Green Bay Packers: Why a New Dynasty May Be Brewing for the Green and Gold
Congratulations to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. You've won the Super Bowl, and now all that's left to do it see what's in store for next season.
There are a lot reasons to look forward towards next season, and maybe even for many years to come. Aaron Rodgers is just one player of many in Green Bay that are extremely talented and also, very young.
Clay Matthews III, is only 24 years old, and is an absolute beast. Coming second in votes for defensive rookie of the year in 2009, and only two votes shy of defensive player of the year in 2010.
Jermichael Finley, who many are now saying may become the best Tight End in football next season (granted there isn't a lock-out), is still only 23 years old, and hasn't even been given a proper chance to show his best yet.
And that's only a few players.
Offensive Line
1 of 8
In my humble opinion, Green Bay's offensive line has been the most deficient part of Green Bay's entire team (except Special Teams).
Did you know that in his three years as a starter, Aaron Rodgers has been sacked 115 (playoffs not included) times?
For those of you who believe Aaron Rodgers has at times held onto the ball too long, even you can't deny that being sacked that many times is acceptable.
To add to the insult, Green Bay's offensive line is regarded as one of the league's worst run blockers in the league, and they're 24th ranked rush offense is sheer proof of that.
Even worse, it seems as though Green Bay's offensive line seems to break down at the worst of times. Such was the case when Green Bay fought Miami and Washington in back-to-back OT losses.
Late in the game, Aaron Rodgers was unable to get anywhere, was sacked and pressured relentlessly, and therefore a chance for victory was completely lost.
But fear not, for the future is bright. And you could argue that an offensive line that has not had the luxury of working with an all-down back makes it all the more difficult for them.
Green Bay's best offensive lineman is Right Guard Josh Sitton, who has widely been considered a pro-bowl snub this year. He is only 24 years old.
Right Tackle Bryan Bulaga (who I presume will be moved to Left Tackle next season), is only 21 years of age. In fact, Bryan Bulaga was the youngest starter to play in the Super Bowl in NFL history.
T.J. Lang, had wrist surgery during last year's off-season, and kept him out of starting in Green Bay. Next year however, Mike McCarthy has made it clear that will make T.J. Lang an offensive lineman. He is only 23 years of age.
Scott Wells may be a good player, but already Green Bay is investing in their future Center with Nick McDonald.
As of now, we know that by the start of next season, Green Bay could have an offensive line that will have four players that are under the age of 25!
The only piece aside from them will be Left Guard Daryn Colledge. Colledge isn't a bad Left Guard but let's put it this way. There are better Left Guard's out there than him.
And a draft just might be the answer that as well.
Level of need: 6 out of 10
Running Back
2 of 8
Green Bay is set for both the long and short term in this category, especially with the post-season break-out performance of James Starks.
Ryan Grant will return this year, and although coming back to full health is slightly questionable, the fact remains that both he and most everyone else believes he will be back to his old self by next season.
Still, it would be nice to see a super-star, such as someone like Jamaal charles, Arian Foster, Chris Johnson or even an Adrian Peterson come in.
The reason being simply if they do get a running back like one of them, their offensive potential would be simply limitless. Can you think a of a more deadly combo than a Rodgers-Peterson combo with the best receiving corps in the game all working together?
I think not.
James Starks might just break out into a star in the time coming, he had a terrific rookie year after all. But you couldn't argue with having two legit running back threats to back you up in a football game.
Level of need: 2 out of 10
Quarterback
3 of 8
Why does this even need discussing? Moving on!
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Recieving Corps and Tight Ends
4 of 8
Hard to say that the best receiving corps in the game needs a little help, but that is the case nonetheless.
Donald Driver is really getting up there in age, and while I believe he could still give us another 1,000 yard seasonal performance, relying on his health has become an issue.
Jordy Nelson and James Jones are great receivers, but the dropped passes and the fumbles just don't seem to go away. It's best that Green Bay keeps them on the depth chart, where they currently reside.
Donald Lee just gets older and older, and while he can still contribute to the team, let's just put it this way. I believe Tom Crabtree could surpass him on the depth chart next season.
I hate to say this about the o'l pro bowler, but it would be best to simply cut ties with Donald Lee. He's gotten his paycheck, and now, has gotten his ring already. At this point, he's just more baggage and he's taking up a valuable roster spot.
All in all, the talent, the speed, and just how effective this group of players is, is so good that giving it anything more than a little attention should be considered irrational.
Only if the amped opportunity of getting a great receiver such as Larry Fitzgerald comes along should Green Bay be concerned in this department.
Jermichael Finley will be back next year, Andrew Quarless and Tom Crabtree will develop and improve, Jordy Nelson and James Jones will (hopefully) work on their ball control issues, and Greg Jennings is same o'l Greg Jennings.
Still, imagine if Green Bay had a trio like Jennings, Fitzgerald and Finley working together, along with Aaron Rodgers at the helm and a new-found running game? Could you ask for a better offense?
