As long as they've had Aaron Rodgers at the helm

www.thepackersfanshop.com/Reggie-White-Jersey , the Green Bay Packers have largely used the top of the draft for help on defense.This might be the year for the Packers to shift priorities, with one of the NFL's all-time great quarterbacks now at age 35. Coming off a second straight absence from the playoffs, the pressure has been put on new coach Matt LaFleur to use his strategic acumen for a boost for the offense.While finishing 6-9-1 in 2018, the Packers were 15th in the league in points, 12th in yards, 23rd in third down conversions and 13th in percentage of touchdowns scored on possessions inside the 20-yard line.In 2016, the previous season when Rodgers played in all 16 games, the Packers ranked fourth, eighth, second and 10th in those categories, respectively.Sure, the Packers could use a starting safety next to newcomer Adrian Amos, but is that more important than a top-flight tight end to boost the passing game?What about at wide receiver, with the departure of seasoned slot man Randall Cobb removing an underneath complement to Davante Adams?While Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams have shown promise at running back, but are they both durable and dynamic enough to be the one-two punch for the type of offenses that LaFleur has often had?Remember Aaron Rodgers Jersey , the Packers swiftly signed three starters for their defense in free agency last month: defensive end Za'Darius Smith, linebacker Preston Smith and Amos. They also devoted all of their picks of the first three rounds in the past two drafts to defense, highlighted by cornerback Jaire Alexander last year.So with four of the top 75 selections next week, general manager John Gutekunst and the Packers will have plenty of opportunities to prop up the offense."There isn't a grace period. This isn't like other transitions where you maybe give a pass for the first year or two as you get acclimated to the system," Rodgers told reporters last week as players began offseason workouts."We have a veteran quarterback, veteran offensive linemen. We signed some big free agents for us, especially three on defense. There's an expectation living and playing here that you're going to compete for championships."Here are some other key angles to follow during the draft next week for the Packers:FIRST THINGS FIRSTThe Packers have the 12th overall pick, their highest in 10 years since they made defensive tackle B.J. Raji the ninth selection. They also own the 30th overall pick, which came by a trade from New Orleans in the previous draft.The Packers started at No. 14 and moved down to No. 27 by netting two extra selections from the Saints. Then they moved back up to No. 18 to take Alexander in a swap with Seattle that sent three picks to the Seahawks and brought two back.CLEAR FOCUSWith Alexander, cornerback Kevin King (2017) and defensive tackle Kenny Clark (2016) the most recent examples, the Packers have used their first picks on defense in seven straight drafts. The only offensive player taken in one of the first three rounds in the past three years was tackle Jason Spriggs, the second-round selection in 2016 from Indiana.SKILLSETSThe Packers have not taken an offensive skill position player in the first round since Rodgers fell to them at No. 24 in 2005, giving them three years to groom him under Brett Favre until he took the job in 2008. They've only taken three offensive players with their first picks at all since then.Wide receiver Jordy Nelson went in the second round in 2008, when they traded their first-rounder to move down for extra picks. Tackles Bryan Bulaga (2010) and Derek Sherrod (2011) went in the first round.HAWKING TALENTThough Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis have returned, one of the Iowa tight ends would be tough to pass up with two picks in the first round. Both T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant are projected as first-rounders. With Bulaga Randall Cobb Color Rush Jersey , defensive tackle Mike Daniels (2012), cornerback Micah Hyde (2013) and cornerback Josh Jackson (2018), the Packers have a history of Hawkeyes players.UP FRONTGutekunst can't neglect the offensive line, despite the presence of All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari and free agent signing Billy Turner, who could start at either guard spot or even right tackle, where Bryan Bulaga has entered the final year of his contract. Alabama's Jonah Williams is among the top-rated tackles likely to be available at No. 12. Nelson returned to Green Bay on Tuesday for a ceremonial retirement." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesAcme Packing Company homepageHorizontal - WhiteAcme Packing Companya Green Bay Packers communityFollow Acme Packing Company online:Follow Acme Packing Company on TwitterFollow Acme Packing Company on FacebookFollow Acme Packing Company on InstagramLog in or sign upLog InSign UpSite searchSearchSearchAcme Packing Company main menuFanpostsFanshotsSectionsPackersOddsAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 321 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections The APC PodcastPackers Film RoomFantasy Football AdviceCDTAfter a one-year swan song with the Oakland Raiders, Jordy Nelson returned to Wisconsin on Tuesday to retire as a member of the Green Bay Packers. The legendary Packers receiver — he ranks fifth in team history in receiving yards and second in touchdowns — held a press conference to talk about his career and his time in Green Bay.Team president Mark Murphy got the press conference underway by introducing Nelson. “This is a special day for the Packers organization," Murphy said. "I remember thinking at the time how excited Ted Thompson was (when the team drafted Nelson). I realize now Ted doesn’t get excited very often. ... I remember him saying ‘our fans are going to love Jordy Nelson,’ and boy was Ted right.”Indeed, Nelson has been a fan favorite since he was drafted, and particularly since a breakout performance in Super Bowl XLV. When Nelson spoke, he was asked about some of his favorite memories from his Packers career, and that game was predictably at the top of the list.“I think you obviously start with the Super Bowl, to be there and be able to score a touchdown there," Nelson said www.thepackersfanshop.com/Corey-Linsley-Jersey , adding "I still have the football" from that touchdown. He also mentioned a toe-tap catch from Aaron Rodgers on the sideline against the 49ers in 2013 as one of his favorite individual plays. Nelson's connection with Rodgers was a major part of his success in Green and gold, of course. When asked about how he forged that connection, Nelson attributed it to hard work and attention to detail. “Time and focus, I think, a lot of communication between practice, film room, meetings, and a lot of it was listening my first few years when I wasn’t playing as much." He also alluded to something Rodgers has mentioned in recent years as well: "One thing I always tried to do was never have to be told (something) a second time.”All told, it was only a matter of time before Nelson came back to be honored in this way. “It’s an honor to be back and to wrap it up like this," he said. “When you’re a part of this organization and the history ... when you get that request I was very appreciative of that. And obviously the fans as well. I didn’t know it was such a big deal until I talked to some people. I’ll be remembered as a Packer. This is where I started and it’s great to end it this way.”Thanks for everything, Jordy.