Packers improve offense in NFL first-round mock draft
By Ojas Kalia
Detroit Lions, Pick 9: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
The Lions got the defensive lineman they needed in Trey Flowers. Now they look towards another position of need: an edge rusher. This edge-rushing class is extremely deep, so the Lions try their luck in the sweepstakes. Burns jumps to the third spot in this class because his speed is so rare to see at this position. The Lions trust they can help him develop his strength more, and pick up Burns with the eighth pick.
Denver Broncos, Pick 10: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa State
If Denver wants to address their need at the tight end position, then Hockenson is their guy. He does it all. He offers protection to the quarterback and in the run game because of his outstanding blocking ability. He’s a threat in the red zone because of his size. He stretches the field because of his speed and route-running ability. He would be a great weapon for new head coach Vic Fangio to use in his offense.
Cincinnati Bengals, Pick 11: Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan
The Bengals look towards Bush, an extremely athletic linebacker from Michigan, to fill the hole at linebacker left by the departure of Vontaze Burfict. Bush, an All-American linebacker, did well during his time at Michigan, producing in every game he played in blue and yellow.
But what pushes Bush up to the top of the first round would be his performance at the combine, where he ran a 4.43 40-yard-dash, had a vertical jump of 40.5 inches and had 21 reps in the bench press.
Green Bay Packers, Pick 12: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
Aaron Rodgers was sacked 49 times last year. Bringing down that number is the focus of this pick, as the Packers select offensive tackle Jonah Williams from Alabama. I believe the Packers kick Williams inside and breath a sigh of relief, now looking at a solid offensive line to keep Rodgers protected for the upcoming season.
Miami Dolphins, Pick 13: Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma State
From what I’m seeing, the Dolphins have a very interesting plan in place. They are building a foundation to prepare for drafting a quarterback in next year’s extremely deep class, meaning that they will aim to find solid starters in this year’s class and skip out on drafting a quarterback. They put the foundation in place with the selection of OG Cody Ford, who would certainly be a quality starter for Miami.
Atlanta Falcons, Pick 14: Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
Gary did show some inconsistency during his time at Michigan, as many analysts cited that he had a hard time of separating from blockers and almost seemed to “give up” on plays he looked defeated on. However, Gary did show he has the chops to play at the next level during tons of his reps, and I think the Falcons see the positive and pick up the budding edge rusher.
Washington Redskins, Pick 15: D.K Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
The Redskins might have to adopt a plan similar to what the Dolphins are doing after the injury to Alex Smith took them off track. They pick up a wide receiver with tons of potential to help them get ready for next year’s big draft.
Carolina Panthers, Pick 16: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi
The Panthers need an offensive lineman. I get it. But seeing the teams picking before them that have the same need, I think they wait until the second and third rounds to address protection for Cam Newton. Instead, they add edge rusher Montez Sweat with the 16th pick, who after his combine performance can be categorized as a steal here for the Panthers.