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Packers 2016 seven-round mock draft: Pass rush is the focus

By Freddie Boston

Dec 23, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive lineman Kamalei Correa (8) celebrates after a sack against the Northern Illinois Huskies in the 2015 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive lineman Kamalei Correa (8) celebrates after a sack against the Northern Illinois Huskies in the 2015 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 26, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad offensive tackle Joe Haeg of North Dakota State (middle) listens to instructions from a member of the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff with offensive tackle Kyle Murphy of Stanford (77) and offensive guard Willie Beavers of Western Michigan (right) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad offensive tackle Joe Haeg of North Dakota State (middle) listens to instructions from a member of the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff with offensive tackle Kyle Murphy of Stanford (77) and offensive guard Willie Beavers of Western Michigan (right) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4 (125): OT Willie Beavers, Western Michigan

There aren’t many general managers in the NFL better than Ted Thompson at finding starting-caliber offensive line talent in the mid-rounds. David Bakhtiari (fourth-rounder) and Corey Linsley (fifth-rounder) are the most recent examples, and both landed starting jobs immediately as rookies.

Willie Beavers could be the next offensive line talent drafted by Thompson, although barring injury he wouldn’t need to suit up as a rookie.

Beavers is an athletic prospect with the ability to become a starting left tackle down the line. He needs to add strength to his game, but would be able to do that as a rookie with Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga starting at the tackle spots.

What makes Beavers an attractive option for the Packers is his ability to play a number of positions. This would give Green Bay valuable depth along the line, just as JC Tretter offers currently.

Bakhtiari and Tretter are free agents in 2017, and while there’s a chance both return to Green Bay, it’s important to protect the future and add more depth. Aaron Rodgers was exposed too often in the backfield last season and needs better protection when injuries strike.

Next: Round 4

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