Packers trade up in mock draft following free agency signings

Round 1, Pick 12: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

Edge rusher was the Packers’ biggest need entering free agency, and they’ve already made some big changes at the position. The Packers announced that they have released Nick Perry, and Clay Matthews is currently a free agent.

Just because the Packers don’t need to select an edge rusher at No. 12, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t. If Brian Burns is still on the board and they select him here, it’s fair to say the Packers won’t have to worry about the pass rush too much entering 2019.

Burns is one of the best defensive prospects in the entire class, and he could be a Day 1 starter in Mike Pettine’s defense. Now imagine a combination of Burns, Za’Darius and Preston Smith, and Kyler Fackrell. And don’t forget about Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark.

Joe Marino of The Draft Network had high praise for Burns in his draft profile:

"“His blend of length, flexibility, technical refinement, football IQ and burst serve as a strong foundation for him to become a dynamic playmaking defender in the NFL.”"

By signing Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, the Packers don’t need to use an early pick at the position. But by selecting Burns in the first round, the pass rush would no longer be a weakness, but one of the defense’s biggest strengths.