Packers Draft Needs Largely Due to Their Personnel Priorities
The Packers have definite needs at ILB and interior DL but there's a reason for this: they have not emphasized those positions in the draft or via free agency in recent years.
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers head into the 2020 NFL Draft with several specific needs. Their biggest weakness in 2019 was an inability to stop the run and that clearly cost them in the NFC Championship Game against San Francisco.
While the Packers certainly need to improve their run defense and get better at interior defensive line and inside linebacker, it is unlikely that the team will use their first-round pick at either position. This is in part due to the relative lack of depth in this year’s draft at these positions and in partly due to the Packers own priorities under this coaching staff and this general manager.
First there’s inside linebacker. The Packers defense under Mike Pettine places a greater emphasis on stopping the pass rather than stopping the run. Starting ILB B.J. Goodson played in 15 games for the Packers last season but was on the field for just 24 percent of their defensive snaps. The Packers usually played in a nickel or dime defense and often used a hybrid safety/ILB like Raven Greene or Ibraheim Campbell rather than playing Goodson alongside Blake Martinez.
The Packers simply haven’t placed a lot of importance on filling their vacancies at ILB. Goodson was picked up just before the start of the season in a trade with the New York Giants. The year before that, the Packers acquired Antonio Morrison in a trade just before the start of the season. The Pack acquired Morrison to replace the injured Jake Ryan who was fourth-round pick out of Michigan in 2015. Blake Martinez was a fourth-round pick back in 2016.
The last time the Packers spent a first-round pick on an inside linebacker was George Cumby back in 1980 when Bart Starr was the GM. In 2006, the Packers drafted OLB A.J. Hawk who later was converted to ILB after his first few seasons with the team.
The last time the Packers used a second-round pick on an ILB was 1992 when they selected Mark D’Onofrio out of Penn State with the 34th overall pick. Unfortunately, D’Onofrio’s career was cut short by injuries.
The Packers have not signed a significant ILB in free agency in more than 15 years. Simply put, the position has not been a priority for the team in recent years.
This year’s draft prospects at the position are not very deep. Kenneth Murray and Patrick Queen are considered the only two prospects worthy of a first-round selection and both will almost certainly be off the board by the time the Packers are scheduled to pick at 30. The Packers will almost certainly address the ILB position, but it is unlikely to be in the first round of the draft.
Interior defensive line is another area the Packers need to upgrade and it’s also due largely due to the fact that the team has not made this position a priority.
Kenny Clark is by far the best player on the roster at this position and he is also the last first-round pick the Packers used at the position. Prior to that, you have to go back to 2009 when the Packers selected B.J. Raji in the first round.
The last time the Packers used a second-round pick on an interior defensive lineman was 2012 when they selected Jerel Worthy out of Michigan State with the 51st overall pick. Worthy recorded 2.5 sacks in two seasons with the Packers before they traded him to the Chiefs. He was last seen playing in the Alliance of American Football in 2019.
The last major free agent the Packers signed at this position was Ryan Pickett back in 2006. Pickett was a major pickup for the Packers, and he spent eight seasons with the team. He was a big piece of the Packers defense that won Super Bowl XLV. But since then, they have not addressed the position in free agency.
This year’s draft is not very deep at interior defensive line. The truly elite players like Clark who can both stuff the run and pressure the passer from the interior line are difficult to come by. Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw will also both likely be off the board before the Packers are scheduled to pick at 30.
The fact is that the Packers have not spent a lot of capital at either of these positions because it’s not an area the team has made a priority in recent seasons. The Packers will address both positions in the draft this year, but don’t expect them to do it too early.
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Comments (43)
splitpea1
April 23, 2020 at 12:27 pm
I would expect the Packers address the DL at least somewhere in the first three rounds since they've done next to nothing so far to upgrade the unit. Hopefully they realize they need more than a "fat man" in the later rounds.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Agreed. I think the third or fourth round is where they'll address it unless a DL who can both stop the run and rush the passer falls to them sooner. Thanks as always for commenting, splitpea1.
fordguy
April 23, 2020 at 03:01 pm
Wasn't M. Wilkerson a DL free agent pick-up?
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 03:09 pm
Yes but he didn't have a big impact. Played just three games before getting hurt.
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 03:07 pm
There are some DL in this draft that would be good picks at 30. I’d be more inclined to look at who is available at 62. I like Hamilton....this guy is genuine big.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 04:04 pm
I doubt they pick a DL at 30. 2nd round would be the earliest I think and more likely the third or fourth round. Thanks for the comment Leatherhead.
