The Green Bay Packers addressed one major need in the first round. They may check another box on Day 2.
While Brian Gutekunst is unpredictable (see: Jordan Love selection), it is possible to gain clues. Reading the tea leaves made it feel like the first-round wide receiver buzz was real this time. The Packers had done extensive work at the position and failed to hide their interest. That was proven right with the Matthew Golden pick in Round 1.
Another glaring issue is the pass rush. Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur made it crystal clear that the defense needed to generate more consistent pressure. Part of that comes from within, but the Packers can also upgrade their pass rush with acquisitions.
There are several second-round options, but one stands out above the rest.
Jordan Burch to the Packers feels inevitable in the second round
Much like the Packers couldn’t hide their interest in the wide receivers, Oregon prospects have also clearly caught their attention. Gutekunst attended the Ducks’ Pro Day alongside VP of Player Personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan and Director of Player Personnel John Wojciechowski. In other words, his biggest decision-makers.
They may have wanted a front-row seat to watch defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted two picks before the Packers.
Another name to pay attention to is pass-rusher Jordan Burch. Like Golden, Burch visited Green Bay on a Top 30 visit.
He is the perfect Packers prospect. Burch is an outstanding athlete and, like Rashan Gary, offers the versatility to play across the defensive line. Jeff Hafley could use him outside but also have him provide interior pass rush.
Burch is coming off an 8.5-sack season, his best in college, and the best is yet to come.
“Burch leaves too many plays on the field, but the upside will have teams anxious to light the fire and get more out of him,” NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote.
The Packers need more — a lot more — from their pass rush, and Burch has the tools to become a difference-maker.
While Green Bay could target a cornerback, many of the top prospects remaining have injury concerns, like Michigan’s Will Johnson and Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison. Burch could combine need and value at No. 54, making him a possible home-run pick for the Packers.
