Aaron Rodgers is back with the Green Bay Packers….for now. This means the Green Bay Packers are back to being in the favorite in the division. It isn’t brain surgery. He’s the best QB in the division. The Packers also brought in an interesting draft class. Dominating this division should not be that hard. Let’s break it down.
Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This
Rodgers running the offense will always lead to success. Aaron Jones resigning was huge and AJ Dillon will get more involved. Watch out for Kylin Hill, the seventh round pick from Mississippi State. This is an underrated pick up. He is a complete change of pace back compared to Jones and Dillon who are all power. Hill is a fast pass catching back, and brings a different dimension to the offense hasn’t had lately. Could this be it for Davante Adams too? Sounds like he is waiting to see what Rodgers does. Can’t say I blame him.
Even though Randall Cobb is back, he likely won’t be starter, at least not right away. Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdez-Scantling have shown how good they can be. Third round pick Amari Rodgers from Clemson will get on the field sooner or later. He is a very good talent. It would be nice to see tight end Robert Tonyan get more involved. He can handle it. It is a little concerning that Jace Sternberger hasn’t been in a lot, but maybe this will be his year after some positive reports came out of camp.
Up Front
Finally, the offensive line. Parts of the line are aging. Tackles David Bakhtiari and Billy Turner are both 29. Right guard Lucas Patrick is 27, which isn’t that bad. Luckily, three offensive linemen were drafted. Second round pick Josh Meyers from Ohio State is already the starting center. Royce Newman was taken in round four from Ole Miss, and brings the ability to play tackle left guard, right tackle, and maybe center. Then, there’s the local kid. Sixth round pick and Green Bay native Cole Van Lanen from Wisconsin. He will eventually become the new left tackle, or transition to another position on the line. He is listed as a guard right now.
Can The Defense Be Great?
A good amount of draft picks were spent on the defense. It was a solid unit, but it could always be better. First, the secondary. Jaire Alexander is a shutdown corner. Kevin King is overall pretty good. Eric Stokes was drafted from Georgia in round one. It’s possible he is going to play nickel, or push King for the starting role. He also runs a 4.29. Shemar Jean-Charles, another corner from Application State was drafted in round six.
Second, the linebackers. Preston and Za’Darius Smith (no relation) are getting older. The Packers didn’t draft an outside backer, but they did draft an inside backer in Isaiah McDuffie from Boston College in round six. Krys Davis and De’Vondre Campbell are currently ahead of him. One name to watch is Rashan Gary. As a former first round pick, it may be make or break time pretty soon. Currently, he is behind Za’Darius Smith as a backup strong side linebacker.
Finally, the defensive line. Dean Lowry and Kenny Clark are returning to the 3-4 front. KIngsley Keke is the newest face as the right end. Tedarrell Slaton was drafted in round five from Florida. We’ll see in time where he fits in. It may be the last year with Aaron Rodgers, so you better make the most of it Green Bay.
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