The Green Bay Packers will go into Thursday night with 10 total picks in the 2019 NFL draft. GM Brian Gutekunst has one pick in each of the first five rounds and five picks in the sixth and seven rounds, providing the draft capital to knock out many, if not all, of his team’s roster needs.
Here’s a review of what the Packers still need entering the 2020 draft:
Primary needs
Offensive tackle
The Packers endured a fairly significant downgrade when they swapped out trusty right tackle Bryan Bulaga for Lions castoff Rick Wagner. Based on Wagner’s contract, the Packers are expecting him to do nothing more than hold down the fort for a year or so. There isn’t a long-term developmental offensive tackle on the roster, and the Packers can’t go into another season with Alex Light – who was overmatched during limited playtime in 2019 – as the swing tackle. This is a premium position with a big need for help.
Early round options: Josh Jones, Ezra Cleveland, Austin Jackson, Lucas Niang, Matt Peart, Ben Bartch
Wide receiver
The Packers receiver depth chart is a bunch of No. 3 and No. 4 options huddled around one true No. 1 (Davante Adams). The passing game needs an infusion of speed and individual playmaking ability, whether it’s with a vertical threat or a reliable intermediate target. Matt LaFleur’s offense wants to find chunk plays by stretching the field or creating run-after-catch opportunities underneath. The Packers must find a schematic fit who can provide a complementary skill set to what Adams and the rest of the depth chart already bring to the table.
Early round options: Justin Jefferson, Denzel Mims, Brandon Aiyuk, Jalen Reagor, Michael Pittman, John Hightower
Linebacker
Off-ball linebacker remains an annual need for the Packers. This team either doesn’t care about the position from a value standpoint or can’t find quality players to handle all the roles required of the position in today’s game. It’s likely a combination of both. Christian Kirksey could provide a slight upgrade on Blake Martinez, but he’s a major injury risk (23 missed games the last two years), and there’s little behind him in terms of proven depth. Oren Burks, Ty Summers and Curtis Bolton round out the depth chart of the Packers’ worst position.
Early round options: Kenneth Murray, Patrick Queen, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Jordyn Brooks, Troy Dye, Logan Wilson
Secondary needs
Defensive line
The Packers will bring back five defensive linemen from last year’s roster, lessening some of the immediate need, especially if Kingsley Keke can take a step. But this group still needs help, especially against the run. The group around Kenny Clark lacks the ability to disrupt the passing game or two-gap in the run game. They were exposed in too many games in 2019.
Early round options: A.J. Epenesa, Ross Blacklock, Marlon Davidson, Justin Madubuike, Raekwon Davis
Cornerback
The Packers have a plan at cornerback. They’ll either draft one they like this week, or they’ll bring back Tramon Williams for one more run at it in 2020. It’s a strong plan, in theory. The Packers could have a long-term need if Kevin King, a free agent after this season, departs. This is a position the Packers have prioritized heavily in recent years, so a high pick is certainly possible.
Early round options: AJ Terrell, Jeff Gladney, Jaylon Johnson, K’Von Wallace
Tight end
It’s suddenly the Jace Sternberger show. The 2019 third-round pick is set to take most of Jimmy Graham’s snaps in 2020. He’ll be joined by Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan, who can play specialized roles. Still, the Packers could use a developmental inline tight end who can complement Sternberger past 2020.
Early round options: Adam Trautman, Cole Kmet, Chase Claypool, Albert Okwuegbunam
Running back
The Packers are set for 2020, especially if Dexter Williams develops into a capable third option behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. After next year, however, the picture is unclear. Jones, Williams and Tyler Ervin are all free agents. Can the Packers keep all three? If one of Jones or Williams departs, the Packers will have a long-term need to address.
Early round options: Jonathan Taylor, JK Dobbins, Cam Akers, Darrynton Evans
Tertiary needs
Edge rusher
The Packers lost Kyler Fackrell, who played a versatile role as a rotational player in 2019, but his departure should open up snaps for Rashan Gary and create an open competition behind the three primary edge rushers. Tim Williams, Randy Ramsey and Greg Roberts will all return. Adding a draft pick to the mix makes sense.
Early round options: Zack Baun, Terrell Lewis, Josh Uche
Interior offensive line
The Packers added two new starters in the middle of the offensive line last spring, signing Billy Turner in free agency and drafting Elgton Jenkins in the second round. Long-term needs remain, especially if center Corey Linsley departs in free agency in 2021 and Turner disappoints again at right guard in 2020.
Early round options: Cesar Ruiz, Matt Hennessy, Robert Hunt, Lloyd Cushenberry
Quarterback
The Packers are inexperienced behind Aaron Rodgers and lack a long-term plan behind the 36-year-old future Hall of Famer, but it might be too early to use a high pick on Rodgers’ eventual replacement, and the class isn’t deep on intriguing developmental passers.
Early round options: Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts, Anthony Gordon
Safety
Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos keep safety low on the list of needs. They are a talented duo with complementary skillsets. The Packers love versatile defensive backs, keeping safety a possibility early in the draft, but Brian Gutekunst won’t be handcuffed by need here.
Early round options: Jeremy Chinn, Ashtyn Davis, Antoine Winfield, Terrell Burgess