Despite adding Javon Hargrave, the Green Bay Packers still have a hole at nose tackle, a void that dates back to last season when they traded Kenny Clark. While Hargrave may be able to slide over in a pinch, at heart, he is more of a 3-tech, a defensive tackle who lines up in the B-gap rather than directly across from the center.
Enter DJ Reader, the best of the remaining free agent nose tackles. If the Packers were to sign the former Detroit Lions veteran, they would almost certainly do so after the draft, when free-agent additions no longer impact the compensatory pick formula. More than likely, other teams have the same idea.
Even ahead of his age-32 season, Reader is attracting healthy interest in the open market. He recently visited the Baltimore Ravens, who are also looking to solidify a weak defensive interior. If the Packers are keeping an eye on Reader as well, they'll need a competitive offer at the ready.
Making DJ Reader an attractive offer should be a no-brainer for the Packers
The Packers could also address their nose tackle needs in the draft, but asking a rookie to anchor the defensive front would be a tall order. It would also be the opposite of what general manager Brian Gutekunst has done elsewhere on the defense by signing Hargrave and trading for Zaire Franklin at linebacker.
At those positions, the Packers are relying on veterans to hold down the fort during next season's Super Bowl push. That approach also makes sense at edge rusher, where the roster could definitely use a veteran addition, and at nose tackle.
Reader shouldn't be exorbitant. Spotrac projects his market value at a two-year deal worth $7.7 million. He might get more in a bidding war, but whatever the cost, it should be well within the Packers' means. They could frontload any guaranteed money and structure the contract like a one-year investment, similar to Hargrave's deal but at a lower pay grade.
Reader was still effective last season in Detroit, his 10th in the league. Although his overall production dropped, his Pro Football Focus overall grade of 68.9 ranked 30th among 134 qualified interior linemen. He earned the 21st-best pass rush grade and ranked 36th in run defense.
Reader was a sound, reliable force in the middle of the Lions' defensive line. That might be all the Packers need. Hargrave and Devonte Wyatt are both geared toward the pass rush, and Colby Wooden is gone, leaving Green Bay vulnerable to inside run plays. Reader won't be spectacular, but he can fortify the line of scrimmage.
Those factors would also appeal to Reader's other potential suitors, like the Ravens, so the Packers should be prepared to jockey for his services. Whether Reader chooses Green Bay or not, ideally Gutekunst does both: drafts a quality defensive lineman for depth and development and signs a veteran free agent to plug the hole for now.
DJ Reader in free agency and Domonique Orange in the draft? Sounds like a plan.