few key positions and add solid depth to both the offense and the defense.
Green Bay has a dynamic offense that when all their starters are on the field they have the ability to contend with anyone in the league. With star to solid play makers at the quarterback, running back and receiver positions the Packers can score in a multitude of ways.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph
Opportunities to upgrade sit at the center and tight end positions, having lost incumbent starter Evan Dietrich-Smith in free agency and Jermichael Finley’s status is unknown due to injury and also free-agency.
Bryan Bulaga’s expected return from a knee injury leaves one to believe the offensive line could give Aaron Rodgers and Eddie Lacy and company a fighting chance.
On defense, well let’s be honest, there is plenty of room for improvement. The addition of Julius Peppers is strong step in the right direction, as is the re-signing of Sam Shields, B.J. Raji and Mike Neal. Uncertainties are found at free safety and inside linebacker. Some may contend that outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews is a need; I would disagree, believing we have plenty of talent in-house. Same goes for the defensive line.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph
However, what the Packers desperately need is quality depth that can step in and play without a hesitation of a doubt.
In 2013, not only were the Packers ill-prepared for the injury to Aaron Rodgers, but for the loss of players at every position. Football is a violent game and injury should be anticipated with preparations in place. If there is one thing gleaned from an 8-7-1 season is the players on the back end of the roster need to be able to play this year, not two or three years down the road.
In reality that is probably a bit overly optimistic given contract complexities and time players need to acclimate to the league. With that said, consistently fruitful drafts will in time provide quality depth.
The first two picks, maybe even the two 3rd round selections this year could deliver players Packer fans would hope could start or play when called upon. Outside of the obvious needs at safety, inside linebacker, tight end and center there are a couple of positions that could prosper from fresh talent.
Wide receiver is certainly a place that has room to grow from the bottom up. And quality additions on both the offensive and defensive line never hurts.
If you need to improve your knowledge of the potential Green Bay Packers, be sure to check out the work of Lombardiave.com’s Dan Dahlke and Ray Rivard. Their insight and dedication to studying the prospective Packers are second to none.
In the meantime, happy speculating and Go Pack Go!