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The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.
Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at edge rusher:
On the roster
– Za’Darius Smith, signed through 2022
– Preston Smith, signed through 2022
– Rashan Gary, signed through 2022
– Randy Ramsey, signed through 2021
– Tim Williams, signed through 2020
– Greg Roberts, signed through 2021
– Jamal Davis, signed through 2020
Short term need
Low. The Packers have an elite starter (Za’Darius Smith), an above-average starter (Preston Smith) and a high-upside backup (Rashan Gary). They’ll also return three young players from last year (Randy Ramsey, Tim Williams, Greg Roberts) who could compete to be the fourth edge rusher. The Packers lost rotational snaps when Kyler Fackrell and his versatile skill set left in free agency, but there’s more than enough on the roster for the defense to thrive at edge rusher in 2020.
Long term need
Low to moderate. Teams are always searching for players who can disrupt the passing game, so long term need at edge rusher never goes away. The Packers, like all teams, add pass-rushers every year to guard against future need at the position.
Chances of drafting position
Decent. Edge rusher might not be a high priority for the Packers in this draft, but you can bet GM Brian Gutekunst will be prepared to pounce should any talented rusher drop, even in the first round and on Day 2. With seven picks on Day 3, the Packers could target another developmental option to add to the mix.
Depth of draft class
Average. Chase Young could be a transcendent talent, but the quality thins at the position relatively quick. It’s not a great year to need a ready-to-play edge rusher. The Packers will be looking for depth, possibly late in the draft.
Options
– A.J. Epenesa (defensive line versatility)
– Zack Baun (off-ball linebacker versatility)
– Terrell Lewis
– Josh Uche (off-ball linebacker versatility)
– Alton Robinson
– Darrell Taylor
– Anfernee Jennings
– Jonathan Garvin
– D.J. Wonnum
– James Smith-Williams
– Carter Coughlin
Last edge rusher drafted
2019. The Packers took Rashan Gary out of Michigan with the 12th overall pick.
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