Now that the Super Bowl is over, all 32 NFL teams can focus on improving their team for 2020. There will be many players changing teams, veterans that retire, and a whole new crop of rookies to learn about.
The Packers are coming off an impressive 13-3 season under first year coach Matt LaFleur. Many people seemed to think they were flying under-the-radar. The truth is that the Packers have maintained a level of greatness for so long, that NFL fans have come to expect nothing less out of Green Bay and their football team.
The Packers should look to address several needs throughout this draft if they want to win another Super Bowl. Here are some players they may target in the first round if the NFL Draft on April 23rd.
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
The linebacking corps becomes a glaring hole if Blake Martinez doesn’t come back. Martinez is a tackling machine and Murray fills that void immediately.
Murray flies sideline to sideline, making stops all over the field. He’s a rangy, uber-athletic linebacker with the instincts to find the ball on every play. He’s not an over-powering player but he’s able to use his finesse and length to make plays when engaged in blocks. He can also be used as an extra pass rusher up the middle and on the edges.
Murray is more than capable in zone coverage, but when tasked with covering a shifty back, he can struggle. Sometimes he will rely too much on his athleticism, which will cause him to get over-aggressive and miss tackles. However, if a running back tries to beat Murray to the edge, the running back will lose. Murray is best suited as an inside or weak-side linebacker who can be a day-one tackling machine.
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Patrick Queen is very similar to Murray in play style. He’s another rangy linebacker in a draft class that lacks true linebackers (not pass/edge rushers). His speed and athleticism are something to marvel at. He’s a bit undersized for the linebacking position and isn’t the most powerful guy, but he flies all over the field to make plays.
Queen was the quarterback of the LSU defense. He was often tasked with making sure his teammates were lined up correctly and in position to make plays. Queen has great football IQ with exceptional coverage skills, which sets him apart from other mike linebackers. Quick to diagnose plays and rarely gets beat. He will be a true three-down linebacker who never has to come off the field.
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
The Colorado star was a true swiss army knife on the field. Shenault was used on the perimeter, in the backfield, and as a wildcat quarterback. At 6’2 and 220 pounds, Shenault has the size and frame to perform at the next level while possessing 4.3 speed. He is very dynamic with the ball in his hands and can break tackles like a running back.
The best situation for Shenault is to end up in an offense that will scheme plays to get him the ball. He won’t be known as a guy that relies on his route running to get open, but when plays are designed for him, he is a home-run hitter on every single play.
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Aaron Rodgers hasn’t had a true number-two receiver opposite Davante Adams in quite some time. The guys he did have were big-bodied receivers who had a hard time separating. Reagor brings something to the table that the Packers offense doesn’t currently have a lot of. Speed.
If you look at the stats, Reagor won’t impress you. With that being said, if you turn on the tape, he stands out. Blazing speed, excellent route-running, and a knack at high-pointing footballs, Reagor can step in and be an immediate threat vertically, as well as in the screen game. Reagor can be used as a punt and kick returner as well. He will earn immediate playing time on special teams along with the offensive side of the ball
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Jefferson exploded onto the scene after finding immediate success with Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow. He was able to win a national championship as a junior and decided to declare for the NFL Draft.
Jefferson is an exceptional route-runner, has good hands, and will battle for every ball thrown his way. He does well at creating space and will go up and fight you for jump balls. Jefferson has a competitive nature that is unparalleled. He isn’t a burner like some of the other receivers but his play style doesn’t require him to be a track star.
Jefferson will feast on matchups against smaller or less physical corners. He would see plenty of opportunities with all the attention that Davante Adams commands.
In Conclusion
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