Packers draft preview: Safety looks strong, but versatility always coveted

Breaking down the safety position for the Packers in the 2020 NFL draft.

[jwplayer mfC38nBJ-ThvAeFxT]

The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at safety:

On the roster

– Adrian Amos, 26, signed through 2021
– Darnell Savage, 22, signed through 2022
– Raven Greene, 25, signed through 2020
– Will Redmond, 26, signed through 2020

Short term need

Low, although the Packers might want competition or an upgrade on Raven Greene as the hybrid safety/linebacker. Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage provide two quality starters, but Mike Pettine’s defense is really a three-safety defense. Will Redmond is back but he’s mostly a special teams contributor.

Long term need

Also low, considering Amos and Savage are both signed long-term. Finding a young hybrid player to team with the two starters could be a priority, especially in Pettine’s scheme, and overall depth is a potential long term need.

Chances of drafting position

Possible, but not certain. The Packers value versatility in the secondary, and the game is moving toward safeties who can play a variety of roles and guard a bunch of different positions, so there’s a chance the Packers will grab one of the intriguing players from this class. With both starters returning and Raven Greene coming back from injury, the Packers don’t have to add a safety.

Depth of draft class

Good. The Packers will like this class of safeties because it features a bunch of potentially versatile options. If finding a player who can play deep and down near the line of scrimmage is a priority, the Packers will have several tempting targets.

Potential options

– Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota
– Jeremy Chinn, So. Illinois
– Ashtyn Davis, Cal
– Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne
– K’Von Wallace, Clemson
– Terrell Burgess, Utah
– Daniel Thomas, Auburn

Last S drafted 

2019. The Packers took Darnell Savage out of Maryland with the 21st overall pick.

[lawrence-related id=43425,43338,43282,43214,43179,43064,42996,42943,42811,42741]

Packers draft preview: CB could easily emerge as future need

Breaking down the cornerback position for the Packers in the 2020 NFL draft.

[jwplayer mfC38nBJ-ThvAeFxT]

The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at cornerback:

On the roster

– Jaire Alexander, 23, signed through 2021
– Kevin King, 24, signed through 2020
– Josh Jackson, 24, signed through 2021
– Chandon Sullivan, 23, signed through 2020
– Ka’dar Hollman, 25, signed through 2022
– Kabion Ento, 24, signed through 2020
– DaShaun Amos, 25, signed through 2020

Short term need

Low, especially if the Packers are confident in bringing back Tramon Williams. If the draft doesn’t produce a pick at corner, Williams – who played well in the slot last season – could return for one more year. The Packers were four-deep with solid cornerbacks last season (Williams, Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Chandon Sullivan), and all four could contribute again in 2020. Sullivan was a surprise breakout player last season and could compete to start in the slot. Josh Jackson and Ka’dar Hollman are recent draft picks now looking for rotational roles.

Long term need

Potentially high. There’s no guarantee Williams will return, and even if he does, he’ll likely be back on another one-year deal. King has one year left on his deal. Jackson isn’t lost yet, but he’s racing toward bust status. This is a position that could transform from a strength to a weakness in a snap. The Packers won’t want a position they worked so hard to rebuild to immediately crumble.

Chances of drafting position

Strong. There’s a reason why Williams is still unsigned. The Packers want to see what the draft offers at cornerback, a premium position that has some depth to the class this year. The guess here is that GM Brian Gutekunst wants to add another developmental player to the mix to ensure it stays strong long-term. The Packers have drafted at least one cornerback in eight of the last nine drafts.

Depth of draft class

Solid. There should productive, talented corners available to the Packers at both No. 30 and No. 62 overall. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers used one of those two picks on a corner. If they pass, or the value isn’t right, the middle rounds should have a few athletic options that could make a lot of sense.

