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Packers 2016 Draft: Roundtable mock draft sixth round

By Freddie Boston

Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) is chased by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive lineman Adam Gotsis (96) in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) is chased by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive lineman Adam Gotsis (96) in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 23, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; American Team running back Jacobi Green of Richmond (21) runs the ball as National Team linebacker Luke Rhodes of William and Mary (51) attempts to tackle during the first half of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; American Team running back Jacobi Green of Richmond (21) runs the ball as National Team linebacker Luke Rhodes of William and Mary (51) attempts to tackle during the first half of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Dan Dahlke: LB Luke Rhodes, William & Mary

Previous picks: DT Kenny Clark, ILB Joshua Perry, DE Bronson Kaufusi, OT Caleb Benenoch, RB Tyler Ervin, OLB Aaron Wallace, WR Alonzo Russell

Even though the Packers took an inside linebacker in the second round, they’d be wise to double-down on the position and take a talented speedy linebacker, like Rhodes, with one of their day three picks. A former team captain at William & Mary, the 6-foot-1, 245-pound linebacker was a tackling machine in college.

While Perry is a thumping between-the-tackles run stopper, Rhodes is more of a run-and-chase defender who can make plays out in space and will swarm to the ball. While he’d bring speed and athleticism to the position, Rhodes could contribute immediately as dime or nickel linebacker on third downs. His ability to play in coverage is a strength to his game and something valuable he offers as a late-round selection.

Rhodes could also be a tremendous special teams player in coverage units. His motor, work ethic, and leadership on the field will make him a valuable contributor on a team as a rookie. He’ll get widely overlooked because he’s a small-school prospect, but Rhodes could be a great find in the draft.

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