The Green Bay Packers had a pretty busy offseason. While they remained relatively inactive in free agency, which is normal for the franchise, some major changes were made to the franchise. The biggest one was the trade of Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets.
Along with Rodgers, wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randal Cobb and safety Adrian Amos, all ended up on the Jets as well. Filling those holes in the lineup will be tough as all three had been mainstays in the Packers’ lineup for years.
A few outside free agents were brought in, but the Packers will be hoping for internal improvement and contributions from players that they drafted. So, it should come as no surprise that the best move that the team made, according to PFF, was one of their draft picks.
In their opinion, the best move of the offseason for Green Bay was to select interior defensive lineman, Karl Brooks. Brooks was selected in the sixth round, No. 181 out of Bowling Green and could be an immediate contributor to the Packers’ defense.
“Interior defender was one of the Packers’ bigger needs heading into the draft. Thus, the underrated Brooks could play a key role in 2023. He was among the most productive players in all of college football at his position in 2022, as he posted 12 sacks and 74 total pressures to go with 25 run stops.”
No matter what level of college football you are playing at, numbers like that are going to garner attention. It should be no surprise that Brooks had elite grades during the 2022 season, as he received a 93.0 from PFF.
Green Bay’s rushing defense was abysmal last season, so beefing up the interior of their defensive line does make sense. But they were also lacking consistent pass-rushing options and Brooks can help in that regard. He gets into the opponent’s backfield with ease, creating plays whether it be against the pass or rush.
You don’t normally find players of Brooks’ caliber available that late into the draft, so the Packers look to have come away with one of the biggest steals. He will be someone to keep an eye on during training camp as the opportunity to break into the defensive line rotation is certainly there.