Roster Holes Packers Must Fill Before Training Camp

The Green Bay Packers have the kind of roster that can compete in the NFC.

Yet there are still some position groups that could use some reinforcements if the Packers are going to make the most of their chance to contend in 2022.

Aaron Rodgers' re-signing has kept the Packers' Super Bowl window open. The front office has done what they can to back up their MVP quarterback with a potentially elite defense and a strong pair of running backs in Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.

Elsewhere, there are areas that could still use some new blood to provide the best possible solutions and give the Packers a better shot at advancing as deep as possible in the playoffs.

Wide Receiver

AP Photo/Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers' Christian Watson runs a drill at the NFL football team's practice field training camp Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Kevin Patra of NFL.com recently put together a list of the 10 biggest roster holes around the league.

To the surprise of absolutely no one, the Packers' need for pass-catchers made the cut at No. 7.

After trading away Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders and losing Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the Packers took a patient approach to restocking the receiver room. They did not take a big swing on one in free agency. Instead, they opted to sign Sammy Watkins as the only free agent from outside the organization.

Watkins could not carve out a significant role in Kansas City or Baltimore over his last two seasons. He's a complete wildcard for the Packers. He could wind up with a career resurgence given the lack of depth or cut before training camp is over.

Allen Lazard is the top returning receiver. He had 513 yards last season, which was his first time topping 500 yards in a season.

There are a lot of young options with the chance to step into a significant role. Rookies Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and even Samori Toure will have opportunities.

Still, with Odell Beckham Jr., Julio Jones and Will Fuller still available on the market, the Packers should at least bring in one more veteran.

Tight End

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Green Bay Packers tight end Josiah Deguara (81) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

The use of "pass-catchers" instead of receivers was fitting from Patra.

While a team like the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs can afford to be sparse in the receiver room because of Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce, the Packers don't have the same luxuries.

The Packers are certainly hoping that Robert Tonyan can make a leap. They handed the 28-year-old a small raise in the form of a one-year, $3.8 million contract despite him missing the back half of the season with a torn ACL.

Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reported that it's still uncertain if the tight end will be available by Week 1.

That leaves a pretty big question mark at the position. Tonyan wasn't all that productive in his eight games last season, but he at least had 52 catches for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2020.

Josiah Deguara could be the team's top tight end for the early part of the season, and he has just 26 catches for 257 yards in his first two seasons.

There are a few veteran tight ends who could at least provide a higher floor for the position. Kyle Rudolph, Jared Cook and Eric Ebron are still waiting to sign contracts for the 2022 season.

Cornerback Depth

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 07: Green Bay Packers cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (22) before an NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs on Nov 7, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The trio of Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes and Rasul Douglas could be the best cornerback trio in the league if Alexander is healthy, Douglas repeats his 2021 campaign and Stokes takes another step in Year 2.

If that sounds like a lot to ask, that's because it is.

The three are definitely talented, but expecting all of them to make it through the season is unrealistic. Alexander is coming off a season in which he only played four games, while Douglas had a career year after being a castoff in Philadelphia and Carolina.

Stokes played incredibly well as a rookie, but cornerback play can be fickle.

The bottom line is that it's always great to have depth in the secondary, and the Packers don't have much.

Outside of those three, Keisean Nixon saw the most action last season. He registered 80 defensive snaps with the Raiders.

The Packers have obviously shown the ability to develop talent at the position. But it wouldn't hurt to bring in an experienced veteran who could have a Douglas-like turnaround in Lambeau.

Jackrabbit Jenkins, Xavier Rhodes and Joe Haden are some of the top names still available.