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Green Bay Packers mock draft: Complete 7-round edition

By Josh Criswell

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Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

With the recent free agent signing of former Rams tight end Jared Cook, the Green Bay Packers eliminated one of their most glaring needs heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. Given head coach Mike McCarthy’s noted preference to move Clay Mathews to outside linebacker, this leaves inside linebacker as a position that must be targeted early in the draft.

The problem for the Packers?

There is only one true inside linebacker that is worthy of a first-round selection — Alabama senior Reggie Ragland — and there is a strong chance that he will be taken off the board by the time Green Bay makes its selection with the No. 27 overall pick.

Ted Thompson and company could reach for a second-round talent at this slot and fill an undeniable need, but that could be the wrong move. The defensive line is another need for the Packers, and one of the most talented players from this group has witnessed his draft stock free-fall in recent months.

Ole Miss Rebels defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche entered the 2015 college football season as a candidate to become a top-five selection in this year’s draft. After an unfortunate few months that included a legal transgression, failing to meet expectations on the field and a showing at the combine that further accentuated questions about his character, Nkemdiche is in danger of slipping to the second round.

This could prove to be a blessing for the Packers.

Nkemdiche is a top-10 talent in this year’s draft, and being able to grab him with the No. 27 pick would be a steal, regardless of off-the-field issues. He possesses a unique combination of size, strength and athleticism that will give opposing offensive coordinators headaches with the right defense, and has all the potential necessary to become a long-term starter in the NFL.

While Nkemdiche spent the majority of his time at defensive tackle during his time at Ole Miss, his body frame and skill set would make him a perfect fit at defensive end in Green Bay’s 3-4 scheme.

Next: Round 2

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