Packers offense pre-draft depth chart: Identifying areas of need
To get a better idea of where the Green Bay Packers need to strengthen in the 2022 NFL Draft, let’s break down the depth chart at each position group.
The Packers haven’t released an updated depth chart and won’t until the summer, so these are my projections for each position as things stand.
We’ll start with the offense.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love, Kurt Benkert, Danny Etling
Barring a Jordan Love trade on draft day, the Packers are set here. The reigning MVP is back for at least another year. The Packers don’t need to draft a quarterback.
Running back
Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, Kylin Hill, Patrick Taylor
Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon give the Packers a strong 1-2 punch. Kylin Hill impressed in the preseason but is recovering from a torn ACL. Maybe Green Bay adds some competition in the draft, but it shouldn’t happen until the later rounds.
Wide receiver
Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers, Malik Taylor, Juwann Winfree, Chris Blair, Rico Gafford
Easily the Packers’ biggest need, don’t be surprised if they double-down at wide receiver this year.
They do have talent at wide receiver.
Allen Lazard is a key piece of Matt LaFleur’s offense. Sammy Watkins is experienced and can contribute. Randall Cobb showed he can still play and has great chemistry with Aaron Rodgers.
Amari Rodgers was a third-round pick a year ago. Maybe he improves this season.
Green Bay does have receiving talent but lacks a true WR1 or WR2. That should be the focus.
Tight end
Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, Dominique Dafney, Tyler Davis
Robert Tonyan is back on a one-year deal, but will he be ready for Week 1? He is recovering from a torn ACL. Time will tell.
Overall, this is a solid tight end group, but the Packers may draft with an eye to the future. Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis will be free agents in 2023.
Offensive line
Tackle: David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Yosh Nijman
Guard: Jon Runyan, Royce Newman, Cole Van Lanen
Center: Josh Myers, Jake Hanson, Michal Menet
The Packers’ starting five is strong when fully healthy.
They also have some positional versatility. Elgton Jenkins can play any position. Royce Newman and Cole Van Lanen can play guard and tackle.
However, the Packers should definitely look to strengthen their depth with Billy Turner and Lucas Patrick gone, and Dennis Kelly not re-signed at this stage. Especially with both David Bakhtiari and Jenkins returning from significant injuries.