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Green Bay Packers: How offense can be fixed in 2016

By Freddie Boston

Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) celebrates his first quarter touchdown catch with Jody Nelson against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) celebrates his first quarter touchdown catch with Jody Nelson against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers tight end Tyler Higbee (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against Marshall Thundering Herd at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers tight end Tyler Higbee (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against Marshall Thundering Herd at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Add a pass-catching TE

The most glaring need on offense is at tight end. The Packers have been unable to replace Jermichael Finley, and the production from the tight ends has been pedestrian. Richard Rodgers is talented player, but his lack of speed and sloppy route running puts a ceiling on his production.

Rodgers is an excellent red zone target – he hauled in eight touchdown passes in 2015 and should be applauded for that effort. But the Packers need another tight end who can open up the middle of the field and dominate the Y-seam. Pass-catching tight ends are like gold dust in the NFL right now.

Maybe the Packers dip into free agency and give the likes of San Diego’s Ladarius Green or Miami’s Jordan Cameron (if he’s released) a look. In all likelihood, Thompson will turn to the draft.

The group of tight ends is thin in the draft, which could require the Packers to go early at the position. Hunter Henry has been given a first round grade by multiple analysts, and would be an option for the Packers at No. 27. If they turn to the position later on, a target could be former wide receiver Tyler Higbee, who has the speed to stretch defenses vertically and burn them after the catch.

Next: Five Packers that exceeded expectations in 2015

By adding a tight end that can create mismatches downfield, the Packers’ offense could add the dimension it needs to win another championship.

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