Green Bay Packers: Seven round mock draft pre-free agency
![Sep 26, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers tight end Tyler Higbee (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in front of Miami (Oh) Redhawks defensive back Deondre Daniels (15) during the second half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 56-14. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports Sep 26, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers tight end Tyler Higbee (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in front of Miami (Oh) Redhawks defensive back Deondre Daniels (15) during the second half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 56-14. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Flombardiave-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F03-2Fncaa-football-miami-ohio-western-kentucky-590x900-f9115354a26c0b03a5abd83cbb82fbff76b9859068d6e5a9e835c5b7de1633d3.jpg)
Round 5: OLB De’Vondre Campbell, Minnesota
In the later rounds, the Packers can begin to stock up on prospects to develop. It’s always a smart idea to add big, athletic guys to the roster. Outside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell fits the bill. Campbell is 6-foot-4, 232 pounds with great athleticism. He has good speed and length to match.
He has the raw tools to become a productive player in the NFL, but needs to be developed to play the linebacker position. It’s unknown whether he’ll become a starter or backup at the next level, but the potential is certainly there to become a key part of the Packers’ defense.
Julius Peppers is almost certainly entering the final year of his career — in Green Bay at least — and will need to be replaced down the line. There is also uncertainty regarding the future of free agents Nick Perry and Mike Neal. At some point, the Packers are going to need young pass rushers to step up. At such an important position, the Packers could take a project in Campbell and help him develop into an important piece on defense.
With the size and athleticism to play the position, Campbell is well worth a look.
Next: Round 6