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NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers Offensive Revival

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Packers offense has been a mystery for some time now. A year ago, it was easy to point to Jordy Nelson‘s injury as the main reason for their offensive woes, yet even with Nelson back in the fold, Aaron Rodgers and company are still searching for a consistent offensive rhythm.

Aaron Rodgers couldn’t be further from his MVP-best, his mechanics are all over the place, he’s missing open receivers and not seeing the field – even behind one of the most underrated offensive lines in the league. He’s not the Aaron Rodgers we’ve come to know.

Remember the days when Rodgers had Jermichael Finley, Donald Driver, James Jones, Randall Cobb, Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson? On the same team?! It certainly wouldn’t hurt to give Rodgers more offensive weapons.

The Packers rarely make a splash in free agency, meaning that any new weapons would likely come from the NFL Draft. It begs the question; which College Football offensive stars could help rejuvenate the Packers offense?

Christian McCaffrey RB Stanford (Jr)

Could you imagine – Christian McCaffrey and Aaron Rodgers, together?!

Christian McCaffrey’s 2015 numbers were simply mind-boggling. He broke 2,000-yard rushing and was every bit as effective as a receiver out of the backfield and as a returner. He shattered the all-time NCAA single-season all-purpose yards record with 3,864 yards, yet finished second in the Heisman balloting.

McCaffrey possesses extraordinary burst and agility which allows him to change directions without slowing down and makes tackling him a nightmare. He is quick to the hole and faster through it. He has the speed to beat linebackers to the corner and to pull away once in the open field.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Christian is a terrific receiver. He is an excellent route-runner who leaves defenders guessing, creating easy separation. McCaffrey does not possess the bulk scouts prefer to be a true “bell cow” back at the next level, but if the Packers re-sign Eddie Lacy, McCaffrey wouldn’t have to be an every-down back.

Mike McCarthy could manufacture plays for him on offense and give him as many opportunities as possible to influence the game.

Sep 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams (21) runs with the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cougars won 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Jamaal Williams RB BYU (Sr)

Jamaal Williams is one of the top running back prospects in this class that you probably haven’t heard of. Williams had not played for the best part of two years due to injury and personal issues, but has returned to Brigham Young with a vengeance this season.

“He’s faster, he’s bigger and he’s stronger than ever”. That’s what BYU linebacker Francis Bernard had to say about Williams in August. Since then, Williams has shattered two school rushing records – earlier this season he trounced Toledo 286 yards and he broke the school career rushing yards record (3,468) against Mississippi State.

Williams is really impressive. His lower body power stands out on film, he runs incredibly hard, handles a heavy workload and is slippery enough and fast enough to break away from defenses. He has been integral to BYU this season; when he has 20+ carries, BYU are 4-1, when he has fewer than 20 carries or does not feature, they are 0-3.

If Green Bay decide to let Eddie Lacy walk this offseason, they should pick up Jamaal Williams in the fourth round – he would be the perfect replacement for Lacy as the “bell cow” back and the steal of the draft.

Sep 3, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; South Dakota State Jackrabbits tight end Dallas Goedert (86) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Jake Wieneke (19) during the second half of a NCAA football game at Amon G. Carter Stadium. TCU won 59-41. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Wieneke WR South Dakota State (RS Jr)

FCS superstar Jake Wieneke is another prospect that you are not likely to have heard much about. I’ll even admit that Wieneke was brought to my attention by this article by NFL Mocks Editor George Stockburger, but boy is he something.

Wieneke has been a fantastic and consistent performer during his career at South Dakota State. As a freshman in 2014, he caught 73 passes for 1,404 yards and a school-record 16 touchdowns. The following season he had 72 receptions for 1,472 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Physically gifted at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Wieneke uses his big body to overwhelm defenders. He has big hands and a crafty catching technique with long speed and smooth route running to match.

If Wieneke is available in the middle rounds, the Packers would be foolish not to pull the trigger. They should not be frightened simply because Jeff Janis hasn’t developed as they had hoped. Jake Wieneke could be the real deal and give Aaron Rodgers a big, reliable target.

Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) carries the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

O.J. Howard TE Alabama (Sr)

Prior to the season, Green Bay General Manager Ted Thompson made a typical Ted Thompson move. He signed former St. Louis Ram and Tennessee Titans tight end Jared Cook as a street free agent to a one-year deal. Not since the days of Jermichael Finley had the Packers had such a weapon at the tight end position.

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The chemistry between Aaron Rodgers and Cook during the preseason was obvious, however, Cook has been sidelined by a high ankle sprain he sustained during the Packers’ victory over the Lions in week three. The Packers may be inclined simply to move on from Cook at the end of this season, despite the fact that when utilized correctly he can do severe damage to defenses.

O.J. Howard’s story reads like many of the other offensive prospects at Alabama. His personal statistics are relatively meager, as there are so many mouths to feed.

Standing at 6-feet-6 and 242 pounds, Howard projects well as a “move” tight end that would likely be available early in the second round. He shows quickness and balance in gaining a clean release off the line of scrimmage, he accelerates smoothly, pulling away from defenders tasked with covering him and is a reliable “hands” catcher, extending and plucking outside of his frame with ease. Howard is also a willing and capable run blocker – a must at Alabama.

Were Howard to end up in Wisconsin, he would be a mismatch nightmare for defenses and leave wide receivers in one-on-one coverage on the perimeter – a scary thought if Aaron Rodgers can return to his MVP form.

The Packers offense may find their rhythm again before the season comes to a close, but if they can’t, help is close at hand in the college ranks.

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