Packers 2020 pre-draft preview: Defensive tackle a priority

Strengthening the defensive line should be a focus in the draft.

Fixing the run defense starts up front.

The Green Bay Packers need to get a lot better along the defensive line to be able to shut down opposing rushing attacks which, as we saw in January, is key in the playoffs.

For that reason, defensive tackle should be near the top of the to-do list in the draft.

Free agency recap

Somewhat surprisingly, the Packers didn’t make a move at defensive tackle in free agency.

Need in the draft?

High.

After missing out on the top defensive tackles available on the market last month, the Packers will now need to get it right in the draft. Kenny Clark was a Pro Bowler in 2019 and is a key starter in Mike Pettine’s defense, but he now needs some help along the defensive line.

Draft outlook

The Packers haven’t yet made a signing at defensive tackle in free agency but they still could. There are still a few talented run-stoppers available, including former All-Pro Damon Harrison.

One possible move for the Packers would be to draft a defensive lineman in the first few rounds of the draft, then sign a veteran like Harrison. That would go a long way to strengthening the defensive line this offseason.

Alternatively, Green Bay could decide to select more than one defensive lineman in the draft.

Options in the opening couple of rounds could include TCU’s Ross Blacklock and Auburn’s Marlon Davidson.

But the Packers have multiple needs at other positions including wide receiver, offensive tackle and inside linebacker, and they can’t address each need early in the draft.

That said, defensive tackle should be one of the top priorities. It’s the only position of need they’re yet to address this offseason, and without making a move early in the draft, the Packers risk facing some of the same defensive struggles again in 2020.