Photo: Jacob Swanson/FOX 11- WLUK
Author: Scott Reichel
With the Packers officially officially missing the playoffs for just the second time in Aaron Rodgers' reign as starting quarterback, it's time for fans and the team's front office to turn its attention to the future. In particular, the team has several key issues that need to be addressed if this team plans on making it back to the Super Bowl. Those issues were heightened by the absence of Aaron Rodgers and one has to wonder how truly flawed this team is. Two specific issues the need rectifying are the team's offensive line as well as the team's secondary.
Statistically, the Packers had one of the worst offensive lines in the entire league this past season. The Packers allowed the third most sacks in the league which might have led to Aaron Rodgers' collarbone injury.
Some of the issues could be attributed to injuries that plagued tackles Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari. Although Bakhtiari returned, Bulaga enters the offseason with a torn ACL and one has to wonder if he will be the same player if and when he returns. With the 14th overall pick in this offseason's draft, expect the Packers to address these offensive line concerns as they attempted to do in the second round with Jason Spriggs last season.
Last offseason, the Packers also attempted to upgrade their secondary in the draft by selecting cornerback Kevin King in the second round of the draft and taking Josh Jones out of North Carolina State later in the day. However, King was inconsistent and battling injury in his first season and will need to improve next year if this defense wants to take a major step forward. The Packers allowed the ninth most passing yards per game this past season and will have to address their pass defense in the offseason in addition to the offensive line issues.
In particular, the Packers might want to think about acquiring Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro once he becomes a free agent this offseason. In 2017, Vaccaro has three interceptions this season and could be a crucial addition to this Green Bay secondary. He's likely to carry a high price tag, but the Packers were more willing to spend in the free agency market last season, a trend that will need to continue with a new general manager in the fold.
