32 for 32: NFL Draft Predictions for the Packers

The Packers made it all the way to the NFC title game in 2019. But this wasn't the Packers offense we are accustomed to seeing. The team rode the impressive performance of Aaron Jones to success while Aaron Rodgers took a backseat. Is this a sign of things to come for the fantasy football value of this team? Will the NFL Draft also welcome in talent to further this team's potential? Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.

The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.

As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.

2019 Review

There seemed to be a change in offensive ideology for the Packers in 2019. The offense leaned more on the running game than in recent years, and it certainly had a bearing on the fantasy value for Aaron Rodgers. The talent will always be there with Rodgers, but it clear that he is no longer the elite fantasy player he once was. He finished the season just inside the top 12 (QB11), but the numbers were not up to his standards. He barely eclipsed 4,000 yards on the season with 27 total TD.

But what kept him in the running as a QB1 was the low turnover total (four INT). The lack of weapons could be the reason for the dip in production, but it's clear that HC Matt LaFleur prefers a more balanced attack. With how the offense is currently set up, Rodgers could be in store for similar production in 2020, making him a QB to target towards the end of the starting quarterback candidates.

The most valuable player on this team from a fantasy standpoint last year was Aaron Jones. He became the focal point of this offense and it showed. He tied for the league lead in rushing scores (16). Add in the additional three receiving TD and he tied with Christian McCaffrey for the most total scores in the league. Maybe the more surprising fact was that he was second on the team in receptions on the season (50). It's clear that this coaching staff likes what they have in Jones and his skillset, meaning he should be in the running as a dependable RB1 again in 2020.

The headache that continues for fantasy owners is the amount of time that Jamaal Williams continues to see on the field. Sure, Jones out-rushed Williams in attempts (236 to 107) but Williams is seeing a lot of time on the field on passing downs. The five receiving TD are proof that he warrants consideration as a fantasy asset and should be drafted as the handcuff to Jones.

Davante Adams was the lone Packers receiver that presented any fantasy value in 2019. But even Adams did not have the greatest season. He failed to live up to lofty draft expectations and limped to a WR23 finish. He missed out on a 1,000-yard season and dropped below double-digit scores for the first time in three seasons. His 83 catches and 997 yards were evidence of a receiver that was used more like a chain mover instead of a big-time threat in a passing attack. Even with the down season, Adams should again be viewed as a top receiver in fantasy drafts and is likely to come off the board in the second round. Allen Lazard saw some value late in the year, but as a whole, the group of pass-catchers behind Adams was inconsistent at best and was rarely used in starting lineups.

Heading into the draft, the Packers could go in a variety of areas with their selections. The focus should stay on improving the offense though as the offensive line could use some depth as well as a tight end with the departure of Jimmy Graham. Even with the signing of Devin Funchess, Aaron Rodgers could use a definite playmaker on the outside to take some pressure off of Davante Adams. On the defensive side, there could be a need at each level but the team may only take a look at it if the right value falls to them.

Green Bay Packers - 2020 Outlook

TEAM GRADES
Offense: 78.8 (9th)
Defense: 75.5 (11th)
Overall: 87.1 (8th)

TEAM NEEDS
WR, OT, TE

First Selection (1.30)

Denzel Mims, WR Baylor

Mims is coming off of a very quiet but productive college career with 26 receiving TD over the last 3 years. He has an above-average combination of size and speed. His incredible offseason workouts have gotten him more noticed by scouts now that they have seen his excellent height, weight, speed, and catch radius. He will become an instant threat in the red-zone as he uses great body control to finesse a defender and high-points a ball. He may struggle a bit against more physical press corners, but once he separates his speed will take the top off a defense without adequate help.

His route running work will need polishing up, but overall he has the skills to become the immediate WR2 the Packers need. But with how the offensive mentality has changed for the team, Mims may not present much value in PPR formats. But in dynasty, he should be a back-end pick in the first round and will be a player to watch for in standard-scoring leagues. View him as a reserve player in 2020, but the potential is there for Mims to obtain low-end WR2 value sooner rather than later.

Second Selection (2.30)

Jacob Phillips, LB LSU

Phillips gives the Packers a solution to the ILB spot left open by the departure of Blake Martinez. He will not give them the immediate production that will be lost but is a solid player. He is a reliable defender but lacks the explosive athleticism that is coveted.

He learns from his mistakes and adjusts in-game. He is very scheme dependent and does a great job of handling his assignments. Early stages of his career he will likely be a rotational player for the defense but will shine as a special teams prospect.

Third Selection (3.30)

Harrison Bryant, TE Florida Atlantic

With the departure of Jimmy Graham, there is a need at the position for the Packers. The team did just invest in Jace Sternberger, but the addition of Bryant gives them a more traditional receiving threat. He is cut from the basketball player mold and has excellent athletic traits. He plays with a high football IQ and has toughness as a blocker that teams are drawn to. He will be a weapon that the team can use to create mismatch problems for opposing defenses.

Using great instincts, he operates well in space and his speed and separation allow him to work all three levels of the field. Bryant will come in and compete with Sternberger for playing time early on, but the potential will put Bryant in the captain's seat. Traditionally, the Packers rarely use the position and from a fantasy standpoint, Bryant may only ever be a TE2 in value.

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