What are the Green Bay Packers most pressing needs after free agency? (Fewer than you might think)

The Packers signed two big-name free agents this offseason, including one at a serious need position. So where do they stand now, particularly at the most important positions on any NFL roster? Plus, where could they fill those needs in the draft?
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Peter Bukowski, co-founder of The Leap, brings you a daily look at the Green Bay Packers year round with Locked On Packers! Go beyond the latest injury news into what you're seeing on the field, how it works, and how it might change with new players or against a division rival. It's the podcast for fans who know what happened, they want to know why and how!
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[@jfranco4691]

Bro, we need a freaking middle linebacker like yesterday

[@sambrinn5606]

Gotta take one at 41 or trade up if necessary. This is a very weak class so if we are gonna get one we may have to get him in the 35-40 area. I think LB is a bigger need than CB even though it's not a premium position per sey. And all the skilled LB's are all gone in FA. Gonna have to look at the scrap pile or trade for one if we don't draft one early. We gotta be able to stop the run this year

[@Nater9-9]

I dreamt the draft was last night. GB traded up to the 10th pick. We drafted an offensive lineman that I’ve never heard of. Damn that felt so real.

[@jdpugman634]

Your podcast is so good man! Thanks for always providing us with the quality Green Bay content #GoPackGo

[@andyadams7806]

I like the bortolini kid out of UW to draft at center!!! Barton would be an AMAZING addition as has the most versatile OL in this draft imo!

[@PJBHolden]

Totally agree, it all starts upfront, offensive line and defensive line baby

[@LeadHandPG13]

This is my favorite podcast of ALL TIME. It's first time watching live, and I listen to Locked on Packers everyday Monday through Friday during my commute to work. Peter thank you so much for making my day better :).

[@sambrinn5606]

I just discovered this 3 days ago. I don't know how I had never seen it but I freaking love it. My favorite of all of the channels I've seen💪

[@MrTouathao93]

V

[@dwill0408]

Yes CB, LB, OL…i like how you broke everything down. Its going to be interesting in the draft. I really do hope we can trade back 25 a few spots and pick up an additional 3rd pick. That would be huge

[@dluckenbau]

I kind of like that idea, too. Simply because there seems to be a lot of value from that 25-41 range (if you follow the mocks). If Guty has 3,4,5 guys he likes equally then why not trade down, right?

[@sambrinn5606]

If we nail this draft we are gonna have a good/ bad problem. On one hand we have a great team that can win multiple Superbowls. On the other hand you have to pay them all. Look at our WR room if Watson also is healthy and breaks out. We have 5 potential number 1 receivers at worst number 2. They are kinda like 1.5 receivers right now, it could go either way depending on who breaks out. Truly we don't know the ceiling for Wicks,Watson,Reed, Doubs,Melton. But JL loves to spread the ball out so it may be we never know but there will be signs. And don't forget our 2 TE's. I'm so pumped about the potential of this offense💪 Gute needs to fortify our Oline in this draft which I know he will. But the great thing is if we have too many good players in one area like WR, we can always trade 1-2 before they hit free agency and get back picks. So hopefully Gute nails this draft like last year and we are gonna be a nightmare for the NFL as long as Jordan Love is the Jordan Love of the last 2 months, which I'm 95% sure he will be of not better. He still hasn't learned how to use his legs in certain situations. When he does that, how you gonna cover all our weapons and account for JL to run

[@raybrean9889]

I think they will use atleast 4 of those 11 draft picks on offensive lineman. They always seem to find the good ones in the draft. If there is an area you have to trust Brian Gutekunst in its OLine. It looks like we’re going to take an OT early. We need depth and talent at that position. Walker, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, and Thomas are all returning starters. Myers is on his final rookie contract so we could draft a RG or C Thomas type of player. ILB, WR1, Slot Safety/DB, RB, OLine depth top 5 draft picks, 25, 41, 58, 88, 91 is my wish list. Unless if Christian Watson can guarantee he’ll have his 5th year hamstring figured out. Zach Thomas was a 5th round draft pick, so we can get OLine depth 4th or 5th round too. I’m certainly all for drafting quality at any position. Just think the unless clause is uneccessary as one-one can guarantee a hamstring. Of course Christian Watson and the trainers can mitigate against it falling again, but I’m pretty sure that has already occurred to him and them. But you can do it right 100% of the time and it could go tomorrow and that applies to everyone. This is one of the biggest offensive line drafts in many years. We’ll get good players. If the Packers do one thing well, it’s drafting lineman and develop them. Honestly, next man up mentality. We will continue to find success in this years draft. I knew Runyan was going to leave but I definitely didn’t see Yosh leaving. Definitely someone you want for depth at that position. I’m sure we will be fine, we are deep at that position. Go Pack Go 💚💛

