Green Bay Packers: 4-Round 2019 mock draft following free agency
By Joe Kipp
Round 1, Pick 12: Ed Oliver, DL, Houston
This may feel like a luxury pick, but when a top five caliber player falls this far, it’d be silly not to take him. That’s why, with the 12th overall pick, the Green Bay Packers select Houston’s Ed Oliver in this scenario. Oliver is an extremely versatile defender who has the ability to line up anywhere along the defensive line.
At the NFL Combine last month, Oliver weighed in at 6-2 and 290 pounds. He was rumored to play at around 275 pounds while at Houston. Once considered the favorite to be the No. 1 overall selection in this year’s draft, Oliver presents tremendous upside. He’s been compared to Los Angeles Rams’ star lineman Aaron Donald.
"“Twitched-up ball of explosive fury from the moment he comes out of his stance, but his lack of NFL size and length creates challenges with his NFL projection. Oliver’s athletic ability is beyond rare, but his ability to add and maintain mass could be the critical for his future success.” – NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein"
Not only is this pick a major value, but it helps the Packers better prepare for the future. Current interior lineman Mike Daniels, who’s set to turn 30 years old this May, has an expiring contract next offseason. Oliver would be a home-run replacement and allow the Packers to allocate funds elsewhere instead of re-signing Daniels.