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Green Bay Packers mock draft: Complete 7-round edition

By Josh Criswell

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Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) works out prior to the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) works out prior to the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite recording 43 sacks last season, tied for the seventh-most in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers arrive at the draft in need of improving their pass rush — primarily at the outside linebacker position.

Six-time Pro Bowler Clay Mathews is slated to return to the outside next season, which will certainly give Green Bay a boost on the edge. With the injury-prone Nick Perry and an aging Julius Peppers at the position, though, the time is now to add depth at outside linebacker.

Georgia’s Jordan Jenkins would not only give the Packers a proven, physical linebacker capable of contributing immediately. He would give them a high-potential player that could thrive opposite of Clay Mathews for the foreseeable future.

Jenkins may not be the most prolific edge rusher in the 2016 NFL Draft, recording just four sacks in 2015, but the 6-foot-3, 239-pound linebacker compiled a respectable 19 totals sacks during his college career. And most importantly for Green Bay’s case, he will not experience much of a learning curve going from Georgia’s 3-4 defensive front to  Dom Capers’ similar scheme.

For a team in the Packers that are on the verge of Super Bowl contention, the value of a player that can join the team with a seamless transition cannot be emphasized enough.

Next: Round 4, pick No. 2

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