Potential options

– AJ Terrell, Clemson
– Jaylon Johnson, Utah
– Kristan Fulton, LSU
– Jeff Gladney, TCU
– Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn
– Troy Pride, Notre Dame
– Reggie Robinson, Tulsa
– K’Von Wallace, Clemson (slot)
– Bryce Hall, Virginia
– L’Jarius Sneed, La Tech
– Dane Jackson, Pitt
– Madre Harper, So. Illinois

Last CB drafted

2019. The Packers took Ka’dar Hollman out of Toledo with the 185th overall pick.

[lawrence-related id=43338,43282,43214,43179,43064,42996,42943,42811,42741,42560]

Packers draft preview: Massive hole exists as ILB, but do Packers care?

The Packers have a huge need at inside linebacker, but does the team care enough about it to do something big during the 2020 draft?

[jwplayer mfC38nBJ-ThvAeFxT]

The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at inside linebacker:

On the roster

– Christian Kirkey, 27, signed through 2021
– Oren Burks, 25, signed through 2021
– Ty Summers, 24, signed through 2022
– Curtis Bolton, 24, signed through 2020

Short term need

Massive. The Packers will go into the draft with one of the worst inside linebacker groups in the NFL. Christian Kirksey has meaningful NFL experience, but he’s missed 23 games the last two seasons with major injuries. Oren Burks has done nothing in two years. Ty Summers and Curtis Bolton have zero experience. Kirksey might be a slight upgrade over Blake Martinez, but the Packers are one injury away from an unmitigated disaster at the position.

Long term need

Massive. Kirksey is signed for just one season, and the Packers have a way out after one year if it goes sideways. Collectively, Burks, Summers and Bolton have some long term potential, but potential means nothing if goes unrealized, and there’s a good chance all three will be nothing more than career backups. Even if the Packers are comfortable with Kirksey short term, the roster has huge question marks at inside linebackers long term.

Chances of drafting position

High. The roster has room for two or more players at linebacker. The question is when the Packers will add to the position. Brian Gutekunst traded up in the third round to take Burks in his first draft, but does he really care about the position? The last decade and a half of draft history suggests the team doesn’t value linebacker early in the draft. There’s a good chance the Packers will wait until the middle rounds to address the position, especially if they miss out on the top tier players. That’s just how this team works. They prefer cheap patches at the position.

Depth of draft class

Strong. Patrick Queen and Kenneth Murray provide athletic options early, Zack Baun and Josh Uche offer intriguing off-ball conversion opportunities and Day 2 and early Day 3 should present multiple chances to take contributors after the first round. The Packers are fortunate. This is a good class, and they can probably wait to get a good player on Friday or Saturday.

Potential options

– Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
– Patrick Queen, LSU
– Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State
– Zack Baun, Wisconsin (edge transition)
– Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech
– Willie Gay, Mississippi State
– Troy Dye, Oregon
– Josh Uche, Michigan (edge transition)
– Malik Harrison, Ohio State
– Logan Wilson, Wyoming
– Davion Taylor, Colorado
– Joe Bachie, Michigan State

Last LB drafted

2019. The Packers took Ty Summers out of TCU with the 226th overall pick.

[lawrence-related id=43282,43214,43179,43064,42996,42943,42811,42741]

Packers draft preview: Teams always searching for disruptive edge rushers

Breaking down the edge rusher position for the Packers in the 2020 NFL draft.

[jwplayer mfC38nBJ-ThvAeFxT]

The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at edge rusher:

On the roster

– Za’Darius Smith, signed through 2022
– Preston Smith, signed through 2022
– Rashan Gary, signed through 2022
– Randy Ramsey, signed through 2021
– Tim Williams, signed through 2020
– Greg Roberts, signed through 2021
– Jamal Davis, signed through 2020

Short term need

Low. The Packers have an elite starter (Za’Darius Smith), an above-average starter (Preston Smith) and a high-upside backup (Rashan Gary). They’ll also return three young players from last year (Randy Ramsey, Tim Williams, Greg Roberts) who could compete to be the fourth edge rusher. The Packers lost rotational snaps when Kyler Fackrell and his versatile skill set left in free agency, but there’s more than enough on the roster for the defense to thrive at edge rusher in 2020.

