Green Bay Packers latest seven-round mock draft
![Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. The Sooners defeat the Bears 44-34. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. The Sooners defeat the Bears 44-34. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-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-oklahoma-baylor-2-850x560-e0d80826f816437365ab9f78cd9bc9440a4074d7e316d0b1244cade131e18339.jpg)
Round 5: P Tom Hackett, Utah
The importance of a good punter isn’t fully appreciated, and selecting one in the draft is often considered a waste. But in the case of Tom Hackett, it would be a worthwhile selection. The Lions’ selection of Sam Martin in the fifth-round of the 2013 NFL Draft now looks a very good one.
Tim Masthay has put up two disappointing seasons. Like Mason Crosby who struggled in 2012, Masthay was given a year to bounce back. But unlike Crosby, Masthay’s performances still weren’t up to standard in 2015.
Field position is still of high importance in the NFL. Having a reliable punter capable of pinning opposing teams inside their own 20-yard line on a regular basis can play a major role in winning the game. Masthay had his share of excellent punts, but too many shanks at the wrong times held him back, with the most notable giving Arizona a short field early in the divisional round loss, leading to a touchdown.
Here’s a section of NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein’s draft profile on Hackett:
"“Landed 45.9 percent of his punts inside the 20-yard line. Two time winner of the Ray Guy award. Base punts for touch and can land a flat bouncing punt inside the five. Finished with 22 percent of his punts inside the 10-yard line. Produced consistent results at Utah and is beloved on team.”"
Hackett is the only punter worthy of a draft pick in this year’s class, but bringing him in could help the Packers win the field position battle more often.
Next: Round 6