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Packers: 53-man roster predictions after 2019 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on while playing the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on while playing the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Outside linebackers (6)

Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Kyler Fackrell, Kendall Donnerson, Reggie Gilbert

Possibly the most improved position group on the entire team is at edge rusher. The Packers moved on from Nick Perry and Clay Matthews this spring, turning to free agency to find their replacements with Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. Gutekunst then doubled down in the draft by selecting Rashan Gary with the 12th-overall pick.

The two Smiths give the Packers a huge upgrade at outside linebacker, and Gary also has the potential to become a key part of this defense. Production was an issue at college, but the Packers will be hoping that will change working in Mike Pettine’s defense.

And let’s not forget that Kyler Fackrell had more sacks than anyone else on this team in 2018, finishing with a career-best 10.5. Even if he doesn’t hit double-digit sacks again this year, Fackrell has proved he deserves a place on this roster and will be an effective part of the pass-rush rotation.

The Packers will also be hoping for more from 2018 seventh-round pick Kendall Donnerson, and also Reggie Gilbert, who finished with only 2.5 sacks last year after an impressive preseason.

It’s obvious what Gutekunst’s number one priority was this spring. If the Packers’ big moves at edge rusher pay off, the entire defense will take a huge step forward.

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