Ranking every NFL team’s offensive supporting cast post-draft
21. Green Bay Packers
RB: Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, AJ Dillon (23/25)
Although we will continue to make fun of the Packers for drafting a running back in the second round, they did improve their offensive weaponry. Aaron Jones broke out last season, accumulating 1,500 total yards and 19 touchdowns; he was the main impetus behind this offense.
Jamaal Williams is serviceable in relief and AJ Dillon was a bruiser in college. Dillon could eventually supplant Jones should Green Bay elect to let the incumbent walk following this season. Nonetheless, there are two capable NFL starters in this backfield.
WR: Davante Adams, Devin Funchess, Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling (19/25)
Davante Adams is really lifting this group up from where they should be. Adams has been an all-star since he became the No. 1 receiving option in Green Bay, putting up nearly 1,000 yards last season despite missing four games.
Funchess hasn’t played a down since Week 1 of last season, and even before then he was nothing more than a complimentary red zone threat. Lazard and Valdes-Scantling are young players with potential, but they should not be relied upon as Rodgers’ main weapons. Unfortunately for Rodgers, Adams is really the only one he can trust.
TE: Jace Sternberger, Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara (16/25)
This group is either too old or unknown. Sternberger was drafted in the third round last year to supplant the departed Jimmy Graham, but he missed nearly the entire season with an injury; however, he did catch two touchdowns in the postseason and saw an expanded role upon his return. Lewis is sadly the only first-round pick to ever catch a touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers, and he is no longer a threat in the passing game.
Offensive Line: David Bakhtiari, Lane Taylor, Corey Linsley, Billy Turner, Ricky Wagner (21/25)
The Packers offensive line used to have a higher ranking than this, but the substitution of Ricky Wagner for Bryan Bulaga hurts this unit. Nonetheless, a constant on this Packers squad has been the offensive line’s ability to keep Rodgers upright and buy him time when his receivers can’t get open. I expect the same again in 2020.
Total Score: 79/100
Summary: I get why Aaron Rodgers is upset, but at least he has an above-average offensive line and a deep core of running backs. Still, Davante Adams being his only viable receiving threat on the team is not ideal. I expect the Packers to become a more run-heavy team this season to compensate for their weakness at the other skill positions, and I guarantee Rodgers won’t be happy about it.