Roster Needs, Post FA

[Dantés]

Of course, free agency is still ongoing. However, the first wave is well and truly settled, and the Packers are almost certainly close to being done just by virtue of their limited cap space. So with the additions of Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Adrian Amos, and Billy Turner, how should we be ranking the roster needs across the positions? This is my stab at it:

1. S: Adrian Amos was a great get. Beyond him, the only safeties who legitimately could make the roster are Josh Jones and Raven Greene. I tend to think Jones should be considered at linebacker, which would make safety even thinner. The Packers legitimately need to add another (cheaper) veteran AND invest a relatively high pick in a starter opposite Amos.
2. OL: Here are the offensive linemen under contract for 2020: Bakhtiari, Linsley, Taylor, Turner, and Alex Light (who might not even make the roster in 2019). They have an elite left tackle and a good center. I'm not a Billy Turner expert, but they clearly like him so I guess you figure on him starting somewhere in 2019 and beyond. Lane Taylor starts, but he regressed in 2018 and doesn't seem to me to fit the new offense. After that, Bulaga is entering his final season and his health is unreliably. Spriggs is entering his final season and he kind of sucks. Patrick and McCray are backup caliber players who are both RFA's after this season. They're probably going to need two new starters and quite a bit of depth in the near future.
3. TE: Jimmy Graham is almost certainly a cap casualty after this season, and he also isn't very good. Marcedes Lewis is back on a one year deal as a 34 yr old blocking specialist. The only tight end on the roster who figures to be around in 2020 is developmental project Robert Tonyan. An immediately contributor is needed given how much Petals uses his tight ends, and the starter of 2020 and beyond is also important to find.
4. LB: The Packers have three off-ball linebackers with a shot to make the roster: Blake Martinez (starting MIKE), Oren Burks (starting WILL?), and James Crawford (ST). That's it. Martinez is a polarizing player entering the last year of his deal. In my opinion, he's a solid, limited player who the Packers should look to replace rather than invest significant cap space in. We still have no idea who Burks is as a player. In my opinion, Josh Jones should be moved to LB, and he and Burks should compete for the WILL spot.
5. ST: I'm lumping the specialists together. Obviously they aren't going to spend high picks on pure specialists, however I do think there are two big needs here. 1) Kicker: Mason Crosby is too expensive to be average (which is what he is). I'm guessing they draft a replacement and cut him. 2) Punt Returner: the Packers' PR game stinks. Their best option who figures to make the roster is the 36 year old Tramon Williams.
6. iDL: Interior defensive line has long been the heart of Mike Pettine defenses. Kenny Clark is a star, and Dean Lowry is a good ~500 snap guy who could be kept around. Mike Daniels is on the decline and entering his last season. I really liked was I saw from Tyler Lancaster down the stretch last year and think he sticks as a backup. Montravius Adams flashed a bit at times in 2018-- 2019 will be a big year for him. The unit could really use an upfield penetrator to replace Daniels.
7. RB: Aaron Jones has had an exceedingly promising start to his career and he is tailor made for the offense that Petals is going to install. However, I have serious doubts about the quality behind him. Jamaal Williams plays his tail off and has a well rounded skill set, but his talent says RB3 to me. I think there's a spot here for a change of pace player to compliment Jones.
8. WR: The Packers have a legitimate #1 (Adams), a steady compliment (Allison), and a bevvy of young talent (MVS, EQ, JM, and JK). All that said, a YAC specialist is missing-- the Packers should look to add a talent that can make plays with the ball in his hands.
9. ED: While the Packers could still easily stand to add an edge burner, the FA additions push this down the board. The Smith's figure to start, with Fackrell, Gilbert, and Donnerson (or a rookie) providing adequate depth. Gilbert and Donnerson are both ERFA's in 2020 and can be brought back easily if that's advantageous.
10. CB: While the young corners on the roster are still largely unproven, the team has made significant investments here and it's not time to move on yet. Kevin King is, at worst, an average starter when he can stay healthy. Tramon is still solid as well, when not being asked to play FS. Jaire Alexander is a stud, and Tony Brown was a promising diamond in the rough. Josh Jackson had a tough rookie year, but I still believe in the talent.
11. QB: With Rodgers signed through 2023, it's too early to draft an heir apparent. This position, then, is about the backups. DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle both possess talent, but it remains to be seen whether either has it in them to be a reliable backup. An additional competitor in the mix would be fine, but it's a late round consideration.
12. FB: The Shanahan offense still employs a FB (preferably one that can catch). Danny Vitale is on the roster and seems like a great fit.

