Packers: 5 first-round options in 2018 NFL Draft

Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA

Simply put, the Packers need to upgrade their pass rush. Clay Matthews and Nick Perry form a solid partnership at outside linebacker, but the position lacks depth. Both Matthews and Perry have struggled to stay healthy throughout their careers, also.

Along with cornerback, finding a top edge rusher is one of the Packers’ biggest offseason needs. They may have the opportunity to land a difference-maker at the position in the first round.

Marcus Davenport is an interesting name to watch. With 17.5 sacks to his name in 2017, it’s easy to see why the Packers could have interest.

ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper both had Davenport landing in Green Bay in mock drafts, as ESPN’s Rob Demovsky noted earlier this month.

Jon Dove of With The First Pick believes Davenport can make an impact right away in the NFL.

“He is a quick-twitch athlete who gets off the line of scrimmage in a hurry,” Dove noted. “This speed helps him attack the edge and flatten out to purse the quarterback. He also features a non-stop motor which results in him always playing until the whistle.”

Davenport would help address one of the Packers’ biggest needs, and he has sky-high potential as a pass rusher.

Alongside Matthews and Perry, the Packers would have potential for more consistent pressure off the edge under new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.