While most of the focus at the NFL Scouting Combine falls on the draft prospects, the event gives the media and fans a chance to hear from the league’s general managers and head coaches. Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy spoke for the first time since the team announced its new organizational structure back in January, revealing a few things about how the team has reshaped its approach heading into this portion of the offseason.
Running back or receiver? Packers see Ty Montgomery as ‘multi-positional’ if healthy | ESPN
After moving to running back midway through the 2016 season, former third-round pick Ty Montgomery struggled to stay healthy in his first full year as the Packers’ lead runner. McCarthy said the team views him as a “multi-positional player”, essentially admitting that Montgomery will play more wide receiver in 2018. Given that Green Bay could move on from Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, or both this offseason, the presence of Montgomery could give McCarthy the flexibility necessary to keep the offense chugging along.
Mike McCarthy doesn’t want Packers’ defense ‘feeling like the stepchild’ | Packers.com
In addition to discussing Montgomery’s role, McCarthy also said what many fans have thought over the past few years: the defense had become a secondary consideration. The head coach said he doesn’t want the unit to feel like the “stepchild” on the Packers, words underscored by the hiring of new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. Still, Green Bay needs to follow these comments up with concrete additions to the roster, especially among the pass rushers and secondary.
Packers meet with draft’s top offensive line prospect at combine | Packers Wire
The Packers might not sniff Quenton Nelson at their current draft position (No. 14 overall), but that didn’t stop them from talking to the coveted Notre Dame guard at the combine. Nelson wouldn’t fill the biggest need on the roster, but a stud offensive lineman could supercharge Aaron Rodgers’ protection and keep the unit strong for the foreseeable future. Given their forthcoming extension for Rodgers, adding some talent to the O-line at some point in the draft makes plenty of sense.