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Packers 2016 seven-round mock draft: Defense is focus for Packers

By Freddie Boston

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet and NFL shield logo before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet and NFL shield logo before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Christian Westerman (55) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Christian Westerman (55) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3 (88): OG Christian Westerman, Arizona State

This pick may come as a surprise to some, but who expected the Packers to select Ty Montgomery in the third-round a year ago? The draft is all about the future, and at the end of the season both Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang are free agents.

That’s not all, though. Fellow offensive linemen David Bakhtiari and JC Tretter as well as running back Eddie Lacy will also need new deals. The fact is the Packers can’t keep everybody in house and will likely be forced to watch one of the guards walk. Thompson understands this and could well be in the hunt for a replacement in this year’s draft.

Christian Westerman offers versatility as he can play multiple positions on the offensive line, and he also has the potential to become a future starting guard. Westerman is quick off the snap and has great athleticism and agility.

With a year to develop his game and offer adequate backup on the line, Westerman could be ready to step in should either Sitton or Lang depart in free agency a year from now. As a rookie, he would give the Packers some more depth after injuries put Aaron Rodgers under too much pressure last season.

Next: Round 4

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