Green Bay Packers Depth Chart 2018 Packers Depth Chart

Look for the Pack to Be Pack in 2018

At the end of the 2017 season, the Green Bay Packers almost limped their way across the playoff finish line. In some respects, the weekly injury report told the tale of their entire season. Green Bay literally limped from one week to the next due to injuries. The offensive line, critical to the Packer's high-powered scheme, didn't blend well to start the season. Missed assignments actually left the specialty players vulnerable. A key component of Green Bay's playbook is the versatile Ty Montgomery, and he spent nearly the entire last half the season on the IR. However, Montgomery wasn't the biggest player missing.

Playing with a Chip on His Shoulder

Aaron Rodgers, primed for a bust in Canton, Ohio, was slammed to the turf week six against the Vikings. Although a quick healer, Rodgers couldn't muster enough magic to push Green Bay over the playoff line. So, he finished 2017 in street clothes. Players returning from injury frequently have a question mark beside their perceived productivity. That will not be the case with Aaron Rodgers. He'll be starting 2018 with a huge chip on his shoulder, and if history is any gauge, his numbers if he stays healthy will be another Hall of Fame worthy season.

The Rest of the Cast

With the injuries that befell Green Bay in 2017, young players had a chance to show their talent. Don Barclay became more comfortable at his guard position, and second year pro Adam Pankey out of West Virginia, shows extreme promise at tackle. Heading into 2017, the Packers line looks to transform itself from a weakness to a huge strength. What that will do for the rest of the cast is important. When Rodgers has time, he dissects defenses like a skilled surgeon. Ty Montgomery is healthy now, but he now has second year running back Aaron Jones pressing him for carries.

Rushing has not always been a Packer strong point, but when Rodgers was missing, Green Bay had to learn how to run the ball. When Rodgers can blend good play action ball fakes into the game plan, the results will be impressive. When the defense has to stuff the box, this will free up the wide receivers to run against single coverage. DeVante Adams is another Packer, who has something to prove. He fell just shy of a 1,000 yards receiving in 2016, but was hobbled at times last year. A thousand yards and double-digit TDs are both very reasonable projections for Adams in 2018. Tight End has been a missing link at times for the Packer's offense, but new Packer GM Brian Gutekunst made an important move signing TE Jimmy Graham. Graham has faltered at times over the last couple seasons, never seeming to fit into the offensive game plan. If he develops a connection with Rodgers, he could be back in the Pro Bowl in 2018.

Getting Defensive on Defense

Green Bay actually finished in the top 10 in overall defense last year. However, Dom Capers exits and former Cleveland Browns head coach, Mike Pettine takes over the Packer's defense. Not only did the Packers change defensive coordinators, the changed personnel. Covering pass receivers was a problem in 2017. Green Bay signed locker room presence and excellent cover corner Davon House, plus resigned Tramon Williams. To put pressure on both these veterans, Green Bay traded with Seattle in last year's draft to take Louisville grad, Jaire Alexander. Alexander is an athletic defender who loves to jump routes, and will certainly help the Packers improve on their turnover margin. If a fresh face from free agency and a young cornerback weren't enough, the Packers used their second 1st round draft pick on another CB. Josh Jackson is a ball hawk and a run-stopper, fresh off his college career at Iowa. Green Bay showed their confidence in their roster of offensive stars, and commitment to improving on defense, with their 3rd draft pick. Oren Burks is a hybrid type of linebacker with tremendous speed. Under the tutelage of Clay Matthews, Burks will be an instant force on defense.

Oddly enough, an overlooked pick in 2017 may turn out to be 6'6" punter JK Scott of BCS Champion Alabama. Green Bay has improved tremendously on the defensive side of the ball, plus seems to be back at full strength on offense. With Scott's booming leg, the Packers will look to gain control over field advantage as well. When superstar players have a chip on their shoulder, it usually turns out poorly for the competition. With Rodgers back fully healthy, look for the Pack to be back in 2018. 2018 will mark their 100th season overall and 98th as a member of the National Football League. Don't be surprised if the team that won the 1st Super Bowl is part a prime contender to represent the NFC in the 53rd.