Ranking Packers’ biggest needs following 2021 NFL Draft
The 2021 NFL Draft is in the books and the Green Bay Packers made nine selections in total, focusing on fixing many positions of need.
On paper, it now looks like the Packers have far fewer needs than they did before the weekend. Of course, it will ultimately depend on the performances on the field rather than how the roster looks on paper.
But before then, we can only go by what areas look the strongest and where the Packers could still aim to improve. Starting with the positions the Packers are strongest at, here are rankings of their positional needs.
14. Kicker
Mason Crosby hasn’t missed a field goal attempt since 2019. He’s aging like a fine wine and is still one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL.
13. Guard
Until stated otherwise, Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins and Lucas Patrick are the starters at guard, and they were outstanding last year. The Packers have invested heavily along the offensive line and are incredibly deep with players who can play at guard.
Jon Runyan Jr., Billy Turner, Josh Myers, Royce Newman, and Cole Van Lanen all have experience at guard.
12. Center
It’s a similar situation at center. Second-round pick Myers will be the favorite to replace Corey Linsley, but Jenkins and Patrick are also great candidates to start at center. Maybe second-year Jake Hanson will take a step forward.
11. Wide receiver
The Packers drafted a wide receiver in the opening three rounds. Yes, it finally happened. With Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, third-round pick Amari Rodgers, Equanimeous St. Brown, and new-addition Devin Funchess, the Packers are in good shape at wide receiver.
10. Tight end
Robert Tonyan is coming off a breakout season and veteran Marcedes Lewis is back for 2021. Jace Sternberger enters year three and versatile Josiah Deguara is returning from a torn ACL. A lot of potential for this group to be great.
9. Punter
For now, JK Scott remains the choice at punter, but Ryan Winslow is on the roster to provide some competition over the summer.
8. Cornerback
First-round pick Eric Stokes will compete for playing time on the outside early on and could be a future starter, while Shemar Jean-Charles could be one of the steals of the draft and looks set to compete with Chandon Sullivan for snaps in the slot. The Packers have improved at cornerback.
7. Running back
Green Bay’s top two of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon is as good as any. Depth was a concern, but seventh-round pick Kylin Hill could be just what the Packers need at the number three spot.
6. Quarterback
This has nothing to do with Aaron Rodgers… yet. Even if Rodgers returns, the Packers need to add a third QB at some point in the summer before training camp. But if Rodgers is traded away, this will move even higher.
5. Edge rusher
The Packers are set with their top three of Za’Darius Smith, Rashan Gary, and Preston Smith. Second-year Jonathan Garvin will be a player to watch. But it’s surprising the Packers didn’t add more depth at a premium position in the draft.
4. Tackle
The Packers will be hoping Royce Newman can be their future starter at right tackle, and they also have plenty of talented players who can start at tackle. They did, however, miss out on the top tackles in the class like Teven Jenkins.
3. Safety
Few starting safety tandems are as talented as Green Bay’s combination of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage, but there is a slight concern with the depth. Vernon Scott could take a step forward in year two, but it would make sense for the Packers to add a veteran safety for depth.
2. Defensive tackle
Fifth-round pick T.J. Slaton will help against the run and the hope is Kingsley Keke continues to improve after taking a big step last season. Still, the Packers didn’t do much at defensive tackle in free agency or the draft and it’s an area they should consider signing a free agent.
1. Inside linebacker
Isaiah McDuffie could be a player for the future but it’s unclear how many defensive snaps he’ll get early. That leaves Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin as the top two linebackers, and both only have a year of experience. If there’s one position the Packers should be looking to sign a veteran, it’s inside linebacker. GM Brian Gutekunst said as much in his post-draft press conference.