Green Bay Packers: Possible 2018 NFL Draft targets after free agency

Grabbing a pass rusher early is the key

There are two names that come to mind when you think about the Packers pass rushers: Clay Matthews and Nick Perry. On the surface it may seem like the need for a pass rusher shouldn’t be on the top of the list, but it should be. While the safety position is a huge need, it’s imperative the Packers improve their pass rush.

Matthews has been used as a utility linebacker for the Packers and has compiled 80 sacks in his career. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been that guy lately. Over the last two seasons, he totaled 12.5 sacks and missed nine games in over that span. His running buddy, Perry, seems to have found his footing after five seasons of forgettable play. After an 11-sack season in 2016, his total dropped to seven in 2017.

As a team, the Packers finished just below the middle of the pack with just 37 sacks. In the NFC North where teams like the Vikings and Lions have 4,000-yard passers, it’s time to upgrade the position.

LSU Edge Rusher Arden Key could be one the guys that falls the Packers at 14. There are some “character concerns”, his unimpressive 2017 film and questionable play strength to worry about, sure. No matter what the negatives are, he could be the key to the Packers and new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s defense.

Pettine served as the LBs coach for the Ravens from 2005-08 coaching up Terrell Suggs. With the Bills in 2013, he made Jerry Hughes live up to his draft projection finically gaining at least 10 sacks. Key is thinner than the guys he coached, standing at 6-6, 236 pounds. But his explosiveness in addition to his length and how he displays the bend-ability to get the quarterback is second to no one. He could be brought in as a pass rush specialist to give Matthews and Perry a break while simultaneously allowing him to develop slowly.