Morning Buzz: Many options for fixing Packers defense

Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a strong cup of coffee and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers.

We’ll start with Ryan Wood’s simple question: Do the Packers prioritize improving their edge rush, or simply whatever makes their pass defense better? He poses that query in his story on Florida State safety Derwin James.

From Ryan:

The Green Bay Packers' defense needs a lot. So it’s no surprise James said he had a formal interview with the Packers at the combine. He said their conversation focused in part on what James could provide blitzing from the slot corner position.

That’s an important tidbit.

If the Packers assess James strictly as a safety, it’s hard to see why he’d be a worthwhile use of their No. 14 overall pick with so many other holes to fill. Even if the Packers don’t retain free agent Morgan Burnett, the safety position is far from their biggest need on defense.

The Packers like third-year safety Kentrell Brice, whose 2017 season ended early because of an ankle injury. They drafted Josh Jones in the second round last spring. And despite Ha Ha Clinton-Dix’s underwhelming production last season, coach Mike McCarthy has indicated he remains a core player.

James would be an upgrade at almost any position in the Packers' secondary. He could also play linebacker, whether in a subpackage or as an outside linebacker whenever new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine decides to employ a 4-3 look. But picking him — or any player other than an edge rusher – with their 14th overall pick would be deviating from their most glaring need.

Tom Silverstein reports that former New York Jets defensive lineman Muhammed Wilkerson will meet with the Packers today:

Tom also wrote on the Packers draft selections and the versatility they provide:

I spoke with readers about all things Packers during my latest Facebook Live chat:

The Packers Foundation has money to give away:

Elsewhere, Zach Kruse has a five step plan to improve the Packers pass rush:

Rob Demovsky links the Wilkerson visit to the Packers new “aggressive” approach:

Is the Packers next starting right guard already on the roster?

Luke Getsy spoke about his decision to leave Green Bay:

The NFL’s referees will feature some new faces next season:

Who is the greatest ever to play in Green Bay?

Kevin King wants to know who the fastest man in San Francisco is:

A former Packers player is running for local office in Virginia Beach:

Letroy Guion is back in the news for all the wrong reasons:

Josh Hawkins has a new music video out: