Packers 2019 mock draft: Both sides of the ball addressed in first round

Pick 29: Kansas City Chiefs

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, DB (Florida)

I would be astonished if the Chiefs’ first-round pick was not spent on the defensive side of the ball. They are one of the more loaded teams on the offensive side of the ball, while possessing one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and their defense only got worse this offseason after losing players such as Justin Houston, Dee Ford, Eric Berry, Steven Nelson, and Allen Bailey.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson gives them a versatile and talented defensive back they can move around the secondary. He played at both safety and cornerback at Florida, and was effective playing at both. He is above average in coverage and is also helpful against the run.

Pick 30: Green Bay Packers

T.J. Hockenson, TE (Iowa)

The Packers have not had much luck targeting tight ends in free agency as of late. To be honest, I will be surprised if Hockenson drops this far in the draft, but the board just played out that way, fortunately for the Packers.

This could be Jimmy Graham‘s last season in Green Bay as there is an easy out for the Packers next offseason. They signed Marcedes Lewis to another one-year contract, but this will likely be his last as a Packer as well.

Hockenson could end up being an absolute steal at pick 30. He is an elite blocker at his position, possesses great hands, with above average athleticism. That combination of skills makes for one all-around great tight end. He has the potential to be one of the best tight ends in the league for years to come.

Pick 31: Los Angeles Rams

Mack Wilson, LB (Alabama)

Typically, Super Bowl teams have few holes on their roster, and the Rams definitely fit that description. One area of need is at linebacker. Mack Wilson had some impressive tape, but he is flying under the radar due to all the talk about Devin White and Devin Bush.

But I would not be surprised to see Wilson have just as good of a career as either of the Devins. He is a physical presence in the middle of the defense, while also being able to handle coverage duties. He is a true three-down linebacker with plenty of potential, especially on a defense that is already solid up front and in the defensive backfield.

Pick 32: New England Patriots

Jeffery Simmons, DT (Miss St.)

Although Jeffery Simmons is recovering from an unfortunate ACL tear from doing some drills in February, he was widely regarded as a top 10-15 pick in the 2019 draft before the injury. He may not be ready to play in 2019, or he may be able to play part way through the season, but the reward could far outweigh the risk here.

He was unstoppable at times in 2018. He creates havoc for offensive lines with how powerful he is penetrating the middle of the offensive line. The Patriots currently have Lawrence Guy and Mike Pennel starting at defensive tackle, both of which are serviceable, but aren’t game-changers like Simmons is. Simmons could end up being a premier defensive tackle in the league within just a couple years.