Packers: Defense the focus in NFL Spin Zone 2019 mock draft
Defense is the focus for the Green Bay Packers in the latest NFL Spin Zone 2019 mock draft following the wild-card round.
It’s no secret the Packers need to find an edge rusher early in the 2019 NFL Draft.
It would come as no surprise if general manager Brian Gutekunst used the team’s first selection in the draft to add an edge rusher, which is exactly what NFL Spin Zone’s Randy Gurzi predicted in his latest mock draft.
Gurzi had the Packers using their first of two picks in the opening round, at 12th overall, on Florida edge rusher Jachai Polite.
Eric Robinson of NFL Mocks believes Polite “has the tools to be a double-digit sack maker in the NFL”. If he’s available when the Packers hit the clock at No. 12, it might be a move worth making for Brian Gutekunst.
Gutekunst first needs to decide whether to offer Clay Matthews a new contract. Matthews is set to become a free agent this offseason.
With Green Bay’s second selection in the first round, which is from New Orleans, Gurzi has the Packers adding another defensive talent, Boston College defensive lineman Zach Allen.
Chris Trapasso of CBSSports.com ranked Allen 11th among all draft prospects back in November. If he’s still there at No. 32 and the Packers can add both Polite and Allen to the defense, it would be an excellent start to the draft.
The defense improved under defensive coordinator Mike Pettine this season, but a lot of work still needs to be done.
Green Bay will need to strengthen the offensive line and possibly add another tight end or wide receiver at some point in the draft, so the three-day event can’t be entirely defensive-focused.
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But if Brian Gutekunst can add two potential difference makers on defense in the opening round, it would be the perfect start on Day 1.