[@JaWon414]

My favorite podcast

[@micahbinns2740]

I know some ppl dont respect Rasheed Walker, but he is above average starting tackle and he is turning 24, some of these dudes in the draft have a worst pff grade in college than does Rasheed Walker and its as if he can't get better, but you are expecting someone who wasn't elite in college to get better, it doesnt make sense..unless a Joe Alt type of guy falls or a tackle that can play 2-3 positions

[@TheSporkov]

Even if they do extend Clark, I don't see a reason why they shouldn't draft another player like him. First, the best place for a pash rush to occur is on the interior. Second, that gives them the chance to use Brooks and maybe a couple of the other guys on the outside to spell Gary, Smith, and Van Ness. Also, even if Clark gets an extension, he is approaching 30, so it is a long term pick too.

[@thomasott9488]

There is no depth on the O line , it absolutely is a need

[@randomstuff3201]

There's a big difference between a play maker at a "need" position, and an "add" to an already good room. Packers need safety, and inside LB. Period. I don't know if there's someone in the draft (when they pick) that necessarily suits the bill. Both lines could use help - starters or rotational depth. A stud RB would be great. Another WR? Unless he's lights out, there's already talent there - it they can stay healthy.

[@AitorArGar]

I would go CB, OT, LB in the draft, of course depending on players available. I like Colson at LB. And hopefully signing Blackmon or Simmons at S in FA

[@ripack78]

Trade Stokes and 4 for Budda Baker. Trade back in 1st round. Here’s the team. Qb:Love - Clifford Rb:Jacobs-Dillon/Wilson-Guerendo(202Louis) Wr: Watson - Reed - Melton WR: Doubs - Wicks - Heath TE: Musgrave - Sims TE: Kraft - Davis LT: Walker - Wallace (219 PST) LG: Jenkins - Newman OC: Myers - Turner (220LSU) RG: Rhyan - McCormick(125 SDST RT: Tom - Tenuta or C Jones DE: Gary-Braswell(58AL)-JJ(IR) DT: Clark-Slaton-Wooden DT: Wyatt-Murphy(26UT) DE:LVN-P Smith-Brooks LB: Walker-Cunningham(FA) LB:Wallace(88Uk)-Welch LB:McDuffie-Reimer(245Neb) CB:Jaire-Valentine CB:Tampa(41IST)-Ballentine Nickel:Nixon-Jones(169FST) FS: McKinney - Johnson SS: B Baker - Bishop(91Utah)

[@ROCKETKNIGHT-ph7xp]

The Packers are good. Absolutely good 👍.

[@coreyrobertson9332]

Inside linebacker O line (2) Xtra nose tackle Xtra Running back Xtra D end Wide receiver Xtra QB Xtra Kicker

[@g.d.graham2446]

well not technically a premium position, I've heard that LB is a SERIOUS need for the Packers right now...

[@badassnurse2014]

We need a kicker badly

[@user-vp3zy8dp3d]

I totally agree about Oline being a big need, but no to Tyler Guyton in the 1st, he has the physical tools but the game needs a lot of work, Rasheed was a better player coming out but he just wasnn't the athlete Guyton is. Fautanu and Barton are the guys i hope they consider.

[@andyadams7806]

Dude melton is the TRUTH… we’re a LEGIT 5 deep at WR easy … I’d argue Watson has been the most disappointing out of them all!!

[@andyadams7806]

But we have Watson, doubbs, heath, melton, wicks! And even toure when he gets to play!

[@clarkbowen8158]

Don't forget Reed ​@@andyadams7806

[@greenbay3164]

Melton might not make the roster if they draft another WR through rounds 4-6. It's very possible.

[@viccolantonio1691]

​@andyadams7806 drafting a WR is a insurance policy in case Watson comes down with another hamstring injury

[@SokemRokemRobot]

I cannot choose which position is the greatest need between RB, LB, S, CB, OL, DL, and PK. Carlson was terrible last season. LB and RB is probably their least pressing need, but we still need another good player for both... like B. Corum and T. Knight would be good enough.

