Round 1 (No. 12 overall) – Edge Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
Round 1 (No. 30) – RB Elijah Holyfield, Georgia
Round 2 (No. 44) – TE Irv Smith Jr., Alabama
Round 3 (No. 75) – OG Ben Powers, Oklahoma
Sweat has been a very consistent pass rusher for Mississippi State the last two seasons. In 2017, Sweat recorded 48 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. This year, Sweat has recorded 51 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. Sweat was named to the AP All-America Second Team this year for his production.
“Sweat fills a void by adding strength and agility off the edge,” Reuter wrote.
So Sweat fills a much-needed void on defense. But the pick of Holyfield is interesting because the Packers have two quality backs in Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Reuter does have a reason when it comes to the Packers taking the former UGA running back.
“This guy is the Real Deal (a nickname that belongs to his famous father, Evander),” Reuter wrote. “New HC Matt LaFleur wants to run — and Aaron Jones, the Packers’ leading rusher last season, has had three knee injuries in two seasons.”
After playing behind Nick Chubb and Sony Michel in 2017, Holyfield emerged as one of the top backs in the SEC in 2018, rushing for 1,018 yards and seven touchdowns on 159 carries. He ranked 23rd in the nation in yards per carry and he was named one of the permanent team captains.
With Jimmy Graham not living up to expectations in 2018, the Packers are in need of a playmaker at the tight end position which is why Reuter has the Packers taking Smith in the second round.
“Jimmy Graham might be back in 2019, but the future is not so clear for impending free agents Lance Kendricks and Marcedes Lewis,” Reuter wrote.
Smith had a breakout 2018 season for the Crimson Tide, posting 44 receptions for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. He could be the starting tight end in 2020 as the team could cut Graham after the 2019 season.
The offensive line can always be improved and they can grab their next star offensive lineman in the third round by drafting Powers.
“The Packers have not invested enough in their offensive line in recent years,” Reuter said. “Powers will start for them for a decade.”
Powers was a consensus All-American and an Outland Trophy Semifinalist in 2018. He started all 13 games at guard for the Sooners and did not allow one sack.
