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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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Oct 10, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) is sacked by Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Yannick Ngakoue (7) during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) is sacked by Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Yannick Ngakoue (7) during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4 (125): DE/OLB Yannick Ngakoue, Maryland

With their second pick of the fourth round, the Packers can bolster the pass rush with Yannick Ngakoue out of Maryland. Ngakoue is raw and requires some development to his game, but there’s a lot to like and he has tremendous upside.

Ngakoue is a great athlete with good quickness and agility. He is an ascending player who would benefit from time to develop his game, but has the potential to become a valuable piece on the pass rush rotation, or even better a future starter. As a rookie, Ngakoue could be used on obvious passing downs but struggles against the run. Rob Rang of CBSSports.com likes Ngakoue’s potential:

"“His instincts have improved from last season, playing with more purpose and awareness against the run and pass, alike, in 2015, leading to optimism that he may just be scratching the surface of his potential.”"

The Packers need some more depth to the pass rush. Clay Matthews returning to outside linebacker will help, but Julius Peppers’ snap count will be reduced slightly in 2016 to keep him fresh, and the defense could do with more talent rushing off the edge.

Ngakoue might need to fine tune his game, but his potential should excite the Packers.

Next: Round 4

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