[@HONEYBADGER-sy5zj]

WR room rlly good that could soar 2 gr8. 4 deep REED DOUBS WICKS WATSON they work better spreading out the touches Whole group no diva hogging and likely primed 2 get synergistic results. Melton Health are intriguing as maybe's.

[@lucasb5206]

So we take a tackle Rd 1 and come back looking for corner and possibly all gone. Do we then look at sending a Rd2 pick to KC and bringing in Sneed??? Or we thinking thats gonna cost us too much?

[@williamhermann6635]

Sneed wants the bag. Dont see the financials working out there.

[@normstewart546]

Not "counting on" Stokes is probably wise, but I'm more hopeful that he'll return to his earlier level of performance; it seems like he's being counted out a little to quickly.

[@michaelgray8318]

We need to shore up our defense at CB and LB

[@willhannah4542]

I would take Murphy whether KC is in their future or not

[@memyselfi5907]

Here's the problem of your thinking on the draft. We are an injury away from really having a problem on defense.

[@lindsey1448]

Olb in the 2nd ❤

[@bobosterday3350]

Again, Mason Mc Cormick from South Dakota State! Guard or Center mean and nasty!

[@lindsey1448]

ILB isn’t as dry as they say it is in draft. Just no Fred Warners

[@ZacharyJMoore]

I disagree about the wide receiver thing… I think an alpha leads to ball distribution problems and creates way too much predictability. I think the current system in place is way more dangerous.

[@andyadams7806]

The trenches are ALWAYS the MOST IMPORTANT MAN as that’s where the game is literally won and lost…. NEVER overlook that…

[@lindsey1448]

Corner is at top&maybe trade Jaire Alexander too

[@dougpearson3517]

You take best player. If Murphy falls you take him

[@willhannah4542]

I would take Murphy if he fell to 25

[@TheMwendandu]

No. The Packers NEED to draft multiple offensive lineman, with the 1st one drafted no later than the 3rd round.

[@PackerSuperFan]

LB?

[@FishingForQuality13]

I think people are forgetting about Brandon Cox.Being on his IG that young man is working his ass off,so rest assure he will have a say.Also I think Kenny will be gone next season

[@andyadams7806]

100% agree about cox!! NOBODY IS TALKING ABOUT HIM AND FOR THE LIFE OF ME IDK WHY!!!???

[@FishingForQuality13]

@@andyadams7806 yea I saw some ig videos of his off season workouts.The man is working and I’m excited to see him get a chance

[@williamhermann6635]

​@@andyadams7806 Because the guy has done nothing. Went from being a top recruit out of high school to getting kicked out of 2 high profile football schools to an undrafted free agent. If he turns into a player, great. But in no world should the Packers go into this season expecting anything from him. Hes a wildcard at best.

[@clarkbowen8158]

​@williamhermanthey also kept him on the 53 man roster, because they liked him enough not to risk losing him off the practice squad. Now that Enagbare is hurt he may get some playing time. Hope he works out, he's a superior athlete

[@williamhermann6635]

@@clarkbowen8158 They kept him cuz he has some potential but in the same breath they cant go into the season relying on him.

[@CannonOfTroy47]

Im a daily listner but the Quay Walker slander needs to stop.

[@jabronski6995]

His Quay Walker take aviut not being long term starter makes me not want to listen, it's just plain wrong.

[@dluckenbau]

Yeah, I don't get that take at all. He's played 2 years and improved last season, eliminated the personal fouls, was a first round pick. I don't really understand it.

[@dluckenbau]

@@jabronski6995 yeah I wouldn't tune out because of it. But he doesn't give an explanation of his opinion on that player. The fact the DC is changing alone gives Walker a new outlook and the guy is a great athlete. C'mon man.

[@CannonOfTroy47]

@dluckenbau I dont get it, very few LBs come into the league and are stand outs from day one. He improved and let's be honest his coaching under Joe berry probably wasn't the best I wanna see what Jeff can do with him. But he has all the physical tools to be a good LB.

[@dougpearson3517]

There not taking corner at 25

[@michaelgray8318]

I think we will if Cooper DeJean is available or they trade up to get him the need to have 2 lockdown CB

[@1trooKING]

Naw we're good!

