The Green Bay Packers made it to the NFC Championship game in 2016 which puts them in a tough position in the 2017 NFL Draft. With the 29th overall pick in the draft, they won’t find any elite players but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of options to choose from when the draft rolls around to them. The question is whether they use the draft to fix a hole in their defense, such as their need for a shutdown cornerback, or they use it on offense, possibly finding an Offensive Guard late to replace T.J. Lang.
Packers defensive draft needs
The most pressing need for the Green Bay Packers in 2017 is finding a shutdown cornerback to help stop teams from scoring against them in 2017.
The biggest problem with Green Bay in 2016 was that Aaron Rogers was forced to outscore his opposition. While he did a good job of that, it would help to stop quick striking teams like Detroit by finding a cornerback that can match up with their top receivers. The problem here is that finding a shutdown NFL caliber cornerback with the 29th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft is almost impossible. Names like Obi Melifonwu and Jalen Tabor might be available but there might be a more pressing need in Green Bay on the offensive side of the ball.
Packers offensive draft needs
The biggest hole on offense came when the Green Bay Packers lost offensive guard T.J. Lang in the NFL free agent period. The loss of Lang was tough, especially since he left for the Detroit Lions, the NFC North team that almost took over the division in 2016.
The bad news is that there is no one on the team that can replace Lang at the same level that he played at. The Packers did draft two offensive linemen in 2016 in Jason Spriggs and Kyle Murphy. They also re-signed Don Barclay to a one-year deal but he has never been the same since a 2014 ACL tear. When it comes to the 2017 NFL Draft, Forrest Lamp from Western Kentucky should be there for the Packers at the 29th pick as should Alabama’s Cam Robinson.
While the need at cornerback is stronger, the Green Bay Packers actually have a better chance at finding an offensive lineman late in the first round and protecting Aaron Rodgers is more important than any other need for the team.
