(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Edge rusher: Rashan Gary has a mega new deal, Lukas Van Ness was a first-round pick in 2023, and veteran Preston Smith is back for at least one more season. The Packers think they’ll get back Kingsley Enagbare (knee) at some point during the season, and Brenton Cox Jr. is an intriguing developmental player entering Year 2. Still, Enagbare’s injury and Smith’s age open the door for investing more draft resources into edge rusher. It’s possible a draft pick could be the No. 4 edge rusher for parts of 2024.
Defensive line: The Packers return everyone from the defensive line, but it’s worth noting that Kenny Clark and T.J. Slaton are both scheduled (as of this writing) to be free agents in 2025. Finding a player to develop in the nose tackle role might be required to provide long-term stability. Extending Clark’s deal would lessen the need, obviously.
Long snapper: Veteran Matt Orzech wasn’t good enough in his first season in Green Bay. The Packers might not use draft capital to find competition, but expect Gutekunst to add a long snapper at some point before training camp.
Tight end: The Packers lost Josiah Deguara, a glorified fullback, but Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, Ben Sims and Tyler Davis provide a solid, versatile foundation at tight end. Do the Packers have faith in Henry Pearson as the new H-back?
Punter: Daniel Whelan is back on the exclusive rights tender after a fine first season in Green Bay. Adding a second punter is still possible. The Packers saw the power of competition last summer when Whelan beat out veteran Pat O’Donnell.
2024-04-15 15:39:00
#Categorizing #Packers #roster #entering #NFL #draft
