Niner Noise
FanSided

2019 NFL Draft: Early Round 1 mock for all 32 teams across the league

By Peter Panacy

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A Dallas Cowboys fan cheers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A Dallas Cowboys fan cheers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – OCTOBER 13: Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles sacks quarterback Jordan Travis #6 of the Louisville Cardinals during the fourth quarter of the game at Alumni Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – OCTOBER 13: Zach Allen #2 of the Boston College Eagles sacks quarterback Jordan Travis #6 of the Louisville Cardinals during the fourth quarter of the game at Alumni Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

Boston College. Zach Allen. 22. player. 49. . EDGE

The Green Bay Packers have a few needs on the defensive side of the ball, including possibly finding replacements for safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and edge rusher Clay Matthews — both of whom are in contract years.

Matthews is also declining and has just 1.5 sacks on the season. While he has been getting some pressure over the course of the year, it’s pretty clear he’s no longer playing at the Pro Bowl level we used to see not so long ago.

If one has to choose the pass rush or the secondary, the former is always a smarter option. A good pass rush can negate a questionable defensive backfield, which the Packers have seemingly had on a yearly basis.

Boston College EDGE Zach Allen is a versatile piece, capable of playing on the inside or doubling to the outside and using his unique physique and strength to get to opponents’ quarterbacks.

That versatility would go a long way for Green Bay’s up-front defense.