Green Bay Packers: RB a crucial need, but not the most important

The Green Bay Packers head into the 2017 NFL Draft with many needs – on both sides of the ball.

But what is the biggest need, the most crucial need for the team?

Yesterday, Rob Demovsky lobbied hard for the drafting of a running back.

Here is what Demovsky said in an ESPN story:

"At this point, the Packers’ backfield looks exactly the same as it did when last season ended. Converted receiver Ty Montgomery is the No. 1 halfback and Christine Michael is his backup … So the more likely course of action is through the draft, but keep in mind the Packers haven’t picked a running back in the first round since 1990."

The problem with the argument is two-fold: First of all, the backfield of Ty Montgomery and Aaron Ripkowski wasn’t too bad at the end of last year – though it’s clear they need to add some talent to the backfield – and secondly, there are way too many gaping holes – especially on the defense – to be using a first round pick on a running back.

Since the Packers flew out of Atlanta after their humiliating performance in the NFC Championship Game last January, all eyes have been on the defense, specifically the cornerback position.

Green Bay was not only forced to improvise at running back when Eddie Lacy and James Starks were lost to injury for the season, but they had to do the same on the defensive side of the ball.

When you’ve got to use Ladarius Gunter – an undrafted free agent – on opposing team’s best receivers, you’re in trouble.

But when those receivers are Odell Beckham Jr., Dez Bryant and Julio Jones in three straight playoff games, the odds are not good and in this case, really caught up to Green Bay in the end.

Yes, running back is an important position to fill through the draft this spring, but in my opinion, stocking up on talent in the defensive backfield (and the defensive line and edge rusher, for that matter) are areas of much more concern.

If the old adage about defenses winning championships holds true, the Packers needs on the defensive side of the ball overshadows any offensive needs – including offensive line.

So, the bottom line here, at least for argument’s sake, is that Demovsky’s views are correct, but flawed. The needs lie in finding athletes who are going to defend the likes of Beckham Jr., Bryant and Jones … and drafting guys that will fit into Dom Capers’ system.

In a draft where there are a plethora of running backs that could be had in the third or fourth rounds, Green Bay and GM Ted Thompson have to find a way to bring in defenders that will help win championships.

Next: Packers all-time best receivers

The offense is OK behind Aaron Rodgers. The defense, with the likes of Gunter, Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins, is OK, but far from championship quality – the team is in need of an influx of players who could challenge them for starting jobs.

Build the team through defense and the Vince Lombardi Trophy comes home.