Grading the Chicago Bears opponents in the NFC North
Green Bay Packers – C+
Key Additions –
Joe Fortunato, LS
Key Losses –
Corey Linsley, C; Rick Wagner, OL; Lane Taylor, OL; Christian Kirksey, LB; Jamaal Williams, RB
Key Draft Picks –
Eric Stokes, CB; Josh Meyers, OL; Amari Rodgers, WR; Royce Newman, OL
We all know that the Packers have had a lot going on this offseason, mostly pertaining to their MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. After failing to address the biggest team needs in last year’s draft, they did a bit better this year.
Cornerback was a big need, and Eric Stokes is a quality pick late in the first round. Also, Josh Meyers can be a developmental player to take Corey Linsley’s role at center if Elgton Jenkins stays at guard. Amari Rodgers was very good value in the third, and Royce Newman adds to the offensive line that lost a few key players this year.
Still, the Packers needed someone better than Amari Rodgers to boost the offense. They could have moved up in the second-round for Terrance Marshall Jr. or maybe they could have moved back for Elijah Moore, who is a bit better than Amari Rodgers. Also, they did reach a bit on Josh Meyers.
The Packers had an okay draft to go along with very little in terms of free agents brought in. They decided only to bring in a long-snapper. I understand their funds are tight, but they could have found a way to bring in some more talent to address the holes on the team.
They lost a lot of players with large roles from last year, like Linsley, Williams, Rick Wagner and Lane Taylor. Bringing Aaron Jones back was important to keep the offense together, but they will be missing a good number of impact players from last season. If Aaron Rodgers does return, they will still win the division most likely, but who knows how that situation will end up. The Packers’ offseason could have been a lot better than it ended up being.
The NFC North could end up shaping out to be a competitive division, especially if Aaron Rodgers is not wearing green and yellow when this season starts. The Bears are on the right track after this offseason, the Vikings are slowly improving, the Lions are starting their rebuild, and the Packers are a toss-up for this year. It will definitely be an interesting battle within the NFC North.