Long term need

Low to moderate. Teams are always searching for players who can disrupt the passing game, so long term need at edge rusher never goes away. The Packers, like all teams, add pass-rushers every year to guard against future need at the position.

Chances of drafting position

Decent. Edge rusher might not be a high priority for the Packers in this draft, but you can bet GM Brian Gutekunst will be prepared to pounce should any talented rusher drop, even in the first round and on Day 2. With seven picks on Day 3, the Packers could target another developmental option to add to the mix.

Depth of draft class

Average. Chase Young could be a transcendent talent, but the quality thins at the position relatively quick. It’s not a great year to need a ready-to-play edge rusher. The Packers will be looking for depth, possibly late in the draft.

Options

– A.J. Epenesa (defensive line versatility)
– Zack Baun (off-ball linebacker versatility)
– Terrell Lewis
– Josh Uche (off-ball linebacker versatility)
– Alton Robinson
– Darrell Taylor
– Anfernee Jennings
– Jonathan Garvin
– D.J. Wonnum
– James Smith-Williams
– Carter Coughlin

Last edge rusher drafted

2019. The Packers took Rashan Gary out of Michigan with the 12th overall pick.

[lawrence-related id=43214,43179,43064,42996,42943,42811,42741]

Packers draft preview: Future help likely required along interior OL

Breaking down the interior offensive line for the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at interior offensive line:

On the roster

– Corey Linsley, 28, signed through 2020
– Lane Taylor, 30, signed through 2020
– Billy Turner, 28, signed through 2022
– Lucas Patrick, 26, signed through 2021
– Elgton Jenkins, 24, signed through 2022
– Cole Madison, 25, signed through 2021

Short term need

Low, especially if Lane Taylor remains on the roster in 2020. The Packers return all three starters from last season and would have two veteran backups (Taylor, Lucas Patrick). Even if Taylor departs at some point between now and Week 1, the Packers still have a versatile backup in Patrick, who can play guard and center. Cole Madison remains a wildcard.

Long term need

Potentially high. Corey Linsley is a free agent following the 2020 season, and there’s no guarantee Turner will remain the starting right tackle past next season, creating two potential long-term holes. Jenkins was a terrific rookie and could soon find himself on a Pro Bowl track, either at guard or center, but the Packers will likely need to have a plan for having a new starter along the interior of the line in 2021.

Chances of drafting position

Moderate. If the Packers don’t think they’ll bring back Linsley after next year, establishing a long-term plan to replace him in this year’s draft makes sense. Also, it could be argued the Packers should be looking for competition for Turner, who had an OK first season in Green Bay. The Packers haven’t generally valued the interior of the line, but Gutekunst has already signed a veteran to a decent-sized deal (Turner) and spent an early Day 2 pick (Jenkins) on the position group.

Depth of draft class

Not great, although there are some intriguing offensive tackle conversion possibilities. The Packers like moving collegiate tackles inside to guard. Several players in the class should have positional versatility at the next level. The top-tier talent is lacking.

Potential options

– Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
– Matt Hennessy, Temple
– Nick Harris, Washington
– Damien Lewis, LSU
– Danny Pinter, Ball State
– Jon Runyan, Michigan
– Cameron Clark, Charlotte
– Cohl Cabral, Arizona State
– Kevin Dotson, Louisiana
– Cordel Iwuagwu, TCU
– Kyle Hinton, Washburn

Last IOL drafted

2019. The Packers drafted Elgton Jenkins out of Mississippi State with the 44th overall pick.

[lawrence-related id=43064,42996,42943,42811,42741,42560]

[vertical-gallery id=43141]

