2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Packers could take in Round 1

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 23: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) after the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the Green Bay Packers on December 23, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 23: The New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders take a group photo after the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the Green Bay Packers on December 23, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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BOISE, ID – SEPTEMBER 10: Offensive lineman Andre Dillard #60 of the Washington State Cougars battles defensive end Jabril Frazier #8 of the Boise State Broncos during second half action on September 10, 2016 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 31-28. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

1. Andre Dillard

The No. 1 priority for the Green Bay Packers in 2019 has to be making sure Aaron Rodgers stay healthy for the full season. Adding the best pure pass blocker in this year’s class would really help the franchise achieve that important goal.

Dillard isn’t a great run blocker, but he has the chance to develop into an exceptional pass blocker at the NFL level. Guys who are 6-foot-5, 315 pounds who run 4.94 40-yard dashes just aren’t that common. In addition to his foot speed, Dillard also has the long arms that NFL scouts covet at the left tackle position.

The downside to selecting Dillard at No. 12 is that the Packers would hope he doesn’t need to play as a rookie. The aforementioned Bulaga has the right tackle position sewn up and David Bakhtiari might be the best left tackle in the game. The plan for Green Bay would be to start Dillard on the right in 2020 and have him eventually move to the blind side when Bakhtiari’s time is up.

dark. Next. 7-round mock draft for the Packers

For some teams, that might seem like a luxury pick. The Packers’ dependence on a healthy Rodgers makes them a little bit different though. Securing an elite pass blocker to provide insurance against an injury to a starting tackle would be a quality move by the Green Bay front office.

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