The Green Bay Packers will make the 27th pick in Thursday’s NFL Draft and I think trying to pinpoint a position or even the line of scrimmage where the pick comes from is up for grabs. The consensus is they will pick an inside linebacker or defensive tackle but I think they need more help on offense.
Yes, the defense has definitely let the team down the last two years in the playoffs, but in both of those cases the Packers’ offense was not at full strength. And judging by NFL betting, who only have the Packers’ as 4-point favorites over Jacksonville on opening day, the Packers’ last two playoff meltdowns loom large in fan’s eyes. .
I think the Packers biggest problems are on offense. Against Seattle two years ago the Packers’ offense could not deliver the knockout punch early or late. And for most of last year the lack of depth on offense at wide receiver, tight end and running back were well apparent in a disappointing 10-6 record that included horrible home losses to the Lions, Vikings and Bears.
In fact, the main reason the Packers were even in the playoffs last year was because the defense carried the offense for the first time in what seems like forever. The offense lost Jordy Nelson in the preseason, Eddie Lacy never showed up, James Starks turned into Brent Fullwood and Richard Rodgers was Richard Rodgers.
If the Packers want to get back to the NFC Championship game I think they need to upgrade the offense first and fill holes on defense second. I am not a draft nut so I’m not going to name names I know nothing about. I just think the Packers biggest need right now is offensive line.
Aaron Rodgers is a two-time NFL MVP but is no spring chicken anymore. Like the Packers did with Brett Favre, they need to build an offensive line that doesn’t get the quarterback sacked and allows him to make plays. I think the Packers need to address this situation just like they did last year with the secondary.
With that said, we all know Ted Thompson is very unpredictable in the first round and has had a couple of huge failures. So I would not have a problem if he traded out of the first round completely. We’ll find out Thursday.