One of the essential parts of the off-season, the ritual NFL draft, is about to happen. All teams, including the Green Bay Packers, will need to shore their respective teams in different positions.
Following three successive seasons leading only to three excruciating playoff defeats, Brian Gutekunst will have to find a way to improve Green Bay’s roster while dealing with a $50 million salary cap hole.
A talking point of the offseason will be quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Will the MVP come back to the team? If yes, how much cap relief will a contract extension accommodate? Regarding receiver Davante Adams, will the Packers afford to keep him, considering he’ll be a free agent soon? Where does the future lie for last season’s game changers duo of cornerback Rasul Douglas and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell?
These, among other issues, will guarantee Green Bay a busy draft season. Plus, American football fanatics can relish the prospect of placing their stakes on the draft proceedings and the games that’ll occur throughout the season.
With the many NFL betting sites available, you’ll be spoilt for choice as you check out the different odds you can select while enjoying some of the games that’ll capture your attention.
With such a busy draft season coming up, what are some of the off-season needs of the Packers?
Inside Linebacker
De’Vondre Campbell was a blessing to the Packers when he landed in June. Campbell proved to be an excellent player at his signing, and the Packers would prefer him to stay. However, will they afford him? What will change in his contract terms if the rest of the 31 NFL teams try to acquire him?
If the Packers fail to re-sign Campbell, the linebacker position becomes the starting point for the mock draft. Even though the Packers have Ty Summers and Krys Barnes, they can’t risk heading to the season with the two.
Defensive Line
With Kenny Clark, Green Bay have a focal point to rely on for their defensive line. However, questions abound when it comes to the other players. For instance, the Packers can release Dean Lowry and recoup $4.08 million against the cap.
Also, Kingsley Keke was released in January, and Tyler Lancaster will soon be a free agent, leaving only Jack Heflin, Kenny Clark and T. J. Slaton as the only defensive linemen under contract.
All in all, the Packers will need more people upfront even if Lowry and Lancaster return.
Tight End
Robert Tonyan’s ACL injury was a blow to the team during the second half of the season. On the plus side, it implies a lower price tag on Robert, whose recent lethal form would have commanded a better contract if he was a free agent.
Despite Tonyan being under contract till 2022, the future of Marcedes Lewis is uncertain. Not only is he a dependable leader but also a reputable blocker and yet had a fumble of a shocker against San Francisco. A third-round pick in 2020, Josiah Degaura seems like a decent player but not a front line performer.
Receiver
It seems all signs point to an impending Rodgers comeback. The question is will he return without his partner in crime Davante Adams? That’s highly unlikely, and Davante may come back with an expected contract extension while Allen Lazard becomes a restricted free agent.
Randall Cobb can work out as a neat cap-saving cut, meaning there’s an immense need even with Rodgers coming back.
Outside Linebacker
If you’re talking about fate, two notable names come up regarding the outside linebacker position—Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith. Referencing the 2022 cap, Preston ranks thirteenth among edge rushers while Za’Darius comes in at fourth.
Both players would deal with more than half of the team’s cap problems, with Za’Darius raking in $27.66 million and Preston following closely with $19.72 million. Unfortunately, this may leave a thin squad with Jonathan Garvin and Rashan Gray at the helm.
Depending on upcoming events, the Packers may decide to release Za’Darius and extend Preston’s contract. Either way, Green Bay will still need to bolster to be fresh for the season.
Cornerback
The shoulder injury sustained by Jaire Alexander prompted the Packers to try signing Stephon Gilmore to no avail. Luckily, Green Bay managed to scoop Rasul Douglas from Arizona.
Douglas ranked among the top NFL leaders with five interceptions despite starting only nine games. It’ll be interesting to see how the NFL fraternity will view him with free agency about to start.
Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan will be free agents, meaning Stokes and Alexander can still form a formidable partnership. However, with only Ento Kabion, Shemar Jean-Charles and Thomas Kiondre under contract, the Packers will have to add depth to this position.
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