Green Bay Packers: Seven round mock draft pre-free agency

Round 3: OLB Deion Jones, LSU

Deion Jones is listed as an outside linebacker, but he would probably fit best in the Green Bay defense with a move inside. The Packers have a strong run defender inside with Jake Ryan, but they need a capable coverage linebacker with Clay Matthews moving back outside.

Jones can be that guy. He has the speed to run from sideline to sideline and can make plays in coverage. Any young prospect with the combination of outstanding athleticism and speed deserves a look at, and Jones has the talent to become a capable starter at inside linebacker in Green Bay.

Coverage is one of his strengths, and he looks comfortable when matched up against tight ends. Jones could form a strong partnership with Ryan inside which would give the Packers a young core at the center of the defense.

More importantly, plugging him in inside would allow Matthews to make a permanent switch back to outside linebacker, which is bad news for opposing quarterbacks. Matthews is the ultimate team player and has stuck it out inside despite having to learn a new position, but head coach Mike McCarthy has made it perfectly clear he intends on moving his star defender back to his natural positon.

Next: Round 4