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Packers land top edge rusher in FanSided 2019 mock draft

By Freddie Boston

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on while playing the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on while playing the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers add an edge rusher and wide receiver in the opening round of FanSided’s latest mock draft.

Entering the 2019 NFL Draft with two first-round selections, the Packers have an opportunity to fix two of the team’s biggest needs right away.

In the latest FanSided mock draft by Brad Weiss, the Packers select edge rusher Rashan Gary with the 12th overall pick, and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf with the 30th selection.

Both picks make sense as edge rusher and wide receiver are two of the team’s top needs this offseason.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network has Gary ranked fourth in the entire draft class.

Jeremiah wrote: “Gary is a freak. He has a unique blend of size, speed, explosiveness and power. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always translate to production.”

While Gary might need some time to develop in Mike Pettine’s defense, at 12th overall it would be difficult to pass up his potential. Gary could be a difference-maker in the Packers defense for a number of years, which is important with Clay Matthews possibly departing in free agency.

Green Bay can’t just rely on fixing the pass rush with one draft pick. General manager Brian Gutekunst should use free agency to bring in a couple of additions on defense, too. But picking Gary in the first round could be a great start to the draft.

Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison are both free agents this offseason, making wide receiver another position of need for the Packers.

Metcalf is ranked 11th in Jeremiah’s top 50 rankings, so this would be an excellent pick for Green Bay if he’s still there at 30th overall.

Jon Ledyard of The Draft Network had high praise for Metcalf in his draft profile.

He wrote: “Receivers with Metcalf’s raw talents don’t come around very often, as his size, speed, quickness, high-point ability and vertical prowess make him a truly special prospect.”

With Davante Adams as the Packers’ number one receiver, Metcalf would be able to come in right away and contribute as the second or third pass catcher in Matt LaFleur’s offense. The two could become one of the best wide receiver pairings in the NFL very quickly.

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Both Gary and Metcalf could be great additions to this team. If the first round of the draft plays out as it did in Brad Weiss’ mock draft, there will be a lot to be excited about.

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