[@jaycole249]

Barton or Cooper DeJean Edgerrin Cooper( He isnt a reach) Bullard( Nickel or Slot) First 3 picks. There is some sneaky good LBs that I would take a flyer on in the later rounds.

[@micahbinns2740]

I think those are safe selections..I don't think any of those players are more than above average.

[@MrDuckskin]

A true #1 Wide Receiver??? Silly phrase. WHO CARES! Get a difference maker on Defense. WR are a dime a dozen and we already have a dozen.

[@FishingForQuality13]

Folks Peter is a fan like u and I.Nothing more nothing less.He watches a lil tape like u and I and has an opinion.From what we saw with our own eyes and now from what players are saying.We cant take anything we saw from our Defense and what someone did or did not do.Every player literally regressed,with the exception of rookies since it was their first season,but even with them.Who knows if they could of been even better.Tramon Williams,Sam Shields in the past so DONT SLEEP on Valentine or use where he was drafted as a reason he won’t be THAT GUY.For a seventh round rookie to come in and play at that level under a defense that wasn’t on the same page AT ALL,and now we have a db guru DC according to many ex great players..After this season we will have a better gauge of ho these players are.Another coaching staff and or scheme.Let’s get to work folks and be excited for this season.Trust the process.Our GM gets the benefit of the doubt after what they did last season and the season before in the draft

[@citizen_toxie_]

Shut up. You’re just a fan. Peter is very knowledgeable and has some great guests on the podcast. Peter can get it if he wants (HMU, Peter).

[@FishingForQuality13]

@@citizen_toxie_ calm down,sit back and talk like an adult if u want to even engage.Shut up?What are u six?The energy isnt Even worth wasting talking ball on someone slurping up another man then asking him to hit u up.😂 #Embarrassing

[@richarris3841]

Clarks a great player but I'd trade him before the draft while he still has value. The younger we can make this team the better. That way the core is good through 2028 or longer.

[@mademan219]

Very few people will agree with this possibly but I definitely I'm not opposed to it and kind of like the idea of doing it now rather than later.

[@DilonBorchert]

​@mademan219 I'm with both of yall trade him get tremendous value .

[@SokemRokemRobot]

A field goal kicker is the Packers most pressing need. That was a big reason why the Packers ended their Super Bowl run last season.

[@jabronski6995]

You're 'Quay Walker not being a starting LB' take is an absolute joke, one of the worst takes I've heard on Walker, you should be embarrassed

[@dougpearson3517]

Kenny Clark is a nice player but not worth 27 million

[@andyadams7806]

I agree but I also will say he needs another alpha next to him to take a little pressure off of him…. He’s never had that… and still doesn’t… I LOVE sweat from Texas and just wishing we somehow land him! He’s a double team swallower EVER SNAP he’s out there which will free Clark up to destroy!!! And it allows the LB’s to run wild!!

[@williamhermann6635]

​@@andyadams7806 People have been saying that for years. A true alpha shouldnt need another alpha to make him look like an alpha. Kenny's a good player, but hes not elite and it doesnt matter who you put next to him. Hes always just gonna be good and not great.

[@SokemRokemRobot]

@@andyadams7806 Kris Jenkins is that guy to play next to Kenny Clark.

[@joeg4580]

Who do we message about a new Locked On host? This guys takes are the worst.

[@milton2456]

He does a helluva job create your own content or become a bear fan chump

[@DantonioCortez]

Let's start where you started. Mr Byron Murphy. I want to see how well he plays when a. 6'-4" 360 lbs behemoth who took on double teams every play and allowed you 1 on 1 does without him. As for Corner it is by far the biggest need now. Green Bay has the draft capital to move up to picks 14-17 to go after Quinyon Mitchell. And I'm just tired of hearing about Edgerrin Cooper. I can't be all in on a player who has shown no ability to play in space. Modern LB has to be versatile in the run and passing game and he ain't it

[@andyadams7806]

The issue is, there isn’t another LB better…, Wilson might be on his level but his injury history is horrible… this is probably the WORST draft for S and LB that I’ve seen in years

[@andyadams7806]

We should have scooped up a FA LB early on!

[@dluckenbau]

@@andyadams7806 we could have even waited and done a 1 year deal with Wagner or D Perriman. It makes getting one in the draft critical this year, while signing one would have deferred the need to next year. Gutey must have a plan.