Green Bay Packers: Offensive line was the whiff of the draft
By Hunter Noll
The Green Bay Packers failed to bolster their offensive line depth much in the draft this year. Barring a free agent signing, that was a big mistake.
The Green Bay Packers two biggest problems heading into the NFL Draft were secondary and offensive line. I can’t imagine many people would argue this. The secondary was addressed with the first two picks (Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson).
Meanwhile, the offensive line was bolstered with only one pick (Cole Madison in the fifth). This is no knock on Madison, but only taking one player at a position severely lacking depth is head-scratching. The great thing about Madison is that he can play both inside and outside. That’s fantastic, because the Packers need guards (I’m talking a starter). However, they also desperately need depth help everywhere.
Star left tackle David Bakhtiari only played in 12 games last season. Opposite him, right tackle Bryan Bulaga appeared in just five games. Center Corey Linsley started all 16 games last year, but only appeared in 22 games combined between the prior two season. Meanwhile, Lane Taylor (15 games last year) is the only guard the team should feel comfortable with as a clear starter.
Madison could take over a starting guard role. Even if he doesn’t, he at least helps the depth somewhat. He has potential to be a solid player, who could help out any unit. Again though, he’s not the problem.
The Packers biggest asset is quarterback Aaron Rodgers. There’s another statement I don’t think many will disagree with. Last season, their quarterbacks were sacked 51 times. That was fifth most in the NFL and just five behind the Indianapolis Colts (56) for the league lead.
Clearly getting some help for the offensive line would’ve been a smart move. So far, they’ve barely addressed it this offseason.
The Green Bay Packers added a veteran leader (Tramon Williams) and two young studs to their secondary. They added a veteran (Muhammad Wilkerson) to their defensive line who isn’t far removed from being considered a monster at the position.
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Two of their three biggest weaknesses have been addressed nicely this offseason. They’ve whiffed on their offensive line though. The initial free agency period was a bust, and only adding one player in the draft seems like a whiff as well. We’ll see if they can salvage it before the season starts, but if I was grading their positional moves this offseason the offensive-line would be starting at an F.