Packers add defensive tackle, safety in FanSided mock draft
The latest FanSided mock draft has Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst using both first-round picks on defense.
The Green Bay Packers need to strengthen their defense this offseason. In the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft — assuming they don’t trade — they should focus on adding talent, no matter the position.
There’s always the option to move around to target a specific player at a position of need, but assuming the Packers stay at No. 12 and No. 30, the focus should be adding the best available player. It’s important to address the positions of need this offseason, but it doesn’t necessarily need to happen on the opening night of the draft.
Value is also an important part of the draft. And if Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver is still available when Green Bay hits the clock for the first time this April, he could be a great addition on defense.
That’s exactly who Brad Weiss of FanSided has the Packers selecting first in his latest NFL mock draft.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com ranked Oliver eighth in the entire draft class:
"“Overall, Oliver isn’t as powerful or polished as the Rams’ Aaron Donald, but he has similar athleticism and should be a disruptive force for the team that drafts him”"
If general manager Brian Gutekunst re-signs Muhammad Wilkerson and drafts Oliver at 12th overall, the Packers could have one of the league’s best defensive lines in 2019. Oliver could be an excellent addition to the defensive line alongside Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels.
With the No. 30 pick, Weiss has Green Bay selecting Alabama safety Deionte Thompson. Safety is one of the team’s top needs, and Thompson could be the answer.
While this mock draft doesn’t have Green Bay strengthening its pass rush, Gutekunst would still have a number of opportunities to do so at other times. First, the Packers will likely be active in free agency. They will also have eight more selections (before trades) on the final two days of the draft.
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The Packers need to strengthen the roster in any way they can, and in this mock draft they do just that.