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Packers strengthen pass rush, offensive line in FanSided mock draft

By Freddie Boston

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The latest FanSided mock draft has the Green Bay Packers adding an edge rusher and an offensive lineman in the opening round.

Both positions of need for the Green Bay Packers, Patrick Schmidt of FanSided has the team addressing the pass rush and offensive line in his latest mock draft.

With the 12th overall pick, the Packers select edge rusher Montez Sweat out of Mississippi State, followed by offensive lineman Dalton Risner from Kansas State with the 30th selection.

With double-digit sacks in each of the past two seasons, Sweat could help strengthen the Packers’ pass rush right away. If general manager Brian Gutekunst decides to go with an edge rusher with the first pick, Sweat could be the right choice.

The offensive line is also an issue. Bryan Bulaga is a free agent at the end of the 2019 season and has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. Depth at tackle is a concern currently, and Gutekunst could also look to find a guard who can start right away in the draft.

As Schmidt notes in the mock draft, Risner can play multiple positions along the offensive line, and this versatility could make him a great first-round option for Green Bay:

"“The Packers got edge help with their first pick in the draft and come back to add the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft at the end of the first. Dalton Risner can play any position along the line but might be best suited for the interior.”"

The Packers had a good track record of selecting offensive linemen on the third day of the draft under Ted Thompson (David Bakhtiari, Corey Linsley, T.J. Lang and Josh Sitton), but Gutekunst could take a different approach by using a Day 1 pick. With two first-rounders, he has the flexibility to do so.

It would also make sense for Green Bay to add more than one offensive lineman in this year’s draft considering the lack of depth at multiple positions currently on the roster. Risner’s ability to play at various positions would certainly help that.

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What are your thoughts on this mock draft? Who are you hoping Green Bay selects with its two picks in the first round?

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