Packers address offense in NFL Spin Zone 2019 mock draft

In the latest NFL Spin Zone 2019 mock draft, the Green Bay Packers use both of their first-round picks on offense.1

Defense has been the focus in the first round of the NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers in recent years. The Packers have selected a defensive player with their top pick in the past seven drafts.

The last offensive player they selected first was tackle Derek Sherrod in 2011. A year prior they used a first-rounder on tackle Bryan Bulaga.

The aim of recent drafts has been clear: fix the defense. With Aaron Rodgers leading the way on offense, the team has been set on this side of the ball. Rodgers has always been surrounding with a strong supporting cast.

Could the trend of going defense early change in 2019?

Randy Gurzi of NFL Spin Zone believes so. In his latest NFL mock draft, he has Green Bay using its two first-round picks on offense.

The first (interestingly at pick 24, which means he expects Green Bay to be eliminated in the wild-card round), is running back Bryce Love.

Interesting to say the least. Entering the 2018 season, the Packers feel pretty good about their running back room, with a talented trio of Ty Montgomery, Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones. Something would have to go wrong for the Packers to consider a running back with their first pick next year.

But maybe it would just be a case of not wanting to pass up on the most talented player on the board. And Gurzi makes a strong case for Love:

"“Running back Bryce Love is their pick here and he can do exactly that. He blew up in 2017 when Christian McCaffrey went pro. Taking the lead back role, Love rushed for 2,118 yards and 19 touchdowns.”"

A lot can change in a year. Maybe one of the team’s top running backs will be traded, or maybe one or two of them simply won’t play well in 2018. Perhaps Brian Gutekunst will see Bryce Love as a great fit in Green Bay’s offense and a player he can’t pass up.

Either way, the Packers’ offense got stronger with their first pick.

With their second selection (26th overall), which comes from New Orleans as a result of their first-round trade this year, the Packers add offensive tackle Martez Ivey.

This pick works for me.

Bryan Bulaga has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. Even if he plays all 16 games this season, the Packers could look for a long-term replacement.

Could the Packers use their top two picks on offense next season? It would be a big move by Brian Gutekunst.