Green Bay Packers Roster 2018 Packers Roster

Avoid the Injury Bug

The 2018 Green Bay Packers are looking to avoid the injury bug this season. The past season saw a collar-bone injury spell the end for Aaron Rodger's 2018 campaign. Insert Brett Hundley and the adversity settles in. Hundley handled the situation to the best of his capability, but it ultimately left the team missing the playoffs for the first time in recent memory. Rodgers is now operating at full-health, keeping the team within the contention conversation.

The team had a rather busy off-season. They faced some adversity knowing they could not afford to keep their wide receiver depth intact. This led the team to drop Jordy Nelson and allow him to sign elsewhere. The team used this loss to bring in some smaller contracts to keep the receiving core competitive. Instead of adding true wide outs, the team opted for experience and big bodies in Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis. Graham was a true force during his years spent with the Saints, creating a red zone scare at any given moment. Graham's time in Seattle was about as boom or bust as it gets. A unity with Rodgers could be the career revival Graham and the Packers needs. Marcedes Lewis was very consistent during his career with the Jaguars. He brings another level of reliability to the squad, increasing the red zone setups the team can operate with.

The biggest question within the offense remains at the running back position. Both Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams shared carries at the position last season. What was asked of them was a bearing that no younger player should have to face. The injury to Rodgers created an uptick in their usage, diverting from the individual skill sets each possesses. The off-season allows the pair to refine their game and build on the tangibles. They can reduce their focus of pounding the rock, working the outside zones and acquiring a patience up the middle.

Pass defense continues to be the biggest hole on the defense, which afforded the team the opportunity to look towards the draft for relief. The team was able to select Jaire Alexander in the first round and Josh Jackson in the second. Both cornerbacks have a nose for the football, with Jackson leading the nation in interceptions during his final season in college. This pairing adds relief and depth to a position that has struggled to find its consistency. Both players will give Kevin King a run for his money, which is a competition the team is excited to fire up in training camp.

The team also made noise on the defensive side of the football with the addition of Muhammad Wilkerson. Wilkerson spent the past 8 seasons in New York as a member of the Jets. During his career, he has posted impressive statistics in the pass rush and sack categories. This addition helps add some speed to the outside of the defensive line. Mike Daniels continues to be the force up the middle, allowing for Wilkerson to show his stuff from the outside. Keeping the defense and offensive line healthy will be the storyline that spells success or dismay for the team in 2018.