2018 NFL mock draft: Packers address defense in first round

Many people are mocking cornerbacks to the Bears right here, and don’t get me wrong, Denzel Ward very easily could get taken, but I believe Edmunds would be the best fit for them. They need help at both inside linebacker and outside linebacker — luckily Edmunds is able to lineup at both.

He is an extremely athletic linebacker who can stretch the field, he is a sensational tackler, and he makes plays no matter where he lines up. Another major plus to the team that ends up drafting Edmunds, is that he will only be turning 20 on May 2.

A pass rusher is most definitely needed by the 49ers, with Elvis Dumervil being their leading sacker last year with only 6.5 sacks, but I could imagine John Lynch would be salivating with Derwin James available at pick #9.

James is a difference maker on defense, and I’m sure Lynch can see many of the same traits in James that he saw in himself as a player. James is a very physical player, he possesses great ball skills, he is dangerous near the line of scrimmage, he can lineup at either safety position, he can lineup in the box as a linebacker, and he can play man in the slot. He is a chess piece that could be used all around the 49ers defense.