Green Bay Packers: Five free agents who could make an impact

NT Ian Williams, San Francisco 49ers

Ian Williams isn’t a name that stands out with casual football fans but the guy can really play.

Williams is coming off of a 65-tackle season at the nose tackle position with the 49ers.

Let’s make this known right away, Williams isn’t a pass rusher (two sacks in five seasons). But the Packers don’t necessarily need that either. The Packers are soft up the middle and Williams is excellent against the run.

The last time the Packers signed a true impact nose tackle was 2006 when they signed Ryan Pickett.

Pickett was a fixture for the interior of the defense for eight seasons and proved to be one of Ted Thompson’s best free agent signings.

Could Williams be the next Ryan Pickett?

It is possible as Williams last season was very similar to Ryan Pickett in the stat column as well as what he showed on tape.

This contract would likely be the most expensive in terms of the five guys on my list, but would be well worth it as the Packers run defense has finished twenty-first or worse for three consecutive seasons.

It would also take some of the pressure off of Mike Daniels, freeing him up to rush the passer at a higher level.

Next: Another ILB with value