Rodger That: How the Combine Will Help Aaron Rodgers Get Better
Green Bay found themselves in a “down” year last season, and it must be nice when that results in a conference championship game appearance. That being said, the Packers have areas they need to address for next season. General Manager Ted Thompson’s job is quite simple actually: keep Aaron Rodgers upright, continue to provide Rodgers with weapons, and find a defensive back outside of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix that can make an impact. This draft should allow Thompson to address all three needs, and keep the Packers in contention (as usual).
Offensive line play needs to improve, especially at guard
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OFFENSIVE GUARD
For how good Rodgers has been in his career, his protection has been equally as questionable. His mobility has allowed his line to get a break and avoid unnecessary hits, but that trait won’t always be available as he ages. Protection needs to be a priority in this offense, and guard is a big concern heading into 2017. TJ Lang is a free agent, and may not return after an injury against the Falcons in the NFC Championship Game. Even with Lane Taylor and Don Barclay read to play, competition needs to be added.
Indiana’s Dan Feeney (6-4, 304) and Western Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp (6-4, 305) will be the top two guards available, and strong combines could improve their draft stock out of the Packers’ range. At 29th overall, Green Bay should see at least one of them available. Feeney was a stud at guard, and Lamp could be making the switch after playing tackle in college. Should they pass on both, there are a few options that could fill this need in later rounds. San Diego State’s Nico Siragusa (6-4, 326) has tremendous size and could give the Packers a much needed run blocker. While he may need some work in pass protection, he could help evolve an offense that has struggled on the ground. Another option would be USC’s Damien Mama (6-3, 325), and they could snag him on Day 3. Mama is massive and has actually lost 75 pounds since getting to USC. His weight will most likely be monitored, but his strength in both the run and pass games should be enticing.
Honestly, if Green bay can keep Aaron Rodgers off the ground, he can carry the team (just like he did this season). He’s one of the best, if not the best, in the league, and protecting him should always be the top priority. Feeney and Lamp should showcase their talent, but it will be interesting to see how Siragusa and Mama perform this week.
Having Montgomery in the backfield was fun, but that experiment needs to end.
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RUNNING BACK
Ty Montgomery did an admirable job of running the ball, but he should be used as a receiver. With James Starks, Eddy Lacy, and Christine Michael as free agents, Thompson has to decide if he wants to bring them back or move on to the future.
Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey (6-0, 202) might be available when the Packers pick, but could also be drafter much higher than that. With all of the tools to fit into Green Bay’s offense, he should be tempting for Thompson to consider. I would expect if they pass on McCaffrey that they would wait for the later rounds to pick a back since the position is packed with talent. Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon (6-1, 226) is similar to McCaffrey in skill, but has some baggage that follows him to the NFL. If he can convince everyone that he is changed for the better, he will be a great pickup. One option I believe Thompson will avoid is Texas’ Donta Foreman (6-1, 250), and it should be pretty obvious. Foreman is a big back, and that didn’t work well for the Packers the last time they picked a bigger back (Lacy). He is a great runner and can pass protect really well, but I’m not convinced that Thompson is willing to take that risk again. Lastly, the most realistic choice for the green and gold, is UL-Lafayette’s Elijah McGuire (5-10, 212). McGuire is projected to be a Day 3 selection and could fit into the Packers’ scheme perfectly. Accumulating 4,301 yards on the ground while adding 130 catches for 1,394 yards, McGuire is a dual threat out of the backfield.
Green Bay needs to run the ball better, plain and simple. By addressing their offensive line and running back positions, they can achieve that goal. They are scary enough when Rodgers has to do all of the work, but I can’t imagine what will happen if one of these backs is added to the roster.
Packer fans don't want to endure another performance like Julio Jones' again.
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CORNER BACK
Did you watch the NFC Championship Game? I was surprised when someone told me that the Packers were, in fact, putting someone out to cover Julio Jones. Granted, Jones is an elite receiver and arguably the best, but he made the Packers’ defensive backs look bad. This isn’t a new predicament for this team, but it needs to be a point of emphasis after the debacle in Atlanta.
Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey (6-1, 196) and Washington’s Sidney Jones (6-0, 181) are projected to go before the Packers pick, but both can contribute immediately. LSU’s TreDavious White could be one to watch at the combine, as he is projected to be around for Green Bay, and is a tremendous talent. If they wait, they could choose Ohio State’s Gareon Conley (6-0, 195) or Florida’s Quincy Wilson (6-0, 209) in the second round. Both have great size and length for cornerbacks and aren’t afraid to get physical with their matchup. Three names that could be intriguing to watch are USC’s Adoree Jackson (5-11, 185), West Virginia’s Rasual Douglas (6-2, 204) and Houston’s Howard Wilson (6-0, 185). Jackson is dynamic and can return kicks and punts. His size will draw concern, but can show off his skillset to erase those size issues. Douglas had a strong showing during the Senior Bowl, and it one of the bigger corners in the draft. His size could be something the Packers are looking for. Wilson is a sleeper pick due to a lack of experience (only started one year) and a knee injury that kept him out a full year could be a concern. He has superior closing speed and has length that teams will love, so the combine could help him move up on draft boards.
Packer fans are still waiting for the secondary to figure things out, and their final game of the season exposed their flaws. Adding competition to this position is a must if they want to continue to compete against playoff-caliber offenses.
BONUS: LINEBACKER/PASS RUSHER
With Julius Peppers and Nick Perry both set to be free agents, depth at these positions could be a key. If they are unable to keep Perry at a reasonable price and if they let Peppers walk, these positions may become vastly more important.
Alabama’s Tim Williams (6-3, 252) was a nightmare rushing the passer in college. His speed should be evident while watching the combine, and his motor on the field never stops. The only concern with Williams is what he would be like a linebacker versus an edge rusher. Should they choose to wait on this position, they could snag Kansas State’s Elijah Lee (6-3, 220) in the third round. UCLA’s Jayon Brown (5-11, 220) would be more of an outside linebacker at his size, but could add depth to the position if Perry and/or Peppers resigns. While listed as a linebacker, Houston’s Tyus Bowser (6-2, 244) could be a steal in the third round. Experts are beginning to like him a lot more, and his skills could erase concerns about his size as an edge rusher. As true defensive ends, Auburn’s Carl Lawson (6-2, 253) and Florida State’s Demarcus Walker (6-2, 273) could help Mike Daniels on the defensive front immensely. Lawson will provide another good pass rusher who has improved in run stopping, but has past injuries that could concern teams. Walker was productive his senior year, and is a smart pass rusher who constantly looks for opportunities to get to the ball. His size may force him to move inside, but would still be a great addition for the Packers.
This position is conditional, but that doesn’t mean Thompson isn’t looking to add depth and competition. Signing either Perry or Peppers will be valuable, but adding another player to that position will also be smart even if one signs.
SUMMARY
Green Bay is really in an enviable position: they only get better simply because they have core pieces in place. As long as Aaron Rodgers is healthy, the offense will be just fine. Adding a back should move Montgomery back to receiver, and adding a lineman will help provide Rodgers with more time to make plays. Defensively, cornerback needs to be addressed quickly, or fans will continue to be haunted by Julio Jones and other elite receivers. As long as Thompson can address these needs, Green Bay can expect to be back in the NFC Championship game. Not bad for a team that was worried they wouldn’t make the playoffs heading into Week 11.
