Five reasons why Green Bay Packers will win NFC North in 2018

3. Improved secondary

The Packers’ struggles in the secondary cost them in 2016, and the cornerback position was still a major weakness last year. It’s no surprise Gutekunst made it his top priority this spring, using his top two draft picks on corners Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson, while also signing Tramon Williams.

While it would be unfair to expect elite play from the two rookies right away, the unit as a whole should be improved in 2018. And that will be huge for the entire defense.

Second-year Kevin King will be a key piece in Mike Pettine’s defense if he can stay healthy. Williams won’t just be a leader in the locker room — he can still play at a high level, and has experience in Pettine’s scheme.

Alexander and Jackson will make rookie mistakes. But even if their best seasons will come in 2019 and beyond, they will still help the secondary improve this year.

And who knows, maybe one of them will follow in the footsteps of Marshon Lattimore. Lattimore was a Pro Bowler, named the 2017 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in his debut season with the Saints.

With the additions made, the Packers’ secondary should take a big step forward in 2018.