Packers: 12 steps towards fixing the team’s biggest problems
By Evan Siegel
9. Draft a pass rusher with one of two first-round picks
It is too early to know exactly where the Packers will be drafting in 2019, but with two first-round picks at their disposal, adding a pass rusher should be a given. With Nick Perry and Clay Matthews gone in this hypothetical scenario, drafting an edge rusher and supplementing his growth with a cheap free agent signing makes the most sense.
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Clelin Ferrell of Clemson would make a lot of sense for the Packers. Ferrell is both a stingy run defender and powerful edge rusher who can overwhelm opposing tackles with his bull rush. Ferrell could go too high for the Packers, so Joe Jackson of Miami (FL) and Jalen Jelks of Oregon would be ideal fits.
Several veteran names to watch include Shane Ray, Derrick Morgan and Shaquil Barrett.
10. Hire a new special teams coordinator
Ron Zook has his unit playing like garbage again in 2018. The kick coverage team is awful with players routinely missing assignments and being way out of position particularly on kickoffs. The Packers have consistently set up Rodgers with poor field position and surrendered good field position time and again to opposing offenses.
The Packers should pursue John Fassel of the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have outclassed the Packers in recent years when it comes to being unpredictable and versatile on special teams.
They routinely mix up their looks in kick coverage and consistently create lanes for Pharaoh Cooper to dash through. It is a minor miracle when the Packers get through one play where the unit doesn’t commit a penalty or allow a 30-yard kick return.