Packers draft preview: Finding future starter at RT should be top priority

Breaking down the offensive tackle position for the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at offensive tackle:

On the roster

David Bakhtiari, 28, signed through 2020
Ricky Wagner, 30, signed through 2021
Alex Light, 23, signed through 2020
Yosh Nijman, 24, signed through 2020
John Leglue, 24, signed through 2020
Cody Conway, 23, signed through 2020

Short term need

Moderate to high. The Packers decided they weren’t going to be able to re-sign long-time starter Bryan Bulaga, so they added Lions castoff Rick Wagner on a cheap, two-year deal. Almost 31 and coming off a terrible year in Detroit, Wagner is nothing more than a patch over the hole. In fact, the Packers probably want to acquire someone who can legitimately compete with Wagner to start in 2020. Behind Wagner, the depth is shaky at best, especially if free agent Jared Veldheer isn’t retained. Alex Light looked in over his head as the swing tackle in 2019. Nijman, Leglue and Conway are big projects.

Long term need

High. By 2021, the Packers will likely need a brand new starter at right tackle. And don’t forget: All-Pro David Bakhtiari has an expiring contract following the 2020 season. There’s a good chance the Packers will get a new deal done there, but it’s going to be costly, and Brian Gutekunst has to be prepared should the negotiation get out of hand. Taking a future starter in this draft would ensure there’s at least one offensive tackle in place for 2021.

Chances of drafting position

High. Offensive tackle is a premium position, the Packers have short term and long term needs and the draft class is strong. That mix of factors should guarantee the Packers draft at least one tackle. Taking one or more offensive tackle prospects isn’t out of the realm of possibility, especially considering the Packers have an abundance of Day 3 picks to play with. It’s been four years since the Packers drafted a true offensive tackle.

Depth of draft class

It’s very strong at the top, with as many as six or seven players with first-round potential, and there should be some appealing developmental options on Day 2 and in the middle rounds. Expect the Packers to tap into a deep class and extract a player they believe can eventually start on the left or right side.

Potential options

– Josh Jones, Houston
– Austin Jackson, USC
– Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
– Lucas Niang, TCU
– Jack Driscoll, Auburn
– Ben Bartch, Saint Johns (MN)
– Matt Peart, UConn
– Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas
– Jon Runyan, Michigan
– Cameron Clark, Charlotte

Last OT drafted

2016. The Packers took Jason Spriggs out of Indiana with the 48th overall pick.

[lawrence-related id=42996,42943,42811,42741]

2020 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons team preview

Everything Atlanta Falcons fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Atlanta Falcons fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Dan Quinn

General Manager: Thomas Dimitroff

2019 Record: 7-9

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (16)

2 (47)

3 (78)

4 (119)

4 (143, from BAL)

7 (229, from TB)

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive Line

This entire unit needs help, both along the interior and on the edge. Grady Jarrett is the only reliable, consistent performer across the board, making the defensive trenches this year’s top priority for the Dirty Birds. Vic Beasley didn’t live up to the hype, Takk McKinley is running out of time to do the same, and Jarrett could use a running mate inside. Don’t be surprised if multiple early picks are used to address this group.

Cornerback

Both Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield have shown promise, but with Desmond Trufant gone, Atlanta’s corners are still more upside than proven commodity. A draft pick won’t add what Trufant’s departure took away, but bringing in another top talent at this premium position wouldn’t hurt. You can never have too many talented corners in today’s pass-happy NFL.

Running Back

Devonta Freeman is gone, and while Todd Gurley was a big-name signing, this position still has no long-term solution past the 2020 season. This year’s deep running back class should provide the Falcons with plenty of starting-caliber options across the first four rounds. Whether it’s a workhorse back or a third-down specialist who could develop into something more, Atlanta needs to add a back at some point in this draft.

TOP TARGETS

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU

CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

Cam Akers | RB | Florida State

Antonio Gibson | RB | Memphis

[vertical-gallery id=616154]

Packers draft preview: Depth required, but TE class looks limited

Breaking down the tight end position for the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL draft.

