Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette picked a terrific tandem of prospects for the Packers in USA TODAY’s first-round mock draft featuring reporters and analysts from across the network.
Dougherty’s picks addressed two of the Packers’ biggest needs: wide receiver and edge rusher. At No. 22 overall, Dougherty selected Ohio State receiver Chris Olave. At No. 28, he got Purdue edge rusher George Karlaftis.
Getting Olave and Karlaftis on Thursday night would have to represent a preferred scenario for the Packers. Olave is a smooth route runner who can create separation and help reproduce some of the easy completions Davante Adams once provided in the passing game. Karlaftis is an athletic power rusher who can disrupt from the edge and inside and would help replace some of the production Za’Darius Smith once provided against opposing quarterbacks.
