Green Bay Packers: Ten players to target in free agency

Haloti Ngata

Ngata isn’t what he used to be; at this point, he’s not elite by any means. He still is an influential player though, the kind that can help out a defense in multiple ways.

Ngata brings multiple things to the table that could help the Packers immediately. He has the type of size (6-foot-4, 345 pounds) to eat up blocks like crazy at nose tackle, and would help out well on passing downs. His abilities aren’t as strong against the run anymore, but he would be a massive improvement over what someone like B.J. Raji could provide in that area.

The issues with adding Ngata would be his age (32) and his somewhat waning level of play, but those concerns are not as bad as they seem considering that Ngata goes beyond statistics with what he adds to a team. Just by being on the field he can affect the way an offense must gameplan – that is a huge body to keep out of the backfield, and one which will garner attention from multiple players on every play.

Those concerns with him could lower his potential price tag somewhat though, despite what he does bring to the table. Considering that, and adding in the leadership value someone like Ngata can bring to a team, makes it a worthwhile look.

Secondary Option: Terrance Knighton

Knighton is pretty much the same case as Ngata on most levels; just knock off a couple years from his age and switch the proficiencies against the run and pass.

Knighton might come somewhat cheaper while adding value in the area the Packers might need more.

Next: Another big guy