Packers: 10 ways Green Bay can have perfect offseason

4. Add speed at wide receiver

At its best, the Packers offense has a deep threat capable of stretching defenses vertically. This creates more opportunities underneath. Jordy Nelson used to be that guy. He was a nightmare for defenses deep downfield, particularly in the 2014 season.

While Nelson still has something to offer Green Bay’s offense as more of a possession receiver, he’s no longer the deep threat he once was. And according to a New York Times article by Sam Manchester in January, and also noted by Aaron Nagler of PackersNews.com, the Packers’ receivers are the NFL’s slowest.

Davante Adams has emerged as a go-to target for Aaron Rodgers. He is explosive off the line of scrimmage, wins early in his route and has posted 22 touchdowns in the past two seasons. But speed has never been his greatest strength.

Randall Cobb is at his best in the slot. But again, he doesn’t burn defenses with speed.

Trevor Davis was drafted for this exact reason, but he’s been limited almost exclusively to special teams.

Forcing defenses to respect the deep pass downfield benefits the entire offense. If Nelson is still part of the Packers’ plans in 2018, he’ll likely spend more time in the slot than ever before.

The Packers need to find a speedster who can complement the other pass catchers on the field.