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Packers 2016 seven-round mock draft: Defense gets major upgrades

By Freddie Boston

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of Radio City Music Hall before the start of the 2014 NFL draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of Radio City Music Hall before the start of the 2014 NFL draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of a 2014 NFL draft football and helmet before the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of a 2014 NFL draft football and helmet before the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5 (163): OLB Victor Ochi, Stony Brook

Mike McCarthy has made it clear he wants to see more consistent pressure from the Packers’ pass rush. The defense did rank No. 7 in sacks with 43 last season, but 10.5 of those belonged to Julius Peppers, who is expected to see a decrease in his playing time this year.

Clay Matthews’ return to the outside will help matters, but the Packers would benefit from further upgrades at linebacker. That’s where Victor Ochi can come in: Ochi just looks a good fit for the Packers and would be a valuable day three addition to Dom Capers’ defense. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes he is best suited for outside linebacker in a 3-4:

"“Transitioning to NFL speed and strength will be a huge jump for Ochi, but he has the translatable power and nastiness to compete for a roster spot as a physical, edge-­setting 3­-4 outside linebacker.”"

As a rookie, Ochi could be used on sub-packages. He can act as a speed rusher on third downs and this may be his ceiling, but for a day three selection the Packers would get some extra production to their pass rush.

Next: Round 6

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