It is time to get ready for the 2018 NFL Draft. So we will look at roster holes and related draft picks needs, and the Packer free agent picture. It looks like the Packers are in sort of a rebuilding year. The free agents lost are; S Morgan Burnette was signed by Pittsburg, LB Joe Thomas was signed by Dallas, WR Jeff Janis was signed by Cleveland, and TE Richard Rodger was signed by Philadelphia. WR Jordy Nelson was cut and then signed by Oakland. CB Demarious Randall was traded to Cleveland. Green Bay now has 6 unrestricted free agents (UFA) and 9 exclusive rights free agents (ERFA). I will show the ERFAs as part of the roster since I haven’t heard they signed, but they will be if the Packers want them. The list of UFAs now looks like this: OG Jahri Evans, OT Ulrick John, LS Brett Goode, CB Devon House, OLB Ahmad Brooks, and DE Quinton Dial.

On Offense, At quarterback the Packers now have four on the roster. Those include QB Aaron Rodgers, QB Brett Hundley, QB DeShone Kizer, and QB Joe Callahan (ERFA). The Packers could draft someone to compete with Hundley. I think Green Bay is interested in improving depth at the position after last year. They have shown QB Kyle Lauletta some love. At running back the Packers are set after drafting the position well last year. They have RB Ty Montgomery, RB Aaron Jones, RB Jamaal Williams, RB Devante Mays, and RB Joel Bouagnon. If they stay healthy there will be no problems. No draft picks here. At tight end the Packers have, TE Jimmy Graham, TE Lance Kendricks, TE Emanuel Byrd, and TE Robert Tonyan. After Graham, none of them will scare anyone. The Packers will definitely be looking for quality depth in the draft. Players like TE Mike Geslcki or TE Troy Fumagalli might be options. At wide receiver the Packers have; WR Davante Adams, WR Randall Cobb, WR Geronimo Allison (ERFA), WR Trevor Davis, WR Michael Clark (ERFA), WR DeAngeloYancey, WR Colby Person, and WR Jake Kumerow. After Adams and Cobb there is very little to count on. Two receivers could be selected – one high, another lower in the draft. Players like WR Calvin Ridley, WR DJ Chark, or WR Tre'Quan Smith could provide the needed help.. On the offensive line the Packers have; OC Corey Linsley, OC Dillion Day, OG Lane Taylor, OG Justin McCray (ERFA), OG Lucas Patrick (ERFA), OG Kofi Amichia, OT David Bakhtari, OT Bryan Bulaga, OT Jason Spriggs, OT Adam Pankey (ERFA), and OT Kyle Murphy. Bulaga if they are alright with Bulaga for health and cap reasons, there may not be a draft pick. But if they think they need someone now expect a mid round pick. Players like T Jamarco Jones or T Greg Senat would be helpful.

On Defense, we are about to get an idea where things are going. On the defensive line the Packers have the following; DL Dean Lowry, DL Kenny Clark, DL Mike Daniels, DL Muhammad Wilkerson, and DL Montravius Adams. There may or may not be a draft pick here. At line-backer there is; LB Nick Perry, LB Clay Matthews, LB Vince Biegel, LB Chris Odom, LB Blake Martinez, LB Jake Ryan, LB Reggie Gilbert, LB David Talley, LB Ahmad Thomas, and LB Kyler Fackell. Since there hasn’t been much help in free agency expect two picks at linebacker. Guys like LB Rashaan Evans and LB Lorenzo Carter should help. At corner back the Packers have; CB Kevin King, CB Tramon Williams, CB Lenzy Pipkins, CB Josh Hawkins, CB Quinton Rollins, CB Demetri Goodson, CB Donatello Brown (ERFA), and CB Herb Waters. Williams could start opposite King, but durability could be an issue for either guy. It makes sense that a pick will be made in round one at this position. Guys like CB Josh Jackson,, CB Donte Jackson, CB Dane Cruikshank could provide some immediate help. At safety the Packers have; S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S Josh Jones, S Marwin Evans, S Kentrell Brice, and S Jermaine Whitehead (ERFA). Jones could move into Burnett’s place, but they will still need help which will have to come from the draft. This could be another focus of pick number #14. Either S Minkah Fitzpatrick or S Darwin James would be able to step in. On special teams the Packers have; K Mason Crosby, P Justin Vogel, and LS Zach Triner. If I were doing my fantasy draft now I would only consider QB Aaron Rodgers and TE Jimmy Graham. Next month we will have our draft picks and we can review them. There is room for 25 more roster players – and that is counting the ERFAs. For once I don’t know if it would be advisable to get snacks to munch on while the draft is in progress. It is being held in Dallas and it will be Cowboy everything – enough to make a Packer fan throw up. See you next month.

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