Predicting the Green Bay Packers’ first-round draft picks

Who will the Green Bay Packers select with their two first-round picks?

Well, it finally happened, folks.

Aaron Rodgers couldn’t mask the deficiencies of the Green Bay Packers‘ roster any longer and it resulted in the highest draft pick the team has had in a decade at 12th overall. Add in pick 30 from a 2018 draft-day trade with New Orleans, and the team is sitting pretty in early draft capital.

After being the anti-Ted Thompson in free agency, general manager Brian Gutekunst shouldn’t be pigeonholed to one position in this year’s draft. First, let’s take a wild guess (because that’s really all these predictions are) at pick 12.

Magic 8-ball says the Packers’ first pick at 12th overall will be — Brian Burns, edge rusher from Florida State.

Burns would add a nice speed element to the pass rush after running a 4.53 at this year’s combine. Mix in his long arms and really good athleticism and he would pair well with the new Packers rushers.

Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network has Burns has a top-three player and wrote that he is a “special prospect” who has “game-changing qualities”.

Burns would give Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine a new toy and allow him to be even more flexible with the defense.

Now, onto pick 30. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Packers trade up from 30 into the early 20s and snag a falling player, but for this post, we’re gonna say they stay at 30. Let’s give the magic 8-ball one more shake. The outlook says — A.J. Brown, wide receiver from Ole Miss.

I have been on record with my love for Brown to the Packers, so let’s just lock it in one last time. Brown would be a great replacement for Cobb in the slot and bring excellent route-running and quick feet, as well as great size for the position.

D.K. Metcalf may get all the attention, but in my opinion, Brown is a much better football player. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report has Brown ranked as his top wide receiver and number 14 overall. It’s time to spend a first-round pick on an offensive skill player and give Aaron Rodgers some extra help.

Happy Draft Week, everyone!