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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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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 /

Round 4 (137): TE Tyler Higbee, Western Kentucky

Jared Cook’s arrival removes the immediate need at tight end, but Cook is a short-term solution at the position. The Packers need to find a young tight end to groom, and Tyler Higbee could be the perfect candidate on day three.

Tight ends often take some time to adjust to life in the NFL, which made it hard to expect a rookie to come in right away and produce for the Packers. Cook can give the offense the speedy, athletic tight end it needs to open up the middle of the field, which is an area Higbee too is also strong at.

The Western Kentucky product is a former wide receiver and has the route-running ability and speed to get open in the middle of the field, which is an area Coach McCarthy likes to attack on offense. Higbee can catch tough balls in traffic and would give Aaron Rodgers a big-time target he can trust.

By selecting Higbee on day three, the Packers wouldn’t need to rely on him immediately. Instead, he could develop his blocking ability and refine his game as a pass-catcher. Cook gives Green Bay a short-term fix at tight end, but Higbee could be the long-term answer.

Next: Round 5

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