Jeff Hafley, the new defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers, will use a different defensive scheme than the previous regime.
Some of the team’s biggest needs are in the secondary, and the Packers have raised additional draft capital in the first four rounds. Sounds like a recipe for a heavy focus on defense in the 2024 NFL Draft.
But not so fast, argument I just made! While Green Bay’s offense finished the season strong, it could still use some work. Even after receiving numerous threats in the last two drafts, Brian Gutekunst can still perfect the offense.
The Packers can build Hafley’s new defense while still taking the best player approach available and continuously investing in their offense. Gutekunst has traditionally found a good balance between taking the best player available and picking as needed.
Fool isn’t afraid to change course when that’s expected to happen, especially, of course, drafting quarterback Jordan Love over a receiver or linebacker in 2020. Entering the 2023 draft, some of Green Bay’s biggest needs were at safety, tight end and wide receiver.
Gutekunst dove to the tight end and the receiver, but couldn’t reach him. Instead of taking Jaxon Smith-Njigba, seen as the best receiver in the draft, he took Lukas Van Ness and faced threats in the later rounds.
His only investment in safety came in the seventh round. Gutekunst was unwilling to meet the needs of what was perceived as a weak security class. Expect a similar approach in 2024. Green Bay’s biggest needs are probably in the secondary area.
The team needs long-term solutions at cornerback and safety, and their new coordinator is a defensive backman. Experts see 2024 as a deep cornerback class, especially at the top, but less so at safety. They will probably design some weapons to fit the pattern of their new defense.
Joe Barry’s defense was lackluster and Jordan Love’s offense picked up late in the season. But planning cannot and will not focus exclusively on defense. Green Bay’s offense finished the season strong but can improve in a few key areas.
The offensive line got off to a rough start (again) as the offensive coaching staff had to determine their top five (again) amid a number of injuries.
But even though the line has improved in pass protection and run blocking, how many surefire starters are there? Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins are the real locks.
Green Bay’s leadership rests more with Josh Myers than its fan base, but there’s no guarantee he’ll get a second contract. Jon Runyan is a free agent, and while Sean Rhyan is likely the starter at right guard, I would expect Gutekunst to invest in some mid-round offensive linemen.
And, of course, David Bakhtiari’s status will be one of the team’s biggest storylines this season, even as Rasheed Walker has proven he can fill the left tackle spot when needed.
The Packers could also look for another long-term option to protect Love’s blindside, and experts see the 2024 class as a deep offensive line class.
The Packers also need to invest in their backroom. A.J. Dillon’s contract is expiring and, although he performed well in the second half of the season, we don’t know if he will return.
Gutekunst has expressed his strong desire to keep Aaron Jones, and it’s easy to see why. Even though he’s getting older and dealing with frustrating injuries, he’s the best weapon on offense and played a big role in their late-season success.
But how much longer can they count on Jones? He’s the kind of player who deserves a lifetime contract, but Father Time is undefeated. It’s worth looking for good rookie game-changing solutions in this draft. Green Bay got a lot of mileage out of its rookie tight ends, which is rare at the position.
Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft have become valuable parts of the offense as receivers and blockers, and the two rookies have different skill sets. But none of them fit the role Josiah Deguara was supposed to fill as a H defender/fullback.
We’ve seen that the Packers have had some success with Henry Pearson at fullback, so it’s certainly a role that can add value to the offense. With Deguara likely to leave in free agency, Gutekunst could fill that role.
Finally, the Packers have used six wide receivers in the last two drafts, and most of them look like stars. But bringing in a receiver isn’t out of the question this year.
Ultimately, the Packers will have to choose which receivers to pay, so having multiple options for this year’s pick on a rookie deal will keep the cupboard stocked.If Gutekunst can identify a wide receiver with skills the Packers don’t currently have, it’s worth pushing the button early.
Having too many weapons is a big problem, and if the Packers think they can find someone who can bring more to the offense than Bo Melton and Malik Heath, then they should do so, regardless of when that happens.
The defense will look a lot different under Hafley, and the Packers will dedicate resources to securing long-term pieces for their new coordinator. However, the project is not only about immediate needs.
We can’t guarantee the offense will take a leap forward next season, but the Packers have many areas that can be improved in the short or long term. Gutekunst should therefore again take a balanced approach.
