The Green Bay Packers have been a sort of pandora’s box since moving from Aaron Rodgers after the 2022 NFL season. Despite the initial doubts, they have done pretty well. And that is all thanks to head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Jordan Love. The back-to-back playoff appearances have proven that this team is more than just a rebuilding project. Yet, despite all the rebuilding, the Packers still have gaps that need filling.
The Packers Need a Roster with Depth. What Can They Do?
The gaps in the offense are big. While it is true that the Packers have taken an unconventional approach to roster building, and it has worked so far, there is a big issue with the wide receiver.
Now, with Christian Watson’s ACL injury, the Green Bay Packers may need to step away from tradition and consider a first-round pick for their passing attack.
The solution could be trading up.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell pegged the Packers as a candidate to trade up in his recent column. Barnwell pointed out trades such as moving up to get Jaire Alexander and Love, but also warned of trades to go up and get Darnell Savage and Amari Rodgers as reasons to be cautious.
While the Packers have consistently built their team through the draft, they have always prioritized depth over star power. General manager Brian Gutekunst has been methodical in securing young talent and avoiding major free-agent issues.
However, this method has also resulted in a lack of star playmakers.
So much so, that the last time the Packers had a receiver cross 800 yards was in 2021.
In addition, there has been a lack of double-digit sack seasons since Za’Darius Smith in 2020. The recently added players, including running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney, do, of course, bring in some depth. But the Green Bay Packers lack that one player that can turn a good team into a great one.
The best NFL teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, have balanced rosters. Patrick Mahomes has Travis Kelce, while Jalen Hurts has A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The Packers need something similar at the wide receiver spot and on the edge.
Gutekunst has previously shown the world that he can make big moves.
With the No. 23 pick, the Packers might be outside the range of some of the best wide receivers or pass rushers. Consolidating picks or even parting with a veteran like Alexander to move up could propel the Packers into true Super Bowl contention. The depth of the current roster is a foundation the Packers can build on if they add a difference-maker to the team.
Texas WR Matthew Golden is right on the fringe of that range for the Packers while Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan is certainly off the board. After that, the Packers may be missing out on a true WR1-type player and could look to move up to secure their fate.
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The Packers might be able to win without a star name. However, if they want to be a Super Bowl team, they might need to draft someone good.
So the only question that remains is, will Gutekunst play it safe or make a gamble?
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