[sendtonews_embed video_id=”xHvkFbcDpz-710122-7498″]

The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at tight end:

On the roster

Marcedes Lewis, 35, signed through 2020
Robert Tonyan, 25, signed through 2020
Jace Sternberger, 23, signed through 2022
James Looney, 24, signed 2020
Evan Baylis, 26, signed through 2020

Short term need

Moderate, but rookie tight ends rarely make an impact, so expecting a first-year player from this draft class to solve a short term need isn’t really practical or fair. The Packers dumped Jimmy Graham and didn’t add a free-agent tight end, so they’ll be expecting Jace Sternberger to take a big jump and contribute in a much bigger way in 2020. Marcedes Lewis will soon turn 36 but can still play a role as the blocking tight end. Getting more from Robert Tonyan could also help alleviate some of the short term need. He should be ready to play a bigger role. This isn’t a strong position for 2020, but it could be if Sternberger and Tonyan develop and all the pieces fall into place.

Long term need

Potentially high. Lewis is likely playing his last season in Green Bay, and although Sternberger looks like a potential breakout candidate, there’s really no sure thing on the roster long term. The Packers will hope Sternberger digs in as the No. 1 tight end, but there’s room on the roster for a future starter/No. 2 option, especially in the Matt LaFleur offense.

Chances of drafting position

Moderate. Taking another tight end in the first couple of rounds looks unlikely, especially after taking Sternberger in the third round last year and given the lack of top-tier talent in this year’s draft. The Packers did make a run at Austin Hooper in free agency and have done homework on a number of versatile late-round prospects who could operate as a move tight end/H-back. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers used one of their Day 3 picks on one of these players.

Depth of draft class

Not great. There doesn’t appear to be a legitimate game-changer in this class, and the talent into the middle rounds is limited at best. Even the top tight ends in the class have their own warts. In fact, it’s possible Sternberger would be No. 1 or No. 2 tight end in this class. Finding a quality future starter might be difficult this year.

Potential options

– Cole Kmet
– Albert Okwuegbunam
– Devin Asiasi
– Thaddeus Moss
– Dalton Keene
– Josiah Deguara
– Charlie Taumoepeau
– Jacob Breeland

Last TE drafted

2019. The Packers drafted Jace Sternberger out of Texas A&M with the 75th overall pick.

[lawrence-related id=42560,42943,42811,42741]

Packers draft preview: Deep, gifted WR class provides golden opportunity

Previewing the wide receiver position in the 2020 NFL draft for the Green Bay Packers.

[sendtonews_embed video_id=”xHvkFbcDpz-710122-7498″]

The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at wide receiver:

On the roster

Davante Adams, 27, signed through 2021
Devin Funchess, 25, signed through 2020
Jake Kumerow, 28, signed through 2020
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, 25, signed through 2021
Equanimeous St. Brown, 23, signed through 2021
Allen Lazard, 24, signed through 2020
Darius Shepherd, 24, signed through 2020
Reggie Begelton, 26, signed through 2022
Malik Taylor, 24, signed through 2020

Short term need

High. The Packers signed Devin Funchess to a one-year deal, Equanimeous St. Brown will return from injury and Allen Lazard is coming off a breakout 2019 season, but the Packers still don’t have a sure-fire No. 2 threat behind Davante Adams. In fact, it could be easily argued that the Packers have a true No. 1 receiver and then a bunch of No. 3 and No. 4 options. Acquiring a secondary threat with a trump card should be a top priority, whether it’s as a vertical threat or a dependable target from the slot. A better No. 2 should mean a more effective and consistent passing game.

Long term need

Also high. It’s possible one of the young players will take a step and become a long-term fixture at receiver, but the status of the position looks shaky even beyond 2020, and Adams and both the 2018 draft picks have expiring contracts following the 2021 season. It’s time for the Packers to start putting together new puzzle pieces for the next wave of pass-catchers, which could possibly be the last group Aaron Rodgers plays with in Green Bay.

