Packers 2017 NFL Draft: Top five players at each position of need

Position of Need #4: Edge Rusher

Position Outlook: The Packers could lose Nick Perry, Julius Peppers, and Datone Jones this offseason, leaving the outside linebacker position pretty thin.

Clay Matthews has also struggled to stay healthy and is now on the wrong side of 30. Rookie Kyler Fackrell has flashed some promise, but the Packers will need more playmakers on the edge going forward.

Even if Green Bay manages to bring back Perry or Peppers, drafting another talented edge rusher would be a smart decision because it is such a vital position in a 3-4 defense.

Top-5 Edge Prospects

1. Myles Garrett, Texas A&M (6-5, 270)

2. Carl Lawson, Auburn (6-2, 253)

3. Tim Williams, Alabama (6-4, 245)

4. Derek Barnett, Tennessee (6-3, 265)

5. Takkarist McKinley, UCLA (6-2, 265)

This is a very talented and deep edge group. There are several top-end players, and a few should even be available for the Packers to draft in the first round if they decide to go in this direction.

Garrett is the clear-cut top overall prospect in the 2017 draft class and will be off the board in the first five picks. However, after that, there is much debate on whether Lawson, Williams, or Barnett is the next best edge player.

If you’re looking for a pure pass rusher who can generate consistent pressure, then Williams might be your man. He’s a natural fit as a 3-4 rush backer and would fit in nicely in the Packers defense. However, Williams still needs to make strides as a run defender. He’s a bit undersized and primarily gets to the quarterback with speed. He’ll need to get stronger to be a complete three-down player in the NFL.

Barnett is the opposite. He has a stockier build and he holds a stronger edge, similar to Nick Perry. He’s equally as good against the run as he is at getting after the quarterback. However, he’s not quite the quick-twitch athlete like the other top players at the position. Nonetheless, 32 career sacks and 27 quarterback hurries speaks for itself.

Lawson is a bit of the best of both worlds. He has Williams’ explosiveness and athleticism around the edge, but he’s also strong enough to hold his own against the run. Nine sacks and 24 hurries in 2016 alone is insane production. However, there are some injury red flags with Lawson. He missed six games in 2015 with a hip injury, which could ultimately hurt his stock on draft day.

Other Notable Edge Prospects: Taco Charlton (Michigan), Charles Harris (Missouri), Vince Biegel (Wisconsin), Ryan Anderson (Alabama), Dawuane Smoot (Illinois), Solomon Thomas (Stanford), DeMarcus Walker (Florida State), Devonte Fields (Louisville), Sam Hubbard (Ohio State), Jordan Willis (Kansas State), Daeshon Hall (Texas A&M)