Green Bay Packers: Three burning offseason questions
Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers strong safety Morgan Burnett (42) , nose tackle Letroy Guion (98) and free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) react after a call was overturned against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
What next at defensive tackle?
Who will be the starting nose tackle for the Packers in 2015? That decision is still up in the air right now.
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The Packers have two free agents at the position: B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion. Raji missed the entire 2014 season with a torn bicep; Guion impressed in his place, but questions have since raised due to his arrest.
It’s expected that at least one of the two will return to Green Bay.
Jason Wilde of ESPN Wisconsin reported that there is ‘mutual interest’ between Raji and the Packers in a new deal:
"“According to an NFL source, there’s mutual interest between the Packers and Raji, who missed the entire 2014 season with a ruptured biceps tendon suffered in preseason, in Raji returning for another season in Green Bay. And the Packers’ interest in Raji is independent of whether fellow free-agent defensive tackle Letroy Guion, who started 16 games in Raji’s place, returns as well.”"
The Packers will likely look for another nose tackle either in free agency or in the draft. The free agent market is rapidly closing, however, with a number of the most talented players at the position signing deals elsewhere.
Terrance Knighton, previously of the Denver Broncos, agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Washington Redskins this week. The Packers may feel they missed an opportunity with him, but there will be plenty of opportunities to add quality in the draft.
Nov 28, 2014; Iowa City, IA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) is pressured by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Carl Davis (71) at Kinnick Stadium. Nebraska beat Iowa 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips could be an option in the opening two rounds, as I wrote this week.
They may also look at Florida State’s Eddie Goldman and Iowa’s Carl Davis.
Both players have high-ceilings and the potential to become an anchor on the defensive line.
With the re-signing of either veteran, Raji or Guion, and a young prospect early in the draft, the Packers could set themselves up to turn a 2014 weakness into a 2015 strength.
Next: Defense on the rise