New Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is using a different defensive scheme than the previous regime. Some of the team’s biggest needs are in the secondary, and the Packers secured additional draft capital in the first four rounds. This seems like a way to put a lot of emphasis on defense in the 2024 NFL Draft.But not so fast. I just proved it! Green Bay’s offense finished the season hot, but could still use some work. Even after receiving multiple threats in the last two drafts, Brian Gutekunst can still orchestrate an offense. The Packers will be able to build a new defense around Hafley, taking the best approach for the player and continuing to invest in the offense. Gutekunst has traditionally struck a good balance between signing the best players and drafting as needed.
Fools aren’t afraid to pivot when they expect it to happen. Especially if they draft quarterback Jordan Love instead of a receiver or linebacker in 2020. Some of Green Bay’s biggest needs ahead of the 2023 draft were safety, tight end and wide receiver. Gutekunst threw for the tight end and the receiver but couldn’t get to him. Lucas Van Ness was taken over Jackson Smith-Nziba, who was considered the No. 1 receiver in the draft, and became a threat in the later rounds. His only safety investment was in the seventh round. Gutekunst did not want to meet the requirements of what was perceived as a weak security class.A similar approach is expected in 2024. Green Bay’s most pressing needs are secondary. The team needs long-term solutions at cornerback and safety, and the new coordinator is at defensive back. Analysts see 2024 as a deep cornerback class, mostly at tight end but not at safety. They will probably create weapons that fit the new defense model. Joe Barry’s defense was terrible and Jordan Love’s offense bounced back late in the season.
But the design is not and never will be solely focused on protection. Green Bay’s offense finished the season strong, but could improve in a few key areas.The offensive line got off to a rough start (again) as the offensive coaching staff had to figure out their top five amid a series of injuries (again). But while line pass protection and run blocking have improved, how many reliable starters are there?Zach Thome and Elgton Jenkins are the only true locks. Green Bay’s reputation is greater for Josh Myers than for the fans, but there’s no guarantee he’ll sign a second contract. John Runyan is a free agent and Sean Ryan is available at right tackle, but expect Gutekunst to invest in a mid-round offensive lineman. Of course, David Bakhtiari’s status will be one of the team’s biggest stories this season, but Rashid Walker has shown he can handle left tackle when needed. The Packers could be looking for another long-term option to protect Love’s blind spots, and pundits are looking at a deep 2024 offensive line class. The Packers also need to invest in a running back. A.J. Dillon’s contract is up, and while he performed well in the second half of the season, it’s unclear if he’ll return.
Gutekunst has expressed his desire to keep Aaron Jones, and it’s easy to see why. Despite his age and frustrating injuries, he is their best weapon in attack and played a big part in their success in the second half of the season. But how long can we trust Jones? He’s the kind of player who deserves a lifetime contract, but Father Time is undefeated. In this project it is worth looking for good and innovative arguments for a new understanding.Green Bay got a lot out of its rookie players, which is rare at the position. Luke Musgrave and Tucker Craft have played valuable roles in the offense as receivers and blockers, and the two rookies bring different skill sets. But Josiah Deguara also didn’t fit into the H-back/fullback role he was supposed to play. We’ve seen the Packers have some success with Henry Pearson at quarterback, so this is definitely a role that will take the offense to the next level. Since Deguara was able to go it alone, Gutekunst was able to fill that role. After all, the Packers have taken six wide receivers in the last two drafts, and several of them look like stars. But it’s not impossible to bring in a receiver this year. Ultimately, the Packers will have to choose which receivers to pay for, so having more options on rookie contracts this year could help them stock their cupboards.
If Gutekunst can identify wide receivers with skills the Packers don’t have, he should push the button early. Having too many weapons is a good problem to have, and any time the Packers think they can find someone who can bring more offense than Bo Melton and Malik Heath, they should.Hafley’s defense will look very different, and the Packers will spend resources to secure long-term pieces for their new coordinator. But design is not just about immediate needs. While there’s no guarantee the offensive line will take a leap forward next season, the Packers have plenty of areas for improvement in the short or long term. So Gutekunst will likely once again opt for a more balanced approach.
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