Packers: Backup edge rusher needed in Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers will be looking to add to the edge rusher position, presumably via the 2022 NFL Draft in less than three weeks.

This is important after the recent news of veteran edge rusher Whitney Mercilus calling it a career after a decade in the league. He spent 9.5 seasons with the Houston Texans and spent the last little piece with the Packers.

Had the Packers and he been able to strike a deal for a return, the Packers would be in a strong spot on the edge with their top three being Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Mercilus. Now that Green Bay loses that experience, they will need to look to the draft.

Gary has set a career-high in sacks every single one of his three years in the NFL (9.5 last season).

Smith is fresh off of a much better season than the previous one as he improved in sacks, forced fumbles, tackles for loss, and QB hits. He just inked a new three-year deal to remain a part of Joe Barry’s defense.

But after those two pieces, there isn’t much. Backups Jonathan Garvin (going into his third season) and Tipa Galeai (entering his second season) have a combined 2.5 sacks.

The NFC is not the AFC in terms of its depth at QB. However, Green Bay is going to have to face Tom Brady again, possibly twice. They will face Josh Allen this season. They will meet the Los Angeles Rams. They need to get deeper on the edge despite their solid starters.

With the Packers most likely looking to go receiver early on in the draft, it’s possible they won’t get their edge rusher in the first round. That is okay. Remember, they aren’t looking for starters. They are looking for quality depth.

In the middle rounds, keep an eye out for Kentucky’s Josh Paschal and USC’s Drake Jackson. Both are 6-foot-3, 255+ lbs. Paschal ran a 4.7 at the combine, Jackson ran a 4.5. Both programs have a history of churning out great edge rushers.

Green Bay could look to grab one of those guys once they address their most pressing need, which of course is receiver.