Bearmeat
April 23, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Listening to Gute's and Pettine's comments after the season about the state of their DL was disconcerting to say the least. Absolutely, at least a wide-body is needed. Preferably one that is more than just that. And maybe 2.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 02:06 pm
No doubt they will address the D-line and ILBs in this draft. The question is when in the draft and who will they add. I think more than one DL is possible but expect the 2nd one (and maybe even the first) to be on Day 3. Thanks for commenting.
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 04:19 pm
We usually have 6 DL on the 53 and 5 active on gameday. Clark, Lowry, and Lancaster are probably on solid ground. Adams has shown little in three years. Keke is hopefully taking a second year leap. We need a horse for sure. Maybe a last day project.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 04:27 pm
That is the most likely scenario in my mind.
bbarryirish
April 23, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Gil- Well done!
Great historical perspective. Explains so clearly WHY those positions are our weaknesses.
Let's hope Gute addresses both needs.
Big weekend. Finally, sports where we don't know the results before we watch.
Go Pack GO!
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 02:07 pm
Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed the article. Let's hope the team addresses these needs over the next 3 days. Can't wait for the draft just hope it's not the only sports event we will have for a long time. Thanks for commenting.
murf7777
April 23, 2020 at 01:10 pm
Blacklock is a freakish athlete and one who can do both rush the passer to run stuffing. It is said he needs to learn more on gap responsibility but that can be taught. He has played at various weight as well, from 300 to 330 lbs so has the frame if Pettine wants more weight on him. Very good agility and lateral movement. Put him with Clark and things could get very scary for QB’s. They can also get a bigger run stuffer later in the draft to really strengthen the line. If we have an excellent line it will free up our LB and safeties to roam free and shoot gaps without having the guards and center blocking them.
stockholder
April 23, 2020 at 01:35 pm
He falls down to Much! We already have Adams. Fotu in the 3rd is a better pick. Clark can play next to anybody!
murf7777
April 23, 2020 at 01:49 pm
Falls to much? Interesting take, I haven’t found much film on him to realize he falls down. Clark playing next to Lancaster and lowney didn’t work so well. So getting more athletic in the trenches is something that will make our D much stronger IMO. Fotu is a popular pick for many but he may be picked prior, so if we get the opportunity to get value with Big guys I’m all for taking them early.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 02:13 pm
I do like Fotu and I think the 3rd round is realistically where they may address the position. Thanks for commenting.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 02:12 pm
Not sure Blacklock is there at 30 and I'm a little concerned about his medical history. We shall see what happens. Agree better DL play will help the LBs and DBs a lot and the defense overall. Will be an interesting draft. Thanks for commenting, murf7777.
stockholder
April 23, 2020 at 01:40 pm
Great view points Gil. Hit the hammer on the head! Loved the points of Goodson's playing time.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 02:14 pm
Thanks stockholder. Glad you enjoyed the article. Yeah, I was surprised when I saw how few plays he was on the field for. Thanks for commenting, always good to hear from you.
flackcatcher
April 23, 2020 at 02:23 pm
There are going to be a lot of FA DL out there after the draft. Both league vets and rookie street FA. Gute can afford to take his time and be picky. I hate to say this, but if Green Bay does draft a LB, look for a swing type who can cover and play inside. (Zack Baun from Wisconsin for example) Pettine does not believe in thumpers, but in hybrids in the LB position in general. Drafting another Gray type is not out of question for Green Bay. Gute does take the long view in development. (Alex light and Cole Madison last year along with Gray) And let's not forget the need for both secondary and running back. The 'burn thru' rates at those positions in this league are pretty high. One thing I know is, there will be a lot of 'hold my beer' moments in this draft, this year.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 02:31 pm
It certainly won't be dull, flackcatcher and yes, there are a lot of areas of need. RB is a need in part because both Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones are UFAs after 2020. Hold on to that beer and enjoy the draft. Thanks for commenting.
Jack_Vainisi
April 23, 2020 at 03:11 pm
As a somewhat contrarian view they need as many ready to play picks as possible. With Rodgers they
shouldn' t do much "development" outside of a possible day 3 QB.
The right side of the o-line could be a disaster with "Big Bill" Turner and Ricky Wagner and uncertainty at TE. Lane Taylor isn't necessarily an outside zone G. They need a vertical WR but not really a #1 receiver. On defense they need a run stopping DL and a coverage LB. No high pick on a QB.