 

[GleefulGary]

Dan Vitale is the best player on the roster, tbh.

 

[wist43]

We can get by at all positions this year... after FA there aren't any glaring holes.

Moving forward though, there are a lot of needs. TT's last few drafts were horrific, so there is very little depth to step up.

Gute's biggest miss last year was Burks. He never should have been drafted, that's how bad a football player he is.

So given that Martinez is avg at best, and Burks can't play at all - ILB is in need of attn.

Fackrell needs to be replaced, and I don't view Lancaster as a player. OL and TE also need attn.

There is no shortage of positions that need upgrading.

Prioritizing our needs, I'd go,

OLB, ILB, TE, OL, S.

 

[Dantés]

I don't see how they're in a position to get by at safety this year.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Of course, free agency is still ongoing. However, the first wave is well and truly settled, and the Packers are almost certainly close to being done just by virtue of their limited cap space. So with the additions of Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Adrian Amos, and Billy Turner, how should we be ranking the roster needs across the positions? This is my stab at it:

1. S: Adrian Amos was a great get. Beyond him, the only safeties who legitimately could make the roster are Josh Jones and Raven Greene. I tend to think Jones should be considered at linebacker, which would make safety even thinner. The Packers legitimately need to add another (cheaper) veteran AND invest a relatively high pick in a starter opposite Amos.
2. OL: Here are the offensive linemen under contract for 2020: Bakhtiari, Linsley, Taylor, Turner, and Alex Light (who might not even make the roster in 2019). They have an elite left tackle and a good center. I'm not a Billy Turner expert, but they clearly like him so I guess you figure on him starting somewhere in 2019 and beyond. Lane Taylor starts, but he regressed in 2018 and doesn't seem to me to fit the new offense. After that, Bulaga is entering his final season and his health is unreliably. Spriggs is entering his final season and he kind of sucks. Patrick and McCray are backup caliber players who are both RFA's after this season. They're probably going to need two new starters and quite a bit of depth in the near future.
3. TE: Jimmy Graham is almost certainly a cap casualty after this season, and he also isn't very good. Marcedes Lewis is back on a one year deal as a 34 yr old blocking specialist. The only tight end on the roster who figures to be around in 2020 is developmental project Robert Tonyan. An immediately contributor is needed given how much Petals uses his tight ends, and the starter of 2020 and beyond is also important to find.
4. LB: The Packers have three off-ball linebackers with a shot to make the roster: Blake Martinez (starting MIKE), Oren Burks (starting WILL?), and James Crawford (ST). That's it. Martinez is a polarizing player entering the last year of his deal. In my opinion, he's a solid, limited player who the Packers should look to replace rather than invest significant cap space in. We still have no idea who Burks is as a player. In my opinion, Josh Jones should be moved to LB, and he and Burks should compete for the WILL spot.
5. ST: I'm lumping the specialists together. Obviously they aren't going to spend high picks on pure specialists, however I do think there are two big needs here. 1) Kicker: Mason Crosby is too expensive to be average (which is what he is). I'm guessing they draft a replacement and cut him. 2) Punt Returner: the Packers' PR game stinks. Their best option who figures to make the roster is the 36 year old Tramon Williams.
6. iDL: Interior defensive line has long been the heart of Mike Pettine defenses. Kenny Clark is a star, and Dean Lowry is a good ~500 snap guy who could be kept around. Mike Daniels is on the decline and entering his last season. I really liked was I saw from Tyler Lancaster down the stretch last year and think he sticks as a backup. Montravius Adams flashed a bit at times in 2018-- 2019 will be a big year for him. The unit could really use an upfield penetrator to replace Daniels.
7. RB: Aaron Jones has had an exceedingly promising start to his career and he is tailor made for the offense that Petals is going to install. However, I have serious doubts about the quality behind him. Jamaal Williams plays his tail off and has a well rounded skill set, but his talent says RB3 to me. I think there's a spot here for a change of pace player to compliment Jones.
8. WR: The Packers have a legitimate #1 (Adams), a steady compliment (Allison), and a bevvy of young talent (MVS, EQ, JM, and JK). All that said, a YAC specialist is missing-- the Packers should look to add a talent that can make plays with the ball in his hands.
9. ED: While the Packers could still easily stand to add an edge burner, the FA additions push this down the board. The Smith's figure to start, with Fackrell, Gilbert, and Donnerson (or a rookie) providing adequate depth. Gilbert and Donnerson are both ERFA's in 2020 and can be brought back easily if that's advantageous.
10. CB: While the young corners on the roster are still largely unproven, the team has made significant investments here and it's not time to move on yet. Kevin King is, at worst, an average starter when he can stay healthy. Tramon is still solid as well, when not being asked to play FS. Jaire Alexander is a stud, and Tony Brown was a promising diamond in the rough. Josh Jackson had a tough rookie year, but I still believe in the talent.
11. QB: With Rodgers signed through 2023, it's too early to draft an heir apparent. This position, then, is about the backups. DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle both possess talent, but it remains to be seen whether either has it in them to be a reliable backup. An additional competitor in the mix would be fine, but it's a late round consideration.
12. FB: The Shanahan offense still employs a FB (preferably one that can catch). Danny Vitale is on the roster and seems like a great fit.

