Everyone understands the Green Bay Packers' desperate need at cornerback, but another position must also take the spotlight this offseason.
It's time to upgrade the interior defensive line.
Yes, the Packers need to add another edge-rusher, especially with Rashan Gary a potential cap casualty and Kingsley Enagbare hitting free agency. The offensive line is also a concern, as Elgton Jenkins, Rasheed Walker, and Sean Rhyan could all depart.
But defensive tackle has to become a priority if the Packers want their defense to reach its potential under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
Packers must prioritize defensive tackle to build defense for Jonathan Gannon
A year ago, the Packers surprisingly let T.J. Slaton walk in free agency, a decision that looked even worse once they included Kenny Clark in the trade to Dallas for Micah Parsons. Beyond Devonte Wyatt, Green Bay lacked consistency at the interior positions, which got further exposed once Wyatt suffered a season-ending injury.
Daire Carragher of Packer Report broke down what Packers fans can expect from Gannon's scheme. While Gannon will undoubtedly adjust to LaFleur's wishes and the personnel he has to work with in Green Bay, history tells us to expect a lot of Cover 4. The idea is to limit explosive plays and keep everything in front of the defense (sound familiar?)
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Gannon isn't a heavy blitzer. The last time he was a defensive coordinator, in 2022 for the Eagles, his defense blitzed just 22.1 percent of the time, ranking 18th in the NFL. They still led the league with 70 sacks because they had elite talent and depth up front.
Dropping more players into coverage and infrequent blitzing will further stress the linebackers in coverage, but also the defensive line. They must consistently win with four, generate pressure, and shut down the run.
The latter is an area where Gannon's Eagles struggled. In their Super Bowl season in 2022, they led the NFL in pass defense but could get exposed on the ground, ranking 17th.
The Packers' run defense became a major problem this year after losing Wyatt and Parsons to season-ending injuries. In consecutive defeats to the Bears and Ravens, the Packers allowed a combined 457 rushing yards and four touchdowns at 5.8 yards per carry.
Green Bay must upgrade its interior defensive line, both against the run and pass. Parsons can't do it alone on the edge, nor can Wyatt inside. The Packers need interior pass-rushers who can take advantage of the attention Parsons receives, and a front four capable of winning up front against the run.
That will allow Gannon's Cover 4 looks to limit explosive plays, with the defensive front good enough to create havoc without the need to send extra bodies.
The Packers have several big-time needs this offseason. Defensive tackle is an urgent priority.