Do the Packers Still Have a Pass Rush Problem?

Green Bay addressed a lot of things in the draft. Most importantly, they tried one more time to fix their secondary. This time, it feels like they’re headed in the right direction especially with the new blood in the defensive meetings with Mike Pettine. Tramon Williams said as much to the media last week that Pettine will add an element of modern football that Green Bay has been missing with Dom Capers. Still, people are worried about the pass rush. Take the talented Danny Kelly from The Ringer who highlights the Packers as one team with an outstanding problem. The pass rush. Here’s what Kelly notes about the team.
Green Bay gave its sieve-like pass defense a nice boost last week by grabbing a pair of starting-caliber cornerbacks (Louisville’s Jaire Alexander and Iowa’s Josh Jackson) with its first two draft picks, but there’s still the question of how the team plans on getting more consistent pressure on the quarterback. Last year, the Packers registered 37 sacks (tied for 17th) and 83 QB hits (21st), getting pressure on just 29 percent of pass plays, per Football Outsiders (26th).
Kelly has a point. The Packers didn’t address their pass rush issues in the NFL Draft, but this wasn’t a draft for edge rushers. Most draft experts called this a weak draft for getting pass rush prospects. It’s still an issue, but Green Bay made a wise decision to avoid reaching on someone that might not be good. There’s still a few months before the season starts, and there will be veterans available. I feel Green Bay will likely bring one or two in especially if they played under Pettine. Further, let’s remember that Pettine is known for making chicken salad out of chicken shit when it comes to pass rushers. Reggie Gilbert and Vince Biegel are unknowns, but both could be major names by December 2018.
Charlie.