Packers 2019 mock draft: Both sides of the ball addressed in first round
Pick 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Devin White, LB (LSU)
The writing on the wall for this pick became clear when they did not re-sign Kwon Alexander in free agency. There are some other major holes on this team, such as on the offensive line, edge rush, and safety, but I don’t think there are any players at those positions worth reaching for with the fifth pick.
With Alexander’s departure, the Bucs are left with Deone Bucannon, Kendell Beckwith, Riley Bullough, and Kevin Minter at linebacker. There is a clear need for a game-changer in the middle of the defense. White is as athletic as they come at inside backer and plays with the type of fierceness you want from a linebacker. White is also one of the few players who will only be 21 years old for his entire rookie season. He can grow and stay in Tampa Bay for years to come.
Pick 6: New York Giants
Ed Oliver, DT (Houston)
They could opt to go for a quarterback here, such as Dwayne Haskins, but I personally think the Giants are looking to tank with Eli Manning for a couple of years and hopefully win the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes.
One look at the Giants roster and you can see they are completely ready for a tank, on paper the roster is atrocious. One of the worst parts about the roster is their defensive line, which has Dalvin Tomlinson, BJ Hill, and Olsen Pierre as their current starters.
Ed Oliver could be an immediate game-changer along their defensive front. Very rarely do players of his size come along with out-of-this-world athleticism. The way his feet and hips move for a 6-foot-2, 287-pound defensive lineman, quite frankly, doesn’t make sense. This would be a great start to rebuilding their defense.
Pick 7: Jacksonville Jaguars
Jawaan Taylor, OT (Florida)
It seems as if the Jaguars are in need of solid offensive lineman year in and year out, but rarely address the position early on in the draft. The Jaguars are hoping to have their future quarterback in Nick Foles, but they need to make sure he is protected. Jawaan Taylor has a massive frame with surprising foot quickness for his size. He does need a little bit of work with his run blocking, but his pass protection will be helpful. His nastiness is exactly what you want from an offensive lineman in the trenches.
Pick 8: Detroit Lions
Clelin Ferrell, EDGE (Clemson)
The Lions went out and spent a fair amount of money in free agency to bolster their defense. They added Trey Flowers, but are still in need of another pass rusher on the other end.
Clelin Ferrell is one of the more polished players in the entire draft. He offers a plethora of different pass-rush moves, has active and effective hands, and in my opinion, has the best inside moves of any edge rusher in this draft, which is the reason for his 50.5 TFL in his three seasons at Clemson. He will be a player Matt Patricia loves to have on his defense. He has the versatility to play with his hand in the dirt or standing up rushing off the edge.