NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Quarterbacks rise post-combine, Redskins land pass catcher

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
31 of 33
Next
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – OCTOBER 13: Chris Lindstrom #75 of the Boston College Eagles leads the Boston College Eagles out of the tunnel before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – OCTOBER 13: Chris Lindstrom #75 of the Boston College Eagles leads the Boston College Eagles out of the tunnel before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

. Offensive Guard. Boston College. Chris Lindstrom. 30. player. 49

Back to back Boston College players in the first round? Yeah, it’s possible. It’s also the second time I’ve had back to back ACC players from the same school in this mock for those keeping score at home.

But, I digress. The Packers need to make sure they build up their protection around Aaron Rodgers as the veteran quarterback enters the latter stages of his career. He got hit too much last year even after the first week of the season when it looked like he suffered a potentially season-ending injury against the Bears. Of course, he returned to that game, but he never looked 100 percent for the rest of the year.

Part of the problem is that the Packers lack talent on their offensive line. Their tackles are good (when healthy) and their center is solid. But their guard play, particularly on the right side, leaves a lot to be desired.

Chris Lindstrom would be a perfect plug-and-play option at the position. He tested well at the combine (his 4.91 in the 40 was the second-fastest among offensive linemen) and was one of the best interior linemen in college football last season. He also interviewed very well and has great football I.Q.

Lindstrom would help keep Rodgers upright and that would do a lot to help the Packers have a bounce-back season. With the need on the edge already addressed, grabbing Lindstrom at 30 is a no-brainer for the Packers.