Packers select quarterback in early NFL Mocks 2019 mock draft
In the latest NFL Mocks 2019 mock draft, the Green Bay Packers select outside linebacker Josh Allen and quarterback Will Grier.
Erik Lambert of NFL Mocks published his latest 2019 mock draft earlier this week, and had the Green Bay Packers (finally) strengthening their pass rush, while also adding a first-round quarterback.
He mocked Kentucky outside linebacker Josh Allen to Green Bay at No. 22 overall, followed by West Virginia quarterback Will Grier at No. 32.
The Packers have two picks inside the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. They will receive the New Orleans Saints’ first-rounder due to the trade in this year’s event that saw the Saints move up to No. 14 overall for edge rusher Marcus Davenport.
Lambert predicts the Saints will win the Super Bowl, which means the Packers receive the No. 32 pick from New Orleans. From a Packers perspective, that would be the worst case scenario.
But if the mock plays out like this, the team would be able to address a position of need first, before using the next pick on a quarterback for the future.
The Packers needed more help to the pass rush this offseason, but GM Brian Gutekunst didn’t use an early draft pick on an outside linebacker. Part of that could have been the draft board, the strength of the position in the class, or simply because Gutekunst preferred other players in each round.
Time will tell whether Green Bay’s lack of depth at edge rusher will cost them.
Here’s what Lambert wrote about the Allen pick at No. 22:
"“Despite not being a full-time pass rusher, he flashed loads of potential at Kentucky. He’s got that mix of explosion, length, quickness and athleticism teams always covet from 3-4 outside linebackers. Give him enough time to learn the ropes and he’ll be someone who can quarterback hunt with the best.”"
Clay Matthews‘ contract expires at the end of the season, so the Packers could turn to the draft to find his replacement if he doesn’t re-sign.
Could the team really use one of its first-round choices on a quarterback next year? Aaron Rodgers will be 35 years old, so it’s certainly possible.
If Green Bay selected a QB in the first round, it would give them the luxury of a fifth-year option. Assuming the team picked up that option, the quarterback (Grier in this mock) would become a free agent following the 2023 season. By then, Rodgers would be 40, and Grier would have spent five years preparing for the job.
Sounds good on paper. Of course, in the NFL it rarely works out that smoothly.
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What would you think of these two selections in the first round next year?