Green Bay Packers Biggest Roster Hole Revealed

The Green Bay Packers have done a very good job this offseason upgrading some areas of weakness on the roster. With a scheme change coming defensively, that is where a lot of their attention and focus has been put.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is going to have a revamped safety depth chart to work with, highlighted by free agent Xavier McKinney. The team also used three draft picks on players at the position, as what was once a weakness can quickly turn into a strength.

The linebacker position also saw some changes made. Going from a 3-4 base to a 4-3 base has led to assignment changes for players. Needing more traditional linebackers in the mix, the Green Bay Packers used second and third-round picks on Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper.

But, one position that didn’t see many changes made was cornerback. That is partly why Aaron Schatz of ESPN has selected that position as the biggest remaining hole for the team to address this offseason.

“The main issue is the outside cornerback spot across from veteran Jaire Alexander. Right now, the plan is to start Eric Stokes. However, the 2021 first-round pick has played only 12 games in the past two seasons due to different injuries, including ankle and hamstring problems, and the Packers decided not to pick up his fifth-year option. The next man up would be Carrington Valentine, a 2023 seventh-round pick who ranked 64th in coverage DVOA out of 93 qualifying cornerbacks when forced into the starting lineup because of injuries last season.

Another possibility here is Corey Ballentine; he allowed a low minus-16% DVOA in coverage while the passes targeting him were a very deep 15.0 air yards on average. One of these three cornerbacks will need to claim the starting job and play consistently for Green Bay to return to the playoffs in 2024,” wrote Schatz.

The only addition that Green Bay made at the position was seventh-round pick Kalen King. King has some fans within the organization and will be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Going into the 2023 season, he was considered a first-round pick by many evaluators, but his production fell off.

There is some talent and potential to work with when it comes to King. The Green Bay Packers have shown they aren’t afraid to lean on a late-draft pick, as Carrington Valentine was a seventh-rounder last year who wowed throughout the offseason and earned a starting spot.

But, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to bring in some veteran experience at the position. At the very least, some insurance in case more injuries pop up or the younger players aren’t ready for expanded roles.