Mostly agree with your list but the Packers desperately needing a slot receiver should move the position ahead of specialists on it.

Fackrell needs to be replaced, and I don't view Lancaster as a player.

There is no shortage of positions that need upgrading.

Prioritizing our needs, I'd go,

OLB, ILB, TE, OL, S.

I don't expect Fackrell to register double-digit sacks once again but it would be a terrible choice to move on from him as he's only set to count $2.1 million towards the cap. Edge rusher is definitely not the team's most pressing need after they signed the Smiths.

 

[Dantés]

Mostly agree with your list but the Packers desperately needing a slot receiver should move the position ahead of specialists on it.

The hole at PR is bigger than the hole at slot receiver. With Cobb gone, the Pack are lacking a true, down to down slot receiver. However, almost every WR on the roster, plus Jimmy Graham can give them snaps there.

In the PR game, you have almost zero options. Jaire Alexander didn't take to it, at least in the staff's estimation, and is too important. Trevor Davis isn't roster worthy. Tramon Williams is 36. The cupboard is bare.

Now of course, you wouldn't invest the high picks in specialists. But the need is still greater, in my opinion.

What's ironic, is that the most logical way to address the PR problem is with a slot receiver, so in all likelihood we are talking about one guy.

 

[PackerfaninCarolina]

The OL must be fixed with Bulaga getting replaced immediately. Rodgers should play until he's 40, but he won't if this is not done.

RT and RG must be drafted, and Lane Taylor should feel the heat to try and keep his job.

 

[El Guapo]

They have to still be considering Tramon Williams as a backup at safety, otherwise that is a major hole which will not be filled in the draft. I love Tramon, but he showed his age and diminished speed early and often at CB last season. He added stability at safety. Sure give Josh Jones or Green the chance, but Tramon better be designated to Alert Five status.

I think that he is the 2012 version of Donald Driver at cornerback, not worthy of a roster spot in that capacity.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

The hole at PR is bigger than the hole at slot receiver. With Cobb gone, the Pack are lacking a true, down to down slot receiver. However, almost every WR on the roster, plus Jimmy Graham can give them snaps there.

In the PR game, you have almost zero options. Jaire Alexander didn't take to it, at least in the staff's estimation, and is too important. Trevor Davis isn't roster worthy. Tramon Williams is 36. The cupboard is bare.

Now of course, you wouldn't invest the high picks in specialists. But the need is still greater, in my opinion.

