Green Bay Packers: Best opponents, how they will have an impact
By Ryan Schlipp
![Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers cornerback LaDarius Gunter (36) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers cornerback LaDarius Gunter (36) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/LombardiAve-cover-8322829161c5d38f32b53a698baae98d45008593489699823bbcdcd3c1f925eb.jpg)
Cleveland Browns
Joe Thomas, Offensive Tackle
Yes, the Browns are a terrible team, but I’m not exactly scraping the bottom of the barrel with Joe Thomas.
In 10 years, Thomas has not had a single bad year. Not one. He is an elite athlete if there has ever been one.
To make matters worse, Thomas isn’t the only good lineman on this team by a longshot. After adding J.C. Tretter to the center position, the only real question mark is the right tackle spot.
Add in the fact that the Browns have 12 draft picks in 2017, it’s safe to say we shouldn’t sleep on the Browns as an automatic W. They have the ability to not only add a tackle but if the Browns add a running back and quarterback to play behind that offensive line, the Browns could turn it around really quick.
Hey, the Cowboys did it.
As it stands it’s difficult to say what the Packers would need to do to win this game because the Browns only win if they strike gold in the draft.
What we do know is that the Packers will need to match up to their offensive line. I have supreme confidence in the boys in the middle of the line, but they will need help from the linebackers.
If Clay Matthews moves and Jake Ryan makes another huge leap, the Packers are set. Otherwise an investment will need to be made in the draft.