The 2023 Green Bay Packers draft class turned out to be a stellar one. Credit to general manager Brian Gutekunst. For the first time in his tenure, he put together a quality draft class from top to bottom. But, like with all NFL teams, it is the time of year for teams to re-load. Today, we take a look at what offensive positions might be looked at for this year’s Green Bay Packers draft class.
Breaking Down the Green Bay Packers Draft Needs on Offense
In the 2023 NFL Draft, Gutekunst and the Packers made 13 selections. Out of those 13 picks, seven of those players came on the offensive side of the ball. What makes Gutekunst’s offensive selections so impressive is that out of those seven picks, four of them were key contributors in their rookie seasons.
Only two players, Lew Nichols and Grant Dubose didn’t make the opening day roster. However, Dubose was re-signed to the practice squad where he spent all of 2023. Nichols was cut but was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. The third pick was quarterback Sean Clifford. He spent last season as Jordan Love‘s backup.
While Gutekunst hit the jackpot in last year’s draft, the Green Bay Packers offense will need to fill some holes in this year’s draft. Because of salary cap constraints, it is highly doubtful the Packers will be players in free agency. So if Gutekunst is going to upgrade certain positions, it will need to come through the draft. Today, we take a look at three areas they might look at in this year’s draft.
Running Back
Behind Love, you can make an argument that Aaron Jones was the Packers second most important player on their offense. While Jones battled injuries throughout 2023, he got healthy at the right time. His play toward the end of the regular season, which also carried into the playoffs, helped make the Packers offense very successful.
There is no arguing, that Jones is a vital piece to the Packers offensive success. But the Packers are facing some tough decisions when it comes to his future with the Packers. Along with the injuries, Jones will turn 30 during the 2024 season. He also has just one year left on his current contract, a year that will pay him a lot of money.
What makes things even more complicated is that AJ Dillon, who was Jones’s backup last season, will be an unrestricted free agent this off-season. Unless Dillon agrees to an inexpensive prove-it deal, it is doubtful he will return. Since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Dillon has been a disappointment. Even if he does return, the Packers will need to look for help to bolster the position.
Unfortunately, this is a tough year to find a high-end running back through the draft. Running back is one of the weakest positions in the draft. Texas running back Jonathon Brooks is the top running back prospect. But he was hurt in 2023 and might not be ready for the start of his rookie season. Still, that might draw the Packers to him. They could select him and let him heal while he learns from Jones.
Offensive Tackle
The Packers are expected to part ways with longtime starting left tackle David Bakhtiari this off-season. This shouldn’t surprise many. While Bakhtiari has proven he is one of the best left tackles in the NFL, his health has become a major concern. His knee issues caused him to only play in just one game last season.
Rasheed Walker did an adequate job in place of Bakhtiari in 2023. He did show some improvement late in the season and into the playoffs. That late-season improvement should make him the favorite to be the starting left tackle to open 2024. On the right side, the Packers have a budding star in Zach Tom. He can be one of the best starting right tackles in the NFL next season.
While Walker and Tom are expected to be the opening game starters, there is some question about the depth behind them. Yosh Nijman, who was the primary backup for both Walker and Tom, will be a free agent this off-season. It is doubtful that the Packers will re-sign him. Even if they were interested, it is doubtful he would be interested in returning. He was beaten out by Walker at left tackle and it wouldn’t be surprising that he goes to a team that will give him a chance to start.
Offensive tackle is one of the deepest positions in this year’s draft. If Gutekunst passes on the position in the first round, there is a good chance he can land a good prospect in the second or third round.
Interior Offensive Line
Elgton Jenkins is entrenched as the Packers starting left guard. After moving back to guard, Jenkins play has improved. It also appears that he is fully healthy from the knee injury he suffered in 2021.
While Jenkins is entrenched on the left side, it appears there will be an opening at right guard. Jon Runyan has been the starting right guard for several seasons. But he will be an unrestricted free agent this off-season. Along with being a free agent, Runyan had to split playing time with Sean Rhyan late last season. If Runyan departs, Rhyan would be expected to be the top candidate to replace him. Still, it would be best to find some competition for Rhyan. He is new to the guard position and still has a ways to go to becoming a quality starter.
Center is also a position to keep an eye on for this year’s Green Bay Packers draft class. Josh Myers, a former second-round pick, hasn’t played up to where he was drafted. He showed a little improvement in 2023, but he still has questions when it comes to his game. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers were to look for someone to compete against him in 2024.
One prospect to keep an eye on is Duke’s Graham Barton. He played multiple positions while at Duke, including center. The Packers like offensive linemen who have position flexibility. Barton is one of those types of players.
Main Photo: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