Therefore, I would personally prefer OL like Cesar Ruiz at G and Lucas Niang at OT in round 1 or Jack Driscoll at OT on day 2. I should be able to cover the other needs listed above in RD 2 or 3 and 4-5. The remainder of picks can look at TE, DB, RB or ER.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 03:17 pm
A balanced account of what the team needs right now. I agree no QB in round 1 unless there's a miracle and Tua falls to them at 30 (which we know won't happen). I'd like to see an OT or WR in Round 1 but we'll see. Thanks for the comment.
Packers2020
April 23, 2020 at 03:16 pm
See below. Five years in a row of round 1 busts. That cannot happen. That is why it has taken a massive rebuild with free agents to get this team back to respectability. We also do not seem to like to draft WR's in the first round. Seems to be OT, DE, or DT. At least the last 10 or 11 years.
2009
Clay Matthews III #
2010
Bryan Bulaga
2011
Derek Sherrod
2012
Nick Perry
2013
Datone Jones
2014
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
2015
Damarious Randall
2016
Kenny Clark
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 03:19 pm
We tend to like DBs and OTs a lot in Round 1. Last year we went edge and DB. We shall see what Gute does this year. I think they go OT or WR. Thanks for the comment.
ShawnO
April 23, 2020 at 03:25 pm
I agree, there are too many question marks for this year and next due to free agency at positions the Packers to value, to address these two early in the draft.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 03:32 pm
I think that's right. We'll see what Gute does. Thanks for the comment, ShawnO.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2020 at 03:44 pm
Perhaps it is time that Packers update/change their philosophy/view on interior defensive players. Last year was not an anomaly - teams have been running on the Packers for years. While this year does have many/any suitable ILBs (save Murray) - there are some stout DL run-stoppers. First, Davon Hamilton, next Leki Fotu (my favorite), and later, Benito Jones. (Does Gilbert Brown have a kid in this draft class?).
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 03:47 pm
There are some good run stuffers available although they aren't usually picked in the first round. Will be great if they add a few in the later rounds. If Gilbert Brown does have a kid, that would be perfect! LOL. Thanks for the comment.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2020 at 03:49 pm
Oops correction - "While this year does NOT have many/any suitable ILBs ..."
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 03:50 pm
I think our starting offense...and main backups....are largely set.. But on defense, we have no replacement for Tramon and no Hybrid guy, and those are core defenders. There is also an obvious need for a big DL to improve our run defense.
In a perfect world, you get BPA and be about the future and stuff. We need to have two starters out there and don’t tell me it’s Campbell and Sullivan.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 04:07 pm
Not sure the WRs are set, but the offense has fewer immediate needs than the defense, I agree. Will be interesting to see what Gute does. I still think trading out of the first round to get more picks is a real possibility.
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 03:50 pm
Rumor is Packers looking in to moving up...FWIW
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2020/04/jets-saints-packers-looking-to...
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 04:09 pm
Rumors about a few teams. You never know until it happens. This draft will be different, that's for sure. I wonder how the remoteness of this year's draft will effect trades. If we trade up, who do you think we target? Thanks for the comment, dobber.
Johnblood27
April 23, 2020 at 05:12 pm
I believe IF they go UP it will be for Murray.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 05:15 pm
That would make sense, again, depending on the cost. Thanks for commenting.
sonomaca
April 23, 2020 at 03:51 pm
Packer move up rumor, but for who? Jerry Jeudy’s knee might cause a mini-fall. I’m guessing it’s Jefferson, Murray, or Ezra Cleveland (ugh!) they covet.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 04:10 pm
We shall see. I'm not sure about what we'd have to give up if we want to move up but I'm wary of giving up too much. Under no circumstances do I want to lose our first round pick in 2021 or any future year. Thanks for the comment.
Johnblood27
April 23, 2020 at 05:16 pm
with the needs GB has and the spread of the talent in this draft across the round projections and the players that fit the GB positional profiles, I believe the play should be to trade back and get an additional pick in the top 100 (from 3 to 4 picks), then max out the value from rounds 4-5-6-6-6 positionally based on what was able to get done with 4 top 100 selections.
Go Gutey Go!
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 06:34 pm
I think that would make more sense than trading up. We shall see what Gute does but one thing he has never done is pick exactly where he was originally going to pick. In each of his first two drafts, he made at least one trade in the first round.
GilMartin
April 23, 2020 at 06:31 pm
That would make sense, again, depending on the cost. Thanks for commenting.
SterlingSharpe
April 23, 2020 at 06:57 pm
Kenneth Murray will help this team more than anyone else we possibly could go up & get.
FAN24583
April 23, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Ok so we move up to take a QB. This GM is lost!! What a fucking joke this franchise is!! I am as of today not a packer fan and not a football fan. Fucking disgusting.