Packers add two edge rushers in first round of NFL Spin Zone mock draft
The Green Bay Packers land two edge rushers in the first round of the latest NFL Spin Zone mock draft.
Strengthening the pass rush is the number one priority for Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst this offseason, and that’s exactly what Randy Gurzi has the Packers doing in his latest mock draft for NFL Spin Zone.
In the mock, Green Bay selects Florida edge rusher Jachai Polite with the 12th overall pick, and doubles down at the position by drafting Florida State edge rusher Brian Burns at 30th overall.
Even with the roster as it was in 2018, the Packers would need to add more talent at edge rusher this offseason. But that’s before we consider that Clay Matthews is a free agent and the team could decide to move on from Nick Perry.
Polite has been a popular choice to Green Bay in mock drafts, and for good reason.
Jon Ledyard of The Draft Network had high praise for Polite in his draft profile: “NFL teams may overlook him because of his frame, but the traits are here for Polite to be a double-digit sack guy at the next level.”
The Packers used their top two picks at the cornerback position last offseason with Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson, and Brian Gutekunst could look to do the same again this year with edge rushers.
In this mock, Green Bay uses its second first-round pick to select Brian Burns.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com has Burns ranked as the 43rd best prospect in this year’s class. Jeremiah wrote: “Overall, Burns needs to get stronger, but his upside is sky high because of his length and speed.”
Edge rusher will be the top priority for the Packers in the draft, but Brian Gutekunst should also look to add a free agent or two at the position. Relying on rookies to help out right away in year one doesn’t always go to plan. It can take time for young players.
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If the Packers select Polite and Burns with their first two picks and are able to sign a free agent like Frank Clark, if he’s available, the pass rush should be much improved in 2019.