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Green Bay Packers latest seven-round mock draft

By Freddie Boston

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 /
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Oct 25, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes punter Tom Hackett (33) punts the ball during the second half against the USC Trojans at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes punter Tom Hackett (33) punts the ball during the second half against the USC Trojans at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

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

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