Packers’ needs in the draft
Cornerback: The Packers re-signed Kevin King to a one-year deal, but they still need a second starting outside corner opposite Jaire Alexander for the long term. If King plays well enough to warrant a bigger contract next offseason, it’ll likely come from another team. And if King gets hurt again this season, the Packers could have an early draft pick to fill in. Alexander proved this season to be one of the game’s best at his position en route to second-team All-Pro honors. But as the Buccaneers showed in the NFC Championship Game, Green Bay having one shutdown corner is only so effective against a good offense. Chandon Sullivan, Josh Jackson and Ka’dar Hollman don’t seem ready to handle the responsibilities of a starting outside cornerback in the NFL.
Packers’ needs in the draft
Cornerback: The Packers re-signed Kevin King to a one-year deal, but they still need a second starting outside corner opposite Jaire Alexander for the long term. If King plays well enough to warrant a bigger contract next offseason, it’ll likely come from another team. And if King gets hurt again this season, the Packers could have an early draft pick to fill in. Alexander proved this season to be one of the game’s best at his position en route to second-team All-Pro honors. But as the Buccaneers showed in the NFC Championship Game, Green Bay having one shutdown corner is only so effective against a good offense. Chandon Sullivan, Josh Jackson and Ka’dar Hollman don’t seem ready to handle the responsibilities of a starting outside cornerback in the NFL.
The Houston Texans find themselves in an awkward position heading into the 2021 NFL draft. They only won four games this past season and could use a serious influx of talent.
Linebackers Za Darius Smith, Rashan Gary and Preston Smith
Packers.com is taking a look at the Packers roster, position by position, leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft. The series continues with the linebackers.
GREEN BAY – The Packers have youth and depth on their side at both linebacker positions after losing just a single player, veteran Christian Kirksey, this offseason.
Za Darius Smith and Preston Smith, and ascending edge rusher Rashan Gary, are all back after combining for 261 tackles, 48 sacks, six forced fumbles and 108 quarterback hits the past two seasons.
Infamously snubbed in 2019, Za Darius Smith left no doubts last season when he made All-Pro for the first time, garnering second-team recognition after posting 12½ sacks with four forced fumbles.