The Green Bay Packers are having a pretty quiet offseason so far, which comes as no surprise. Their biggest move has been re-signing running back Aaron Jones to a four-year contract. Traditionally, the Packers have built their teams from their own draft picks and rarely participate in the heavy hitting parts of free agency.
As long as Aaron Rodgers is under center (though right now it's unclear how long that will be the case), Green Bay's Super Bowl window is open. Below are three possible selections to help the team get over the NFC Championship hump.
1. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Packers have a star corner in Jaire Alexander, who was an all-pro selection for the first time last season. Opposing quarterbacks avoid throwing to his side of the field, but when they do he makes plays consistently. He had 13 passes defended last season and one pick.
The problem is the person playing opposite Alexander – Kevin King, who was re-signed to a one-year deal. King had serious injuries last season and only played in 11 regular-season games. One could argue that he was the MVP in the NFC Championship game…for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He repeatedly got beat in coverage and gave up a crucial, long touchdown to receiver Scotty Miller with seconds remaining in the first half.
Farley could be the solution to the Packers' corner woes. At 6'2, 207 pounds, he has the ideal size for the position and is a great athlete. Farley has the instincts to make plays and combined with his length, it makes him one of the top prospects at the position. Earlier in the draft process, it looked like he had the same grade as Alabama's Patrick Surtain II in the eyes of many. Farley's physicality makes life difficult for his assigned matchups.
His technique could use some more polish but the biggest question mark is his health. He recently had back surgery, which has a four-month timetable for a full recovery. On top of this, he tore his ACL in 2017 and has battled with back spasms before. If he were healthy, he would not be available anywhere near the 29th pick.
2. Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
Another option for Green Bay to solidify their secondary is by picking up Greg Newsome II. Depending on what direction the teams ahead of Green Bay go, the front office might have to trade up to bag the corner.
Newsome is one of the most fluid defensive backs in this class. He can effortlessly change direction and defend a pass. He has good length and is a pesky defender. Newsome has a high football IQ and it shows in his anticipation and recognition of routes. He has the versatility to effectively play man and zone coverage.
Newsome has sustained some injuries in the past and he will have to adjust his game a bit as his tenacious play can be called for penalties but all in all, he has a ton of upside at the next level.
3. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Fans have been calling for more weapons in the passing game to alleviate some pressure from all-pro Davante Adams and make life easier for Aaron Rodgers. This class is stacked at the receiver position, which gives the front officer several options. One of the realistic ones is Bateman.
He is a high-motor, tough player, who makes the most of his 6'2, 210-pound frame. Bateman plays with a ton of physicality and projects to be a reliable possession receiver at the next level. Like most players with the possession receiver label, he is not much of a burner, but he more than compensates for this with his savvy route-running and ability to make tough catches.
He has had some drop issues, but these are fixable flaws, especially with Rodgers' ball placement.
The Packers have needs to fill like the corner spot opposite of Jaire Alexander but they could also brush up in areas like the depth spot at wide receiver behind Davante Adams. These three options could help jump start a successful draft for Green Bay.
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