Packers strengthen offensive line in latest NFL Mocks mock draft

The latest NFL Mocks mock draft has the Green Bay Packers addressing two of their biggest needs in the opening round.

Strengthening the offensive line is one of the top priorities for the Green Bay Packers this offseason, and Erik Lambert of NFL Mocks has them selecting Alabama tackle Jonah Williams with their first of two picks in the opening round in his latest mock draft.

With their second first-round selection at 30th overall, they add Clemson defensive end Christian Wilkins.

Picking an offensive lineman might not sound like the most exciting move, but I would have no complaints. Green Bay allowed 53 sacks this past season, which tied for third-most in the league.

Some of that falls on Aaron Rodgers for not getting the ball out quicker, but the offensive line also needs to play better.

Now, when healthy the Packers have an excellent starting duo at the tackle spots. David Bakhtiari is a three-time All-Pro at left tackle, and Bryan Bulaga is a former Pro Bowler and still an excellent right tackle.

Here’s why the pick makes sense. Tackle is such an important position, especially when you have a two-time MVP-winning quarterback like Aaron Rodgers. You don’t just need quality starters in both positions, but also depth.

Given Bulaga’s injury history, adding a player like Williams in the first round could make a huge difference to the offensive line.

Something else to consider is whether Williams would be best suited as a tackle or guard at the NFL level. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com has him listed as a guard, and ranks Williams 16th among all prospects in this year’s class.

Jeremiah wrote: “Overall, Williams is an excellent prospect and has a chance to be a Pro Bowl guard early in his career.”

The Packers need to find an upgrade at guard this offseason. By selecting Williams, they’d have a player who could potentially start right away at one of the guard spots, but also has experience playing at tackle.

Is the 12th overall pick too high for a guard? Just ask the Indianapolis Colts, who spent the sixth overall pick on Quenton Nelson a year ago. Nelson played a huge part in the Colts going from most sacks allowed in 2017 (56) to the fewest in 2018 (18). Nelson was named a first-team All-Pro, a Pro Bowler and was part of the PFWA All-Rookie Team in his first season.

The Packers also need more depth along the defensive line, which Lambert has them doing with the 30th pick by selecting Christian Wilkins.

Lambert wrote: “He’s not flashy but the guy is strong, sturdy, and relishes doing the dirty work. He’ll swallow up the run game by eating up blockers and is a better pass rusher than he gets credit for.”

A defensive line of Kenny Clark, Mike Daniels, Wilkins and Muhammad Wilkerson (if he re-signs) would be fun to watch. The Packers would have much-needed depth and a lot of talent up front.