Chances of drafting position

It’s just about guaranteed. A combination of need, an abundance of top-50 talent in the draft class and overall depth of the draft class (see below) should all but ensure the Packers grab at least one receiver next week. It’s even possible the Packers will double-dip and grab two or more receivers. While unclear when the Packers will draft a receiver, it would be absolutely shocking if they got through all three days without taking at least one.

Depth of draft class

Very strong. Like running back, there may not be a once-in-a-generation receiver in this class, but the impressive depth at receiver is astounding. As many as 10  receivers could go in the first two rounds and 20-25 total receivers could come off the board in the first four rounds, and there will be good pass-catchers picked well into Day 3. A team with a strong history of identifying good receivers like the Packers should have no problem finding several players on each day of the draft worth taking.

Potential options

Justin Jefferson, LSU
Jalen Reagor, TCU
Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
Denzel Mims, Baylor
Michael Pittman, USC
Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Lynn Bowden, Kentucky
John Hightower, Boise State
Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan
Gabriel Davis, UCF
Quez Watkins, Southern Miss
Joe Reed, Virginia

Last WR drafted

2018. The Packers drafted J’Mon Moore out of Missouri with 133rd overall pick, Marquez Valdes-Scantling out of USF with the 174th overall pick and Equanimeous St. Brown out of Notre Dame with the 207th overall pick.

[lawrence-related id=42811,42741]

Packers draft preview: RB looks stable in 2020, but uncertainty looms

Previewing the running back position for the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at running back:

On the roster

Aaron Jones, 25, under contract through 2020
Jamaal Williams, 25, under contract through 2020
Dexter Williams, 23, under contract through 2022
Tyler Ervin, 26, under contract through 2020
Damarea Crockett, 22, under contract through 2021

Short term need

Low, although Packers coach Matt LaFleur voiced a need to identify a reliable third option behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams this offseason. Is that player on the roster? Tyler Ervin has some playmaking versatility, and Dexter Williams is still waiting to unlock his natural running ability, but the Packers could certainly look to add another Day 3 pick to provide competition behind the two established veterans. Jones is a star, and Williams is a capable No. 2. Together, they create a formidable 1-2 punch, but both have dealt with injuries since joining the NFL.

Long term need

Potentially high. Jones, Williams and Ervin will all be unrestricted free agents following the 2020 season. The Packers have an interest in re-signing Jones to a new deal, which – if completed – would immediately reduce the long-term need at the position. Still, it seems unlikely the Packers will be able to bring back both Jones and Williams in 2021, so finding a sure-fire No. 2 option is still a long-term priority, especially in an offense dependent on a versatile skillset at the position.

Chances of drafting position 

High, considering the Packers have seven Day 3 picks and a need (of undetermined priority) at the position. Picking a running back in the mid-to-late rounds every year looks like a sound financial strategy. Capable players can be found in the fourth round or later in every draft. If done correctly, this strategy can provide quality depth and reduce the need to spend big bucks at a position that doesn’t produce long-term value. Expect the Packers to add another pick to the mix.

Depth of draft class

Strong. Potential options on Day 2 or early on Day 3 look especially appealing. In fact, it wouldn’t be hugely surprising if six or more future starters are plucked between Rounds 2-5. There might not be a generational talent in this class, but it’s really solid in the areas where teams should be investing in the position.

Potential options

J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
Cam Akers, Florida State
A.J. Dillon, Boston College
Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State
Joshua Kelly, UCLA
Antonio Gibson, Memphis
Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt
Rico Dowdle, South Carolina

Last RB drafted

2019. The Packers took Dexter Williams out of Notre Dame with the 194th overall pick.

[lawrence-related id=42741]

[vertical-gallery id=42320]