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Packers: Defensive focus in latest 2019 mock draft

By Freddie Boston

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators puts a hit on Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers as he loses the ball during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators puts a hit on Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers as he loses the ball during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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In the most recent NFL Spin Zone mock draft, the Green Bay Packers focus on defense in the opening two rounds.

The Green Bay Packers‘ defense still needs a lot of work, particularly at edge rusher, safety and the defensive line.

With two selections in the opening round of the 2019 NFL Draft, general manager Brian Gutekunst could decide to focus on the defense.

Randy Gurzi of NFL Spin Zone has the Packers selecting edge rusher Jachai Polite and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in the first round. In the second round, they add safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Polite’s teammate at Florida.

While the Packers shouldn’t draft for need, if Polite is still on the board at No. 12, he could be the best player at any position. He can make a difference right away in Mike Pettine’s defense, just as Jaire Alexander did this past season.

Polite is coming off an 11-sack season at Florida, which would be great news for a Green Bay defense aiming to get more production from its edge rushers. Polite also forced six fumbles and had four pass breakups in 2018.

The Packers have two excellent defensive linemen in Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels, but adding more depth to the line is important this offseason. Lawrence’s best work comes against the run, but like Clark and Daniels, he’d also be able to provide some interior pressure. Lawrence had seven sacks in 2016.

Gardner-Johnson would help fix the need at safety. Here’s what Randy Gurzi wrote about the selection in the mock draft:

"“The former Florida Gator recorded nine interceptions in three seasons and is a willing tackler, while also showing tremendous overall improvement during his final season in Gainesville.”"

If Green Bay re-signs cornerback Bashaud Breeland and defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson, then selects Polite and Lawrence in the first round and Gardner-Johnson in the second round, the defense will already have the potential to be much improved in 2019.

What are your thoughts on this defensive-focused mock draft for the Green Bay Packers?

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