Green Bay Packers: 2018 Season preview, predictions and more

Offensive Preview

The Packers offense has often been one of the most explosive in the league since Rodgers took over. It should be no different in 2018. In fact, this year’s offense may be the most-talented supporting cast No. 12 has ever had.

Key additions

• Jimmy Graham was easily the splashiest signing of the offseason for Green Bay. The 31-year old tight end might not be what he once was, but at 6-7 and 265 pounds, he could end up being the most dangerous red zone weapon Rodgers has had to date.
• A trio of talented, but unproven rookie wide receivers in J’Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown make for an exciting storyline going into the season. Valdes-Scantling was easily the most impressive during preseason, having his best performance against the Tennessee Titans with five catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.
• Marcedes Lewis will likely go down as the most underrated signing of the offseason. Lewis is a top five run-blocking tight end and has a reliable pair of hands to complement.
• General manager Brian Gutekunst made his first-ever trade by acquiring quarterback DeShone Kizer from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for cornerback Damarious Randall and draft picks.

Key departures

• Jordy Nelson was released just one day before the opening of free agency, in one of the most shocking moves of the offseason. Nelson’s cap space was used to help sign Graham.
• Even at 34 years old, right guard Jahri Evans had a solid season at right guard in 2017. However, the Packers elected not to re-sign him possibly in an effort to go younger. Justin McCray will fill in as his replacement in 2018.
• Quarterback Brett Hundley was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, paving the way for Kizer to take over as Rodgers’ backup. While filling in for Rodgers, Hundley was 3-6 as a starter in 2017.

Projected starters for Week 1

QB: Aaron Rodgers
RB: Jamaal Williams
WR: Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Geronimo Allison
TE: Jimmy Graham
LT: David Bakhtiari
LT: Lane Taylor
C: Corey Linsley
RG: Justin McCray
RT: Bryan Bulaga

X-factors on offense

• Geronimo Allison is the biggest benefactor from Nelson’s departure, and figures to be on the field quite a bit as the No. 3 receiver in Green Bay’s offense. Because Adams and Graham will attract the majority of the attention, Allison will need to step up in certain moments.
• David Bakhtiari is easily the second-most important player on the team, only trailing Rodgers, of course. Bakhtiari was the second-highest-graded left tackle in the NFL last year by Pro Football Focus (subscription required), and rarely gets beat in pass protection. His presence is extremely vital to the Packers’ overall success.

Areas of concern

• Offensive tackle depth: Although the Packers have debatebly the best left tackle in football, the depth at offensive tackle remains shaky at best. Bulaga is coming off a torn ACL, which creates even more concern for Green Bay’s backups. Jason Spriggs is an average-at-best run blocker, with below-average strength in the passing game. After him, the Packers are strapped for depth.
• Wide receiver depth: After Adams, Cobb and Allison is a multitude of unproven players. At this point, none of the rookie receivers or veterans thereafter can be trusted in meaningful games.

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