The Green Bay Packers have the foundations of a roster ready to compete in the NFC. It's over to general manager Brian Gutekunst to continue building the roster this offseason.
Expectations have changed, but the Packers' approach shouldn't. Gutekunst has put together back-to-back excellent draft classes, finding a mixture of instant contributors and long-term projects. He has also shown a willingness to make bold moves in free agency when he feels it's necessary.
Along with the development of the Packers' young players, the roster building this offseason can take this team to another level. Their Super Bowl window has opened with Jordan Love, but there are areas to upgrade.
Green Bay has work to do, but it must avoid these three significant offseason mistakes.
3. Not giving Anders Carlson real competition this summer
The Packers won't give up on Anders Carlson yet. They invested a draft pick on him. However, they must add competition. Green Bay has already signed kicker Jack Podlesny, an undrafted free agent last year. That's a start, but it's not enough.
Brian Gutekunst can't give Carlson more opportunities just because he was a draft pick. Including the two playoff games, he missed 13 kicks in his rookie season. Carlson's inconsistency dates back to his time in college. Outside of 2022, when he made 90.9 percent of his field-goal attempts, Carlson failed to convert more than 72 percent in any of his other four seasons at Auburn.
The Packers are trying to win a championship, so they must get it right at kicker. That could mean signing a veteran—free-agent options include Ka'imi Fairbairn and Greg Zuerlein.
2. Neglecting the premium positions in the draft
The Packers love to draft players at premium positions early. Six of their past seven top picks have gone on a quarterback, cornerback, or edge rusher.
Cornerback is a need again this year, but the Packers also require help at safety, guard, linebacker, and running back. They are positions Green Bay typically avoids in the opening couple of rounds. There are exceptions, including Quay Walker and AJ Dillon, but the Packers tend to prioritize great athletes at premium positions early.
Is offensive tackle or edge rusher an urgent need this offseason? No. Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom are quality starters at tackle, and the Packers have Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Lukas Van Ness on the edge.
But that's not a reason to ignore those positions early in favor of drafting for need. It's important to take the best player available and continue to restock depth at premium positions.
While Green Bay desperately needs a new starting safety to fit Jeff Hafley's scheme, Gutekunst shouldn't reach for a player at the position in the early rounds if there are better options available.
The Packers should be willing to take players at premium positions. You can never have enough pass protectors and pass rushers. Injuries happen, and you need to be prepared.
1. Not overhauling the secondary
The Packers shouldn't reach for players at positions of need, but they must overhaul the secondary. That starts by moving on from several free agents, including safeties Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, and Rudy Ford, forcing them to upgrade at the position.
Green Bay needs to add more talent to the defensive backfield, whether through free agency, the draft, or trades.
There could be plenty of first-round cornerback options, including Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell, Iowa's Cooper DeJean, and Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry, although it depends on who falls to No. 25.
However, the safety position doesn't have the same top-end talent or depth. Miami's Kamren Kinchens and Minnesota's Tyler Nubin are potential Day 2 targets, but finding a quality starter could be difficult beyond the second round.
Again, the Packers want to avoid reaching for a safety because they need one. Prioritizing the position in free agency or trades is something to consider. Realistic free-agent targets at the position include Xavier McKinney, Kamren Curl, and Geno Stone. Signing a free agent would take the pressure off in the draft.
The other option? Go big in a trade. Imagine the Packers added a star like Budda Baker or Justin Simmons.
Whatever it takes. The Packers must enter the 2024 season with a complete overhaul of the secondary. Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine are starters, but they need help just about everywhere else.