Level of need: 1 out of 10
Defensive Line
5 of 8
Consider me one of the very few who believe that both Johnny Jolly and Justin Harrell will play for Green Bay next season.
Johnny Jolly was offered a free-agent tenure by Green Bay, and that was likely when Ted Thompson and the Green Bay organization already knew that he was likely going to be suspended.
Charles Woodson was a guy who came into Green Bay with a few character issues, but he grew up and began to change his practice habits and sure enough, boom, defensive player of the year.
Johnny Jolly could become a similar case, and with the harsh suspension on Johnny Jolly, it's a little hard to imagine him to have not learned his lesson, especially with the suspension also depriving him of a whole season's salary.
Justin Harrell, while I know Packer Nation is just tired of waiting for this guy to show up already, and I mean really tired, is working for Ted Thompson. And that pretty much sums it up why he'll play next season.
If those two come back, with Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji already at the line-up, and Mike Neal returning from injury, and C.J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn both having shown they can be serviceable back-ups, the short and long-term deal for Green Bay's defensive line looks in tact.
Still, it's a little hard seeing all of that panning out so easily. Ryan Pickett will be 32 by early October next season, and no one knows for sure if Harrell or Jolly will play next season.
And who knows if anyone can fill in the void of Cullen Jenkins. Sorry to say he won't be playing with us next season.
I'm confident things will work out, but even I can't be sure.
Level of need: 4 out of 10
Linebackers
6 of 8
No matter how many players went down this season, it seemed like there was never a moment when Green Bay was deficient in this category of players.
Nick Barnett, Brandon Chillar, and Brad Jones all went down during the regular season, and even Clay Matthews, and Frank Zombo missed some time. And yet, it was only when Clay Matthews was down when Green Bay struggled.
The return of Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk is questionable, mostly due because they seem so easily replaceable at this point. Nick Barnett seems a little injury prone at this point of his career, and A.J. Hawk's contract will demand over 10 million dollars next season.
Unless A.J. Hawk decides to restructure his contract (as I hope he does), A.J. will not be playing for Green Bay next season.
Of course, this group starts off with all-around stud Clay Matthews, who with all the god-given talent he has is only 24 years old, and looks to be a strong candidate for defensive player of the year next season.
The rise of Desmond Bishop, Erik Walden and Frank Zombo this year has given Green Bay new-found youth and talent at linebacker.
Desmond Bishop is only 26 years old, and how the most impressive season of the three. Frank Zombo is only 23 years old, and played far beyond the limits of what most undrafted free agents typically perform.
Erik Walden, in the very limited time he played, looked extremely impressive, and was the main X-factor in Green Bay's match-up against Chicago in week 17. He is only 25 years old.
At this point, both Erik Walden and Frank Zombo have proven that they serve as excellent back-ups, if not full-time starters for Green Bay's linebacker corps. For as the years go by, they will only get bigger, stronger, and better.
Level of need: 2 out of 10
Secondary
7 of 8
A great mixture between the youthful speedsters and a very talented veteran, Green Bay's secondary might just be the best in the league.
Morgan Burnett will return next year, and while it's a little early to say this guy will easily claim his starting position back, he is only 22 years old, and has the makings of a ball-hawking player.
To his side is Nick Collins, a three time pro-bowler, is only 27 years old. Tramon Williams as well is only 27 years old, and will be a force for Green Bay for many years to come.
The rise of Sam Shields only further enhances the image of what kind of team Green Bay's defense is truly becoming. At the age of only 23, Sam Shields took over the job that Al Harris previously held, and will only get better as time goes on.
Within Green Bay's roster lies a player by the name of Josh Gordy who, like Center Nick Mcdonald, is being developed under Green Bay's coaches, and is being planned to be unveiled next season (sorry Asomugha, Nnamdi). He is currently only 24 years old.
The only concern remaining would be how could Green Bay replace Charles Woodson when he washed up? (let's face it Packer fans, he's 34 years old!)
I don't know of anyone out there that can play the role that Woodson has these past few seasons.
But even that being the case, Green Bay has a secondary unlike any other in the league, and certainly even one of the youngest.
Level of need: 3 out of 10
Conclusion
8 of 8
Make no doubt about it, Green Bay is one of the youngest and most talented teams in the entire league. The only other possible team that can rival this kind of youth and talent would be New England.
In the past several years, New England has been draft building their team completely from scratch, and it has showed.
Just this year Tom Brady played with with two new Tight Ends, that completely turned that offense into the best in the league. And this year, New England will have over eight draft picks in the first four rounds alone.
Packers-Patriots Super Bowl anyone?
There can be no doubt that Green Bay is set for the long run, and many more years to come. We've already gone through what he have, but we still have a draft that will add another six players to Green Bay's roster.
Green Bay is not only set to repeat next season (please no lock-out Goodell!), but is set to make multiple runs as well.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")