As the NFL trade deadline nears, the Green Bay Packers find themselves in a very good place. The roster has some flaws, yes – depth and durability issues at cornerback, for example. For the most part, though, they don’t have any glaring weaknesses. That’s why, in ESPN’s deadline write up for Green Bay, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler writes, “Standing pat wouldn’t surprise me.” For the sake of being thorough, he does include one area it could behoove them to address: specifically, defensive tackle, where injuries to anchor Devonte Wyatt caused him to miss two games and forced the Packers to rely on rookies in his place.
Green Bay could seek insurance up front
When healthy, Wyatt has been one of the better defensive linemen in the game, grading out 25th among 128 players at his position by PFF. Boosting the pass rush in the middle of the d-line, in five games he has accumulated 16 pressures (26th) and come up with two sacks. His 10.5 sacks over the two prior seasons are in impressive tally for an interior lineman.
Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29), safety Javon Bullard (20), defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (95) and linebacker Eric Wilson (45) celebrate an interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
In his absence, the Packers turned to rookie Warren Brinson, who was actually quite solid in limited reps (54 snaps). The Packers might feel comfortable hoping that Wyatt stays healthy or replacing him with Brinson if he can’t. Or, they might want some insurance and look for cheap depth at the deadline.
Arguably, Nate Hobbs poses a greater availability concern at cornerback. Although Hobbs was active in Pittsburgh, Carrington Valentine took the majority of snaps as CB2, limiting Hobbs to just four. As long as Valentine and Nixon are playing at a high level, the Packers have no need to go after a starter.
Acquiring a CB to solidify the depth chart could still be a good idea, though, in case Valentine or Nixon gets banged up and given Hobbs’ durability issues. Relying on Bo Melton as the next man up, in his first season as a defensive back, could lead to uncomfortable scenarios on the field.
If the Packers do make a move, look for them to add at either of above positions.
Sep 22, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (95) celebrates his sack of Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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