The Green Bay Packers are 8-3 in their first year under Matt LaFleur and are amid the tight playoff race in the NFC. Provided that, it's never too early to look ahead and the Packers should look into Notre Dame pass rusher Khalid Kareem in the 2020 NFL Draft.
At this moment, Green Bay holds the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Without a doubt, the Packers will likely shift their focus on a few wide receivers who could be available near the end of the first round.
But if the wide receiver that they like isn't there when they have to hand in their card, Green Bay should consider selecting Kareem from Notre Dame.
During the offseason, the Packers spent a hefty amount of money to bring in Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith to bolster their pass rush. As a result, those two have combined for 20.5 sacks in their first 11 games together.
It goes without saying that it was worth the money to sign both of those edge rushers. While both Smiths have combined for 20.5 sacks, the rest of the roster has only been able to contribute 7.5 sacks.
In light of that, the Packers could use some more help along the defensive line. Back in March, the Packers selected Rashan Gary in the first round of the draft.
Gary, an outside linebacker, hasn't seen the field much in his rookie season. At defensive end, Green Bay currently starts the likes of Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster.
Considering that Lowry received a lucrative extension before the 2019 season, he is locked in at his position. On the other hand, the Packers would benefit from adding another capable pass rusher in the trenches.
That is where Kareem comes into the picture for the Packers. Kareem is in his senior season with Notre Dame, where he's played at for three seasons.
Over his collegiate career, Kareem has contributed 13 sacks, 102 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. This year alone, the athletic defensive end has 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.
At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Kareem has shown that he can move around along the defensive line. The Packers could undoubtedly use some versatility on their defensive front.
The addition of Kareem would give Za'Darius and Preston Smith some help at getting after the quarterback. In today's NFL, you have to be able to throw the ball and get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Again, the Packers will likely hone in on a few wide receivers that could aid Aaron Rodgers and the offense. At the same time, it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for Green Bay to contemplate selecting Kareem.
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