Defensive End
- Mike Neal
- Mike Daniels
- Jerel Worthy
- CJ Wilson
Free agency doesn’t offer much, and certainly not in the 3-4 end category. The team brought in Chris Canty (who’d likely be an end in the Packers’ system) for a visit, but he’s pretty average and they haven’t offered a deal yet. Mike Devito, Richard Seymour, and Ricky Jean Francois would be fits, and Israel Idonije and Jonathan Fanene could probably handle a transition to the 3-4. I’ve always liked Trevor Scott and Matt Shaughnessy but they’re both too undersized for the scheme. All four of the current ends are Ted Thompson draft picks, and it seems likely he’d address the position that way, though a reunion with Cullen Jenkins would have been nice, however he signed with the Giants today. Oh well.
Need: High
Defensive Tackle
- Ryan Pickett
- BJ Raji
- Jordan Miller
There are some free agents with 3-4 mileage but the team isn’t going to replace Raji or Pickett, unless the team decides it’s time to cut Pickett. Isaac Sopoaga is a pretty good player and can play tackle or end, he’d be a hell of a fit but will have a high price tag. A rookie to groom behind Raji and Pickett seems like a probable thing that will happen.
Need: Low
Inside Linebacker
- Desmond Bishop
- DJ Smith
- AJ Hawk
- Brad Jones (FA)
- Rob Francois
- Terrell Manning
- Micah Johnson
What A.J. Hawk thinks of your run game. |
Free agency won’t be a thing. Not much out there to begin with. Probably a couple draftees/UFAs for competition and depth but unless Bishop and Smith are slow to recover I don’t see a major move happening.
Need: Medium
Outside Linebacker
- Clay Matthews
- Nick Perry
- Frank Zombo (RFA)
- Erik Walden (FA)
- Dezman Moses
- Jamari Lattimore
Eat your hearts out, literally. |
Even with Perry around the team can’t put itself in the same position it was in last year, especially considering Matthews isn’t exactly an ironman either. This seems like a position where free agency may be necessary. Paul Kruger is a hot (and probably expensive) free agent name but Shaun Phillips and Connor Barwin are solid players that can take some pressure off of Matthews. As is the theme, the draft is an option but with Perry around they already have a young prospect with starting potential. Either way depth is an absolute necessity.
Need: High
Cornerback
- Tramon Williams
- Sam Shields (RFA)
- Casey Hayward
- Davon House
- Jarrett Bush
- James Nixon
The team has their five corners. Moving on....
Need: Low
Safety
- Morgan Burnett
- MD Jennings
- Jerron McMillian
- Sean Richardson
- Chaz Powell
While adding a free agent seems extremely unlikely, it’s a terrific class. It wouldn’t be outlandish for the team to bring in a veteran for depth or look to add a playmaker in the wake of Charles Woodson’s departure, but there’s better ways to spend cap space. Spending a draft pick here seems iffy unless it’s a best-player-available scenario.
Need: Low-ish
Kicker
- Mason Crosby
Of the free agents, Steven Hauschka is the only guy I even remotely like, and his skill set isn’t all that dissimilar from Crosby. They won’t sign a FA anyways, it’s far more likely they bring in a camp body just to provide competition. They’re financially committed to Mason, so I doubt a change happens.
Need: Medium
Punter
- Tim Masthay
Need: Nope
Long Snapper
- Brett Goode
Need: Does anyone ever need a new long snapper?
Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.
- Jerry Eldred (@jheldred)
- Jerry Eldred (@jheldred)
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