GREEN BAY − Green Bay Press-Gazette and PackersNews columnist Pete Dougherty responds to reader questions on the hot topics of the Green Bay Packers' offseason.
The following is an excerpt from this week’s story. For the full story, click here.
Who will pick up Romeo Doubs’ slack?
Rick from Brookfield: Seems like nearly every time the Packers needed a big catch, Romeo Doubs made the play. Granted, his YAC (yards after catch) weren't much, but he has good hands and a knack for getting into the right place. Odds are that Doubs will leave in free agency. Who steps up to fill this role among the remaining wideouts?
Pete Dougherty: Doubs is a solid player, but he’s expendable because the Packers have talent at receiver.
Christian Watson last season proved to be more than just a big-play threat. He might put up big numbers next season – if he stays healthy.
Matthew Golden has a good shot at blossoming. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but he flashed real talent catching and running in training camp last year, and he finally displayed it in the playoff loss to the Bears.
Jayden Reed should be a good slot guy if he stays healthy, too. Doubs brought some things to the table and surely had good moments, but in the end Watson, Golden and Reed are more talented. Now they have to show they’re better players, too.
Is this make or break for Matt LaFleur?
Robert G: Even with a longer, new contract is this a make or break season for MLF?
Dougherty: The contract extension suggests that no, it isn’t make or break for LaFleur. The Packers made sure to put out the word that it was a true multiyear commitment.
Now, that doesn’t absolutely guarantee anything. The NFL is fluid, and things can change quickly. But my guess is that barring a disaster or blowup, LaFleur has two years to improve on the last three.
Should the Packers be looking pass rusher?
Ken C: Everyone seems to be thinking that CB is a draft or free-agent priority, and some say defensive tackle. But I am thinking that assuming Micah Parsons gets back at 90%, the Packers defense really relies on its edge players. That is, since there is a cap, having serviceable cheap CBs are fine as long as we have a good rush. And not having a second edge rusher who would prevent the opposing QB from rolling out to the right and taking an extra 2 seconds was what lost us some games.
Caleb Williams, Bo Nix or even Kyler Murray took advantage of this weakness. We don't have to get Parsons 2.0 but just someone who can beat a one-on-one and provide lateral pursuit. Watching Parsons chasing down the QB to the right sideline with the other edge way behind or even having pulled up was a big disappointment last year. We're not looking for a world beater, but someone with energy and technical skills. What say you?
Dougherty: I can’t disagree with your premise. A strong pass rush does wonders for a defense’s pass coverage.
Chances are the Packers aren’t finding a guy like you describe in free agency. Decent pass rushers in free agency are either extremely expensive or older guys in decline. Chances are they’ll have to find one in the draft, unless they think Collin Oliver can take over as a designated pass rusher after he missed almost his entire rookie season because of a hamstring injury.
That's one reason, if I’m them, I’m doing everything I can to find at least one CB and DT in free agency who can upgrade those positions. That would allow for more flexibility in the draft to take a pass rusher if one they like comes up in the second or third round.
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Who will pick up slack if free agent Romeo Doubs leaves? Packers mailbag