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Green Bay Packers: How team needs were addressed in 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal inside linebacker Blake Martinez (4) knocks the ball out of the hands of Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) in the third quarter in the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi
Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal inside linebacker Blake Martinez (4) knocks the ball out of the hands of Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) in the third quarter in the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi /
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Tight end

The Packers didn’t select a tight end in the draft, but they did sign free agent Jared Cook who was released by the Los Angeles Rams in February. Cook was one of just two outside free agents added by the Packers — the other was outside linebacker Lerentee McCray, formerly of the Denver Broncos.

With Andrew Quarless departing in free agency, Cook fills in as the replacement on a one-year deal. While this was hardly a flashy move made by the Packers, Cook should offer an upgrade on Quarless with his combination of speed and athleticism.

Doubters will point to Cook’s career in which he has largely underachieved, never fully living up to his potential. Supporters will look at the long list of quarterbacks he’s played under as a reason for this. Aaron Rodgers will be far and way the best passer Cook has connected with, and maybe No. 12 is what the former Ram needed to unlock his potential.

Whether Cook is the answer at tight end or not is yet to be seen. Maybe the Packers will rue not perusing another free agent such as Ladarius Green, or targeting a Nick Vannett or Austin Hooper in the draft.

Time will tell.

Next: Offensive line

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