The Bears (411) had the most punt return yards in the league last season but totaled only 213 yards more than the Packers over the entire season. While the Packers need to bring in someone other than Davis capable of adequately filling the position I disagree that it's more important than adding a receiver capable of primarily lining up in the slot.

The OL must be fixed with Bulaga getting replaced immediately.

The Packers should definitely consider drafting Bulaga's eventual replacement this year but hold on to the right tackle for the last season of his contract as he's still a very good player when healthy.

 

[Dantés]

The Bears (411) had the most punt return yards in the league last season but totaled only 213 yards more than the Packers over the entire season. While the Packers need to bring in someone other than Davis capable of adequately filling the position I disagree that it's more important than adding a receiver capable of primarily lining up in the slot.



The Packers should definitely consider drafting Bulaga's eventual replacement this year but hold on to the right tackle for the last season of his contract as he's still a very good player when healthy.

This is semantics, but I'm not sure I'm saying it's more important. I'm saying it's a bigger hole on the roster. But of course, I would spend a higher pick on a slot receiver than I would on a pure punt returner.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

For lack of a better place to put this, it looks like Mason Crosby has some competition.

The Packers have claimed K Sam Ficken off of waivers from the Seahawks, per source.

 

[Do7]

I STILL don't see Alison in the same light as most of you. Imho he's a glorified numer 3 receiver at best.

 

[McKnowledge]

No more FA moves until after the draft. However, whether moving up to get a higher pick or moving down to gain more capital, GB needs to create more depth. There are some great veteran players available. My top five FA agents for GB as of today:

1) RB Bilal Powell (pass catching back)
2) OG Chance Warmack (create competition and depth along O-Line)
3) WR Michael Crabtree (classic No. 2 and provides depth and hopefully veteran leadership)
4) OLB Jamie Collins (nice talent, and fills a need)
5) Tre Boston (should've got him last year)

I don't know about the money. Don't ask me about it. This is wishful thinking.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I STILL don't see Alison in the same light as most of you. Imho he's a glorified numer 3 receiver at best.

I don't think you are that far off in your thinking, at least from my perspective. As of now, Allison hasn't done enough to be considered to be much more than a guy who could step up and be the #2 or #3 guy. In 3 years he only has 55 receptions for 758 yds and 4 TD's.

Last year he was the hopeful #3 behind Adams and Cobb, but his injuries cut his season short.

Allison has been an UDFA with potential since 2016 and he remains just that. Even his 1 year contract reflects that, with only $750K guaranteed. All that said, I think the Packers do see some potential in him, but he has 2-3 second year guys who could easily overtake him.

I see Allison making the final 53 due to his experience, but whether he is a starter or a backup, will depend on not just what he does in preseason, but what everyone else behind him on the depth chart does.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I STILL don't see Alison in the same light as most of you. Imho he's a glorified numer 3 receiver at best.

Allison put up impressive numbers over the first five games before getting injured last season. If he's able to keep that up he definitely deserves to be a starter.

I don't think you are that far off in your thinking, at least from my perspective. As of now, Allison hasn't done enough to be considered to be much more than a guy who could step up and be the #2 or #3 guy. In 3 years he only has 55 receptions for 758 yds and 4 TD's.

I see Allison making the final 53 due to his experience, but whether he is a starter or a backup, will depend on not just what he does in preseason, but what everyone else behind him on the depth chart does.

In my opinion Allison is a lock to make the roster. With Adams clearly being the #1 receiver Allison doesn't have to be anything more than a #2 or #3.

 

[Packer Fan in SD]

Allison put up impressive numbers over the first five games before getting injured last season. If he's able to keep that up he definitely deserves to be a starter.

I agree. He was on pace to get over 60 catches, nearly a thousand yards and over 6 tds. He averaged 15.1 yards per catch. He is worth keeping.

 

[gopkrs]

I agree. He was on pace to get over 60 catches, nearly a thousand yards and over 6 tds. He averaged 15.1 yards per catch. He is worth keeping.

I think he has a really good out and up move. I'm routing for him.