Packers 2016 Draft: Roundtable mock draft sixth round

Ralph Mancini: WR Mitch Mathews, BYU

Previous picks: DT Austin Johnson, ILB Deion Jones, DE Bronson Kaufusi, OT Joe Haeg, ILB Elandon Roberts, OG Connor McGovern, SS Kevin Byard

Packer diehards clamoring for another tall pass-catching target who can make life easier for Aaron Rodgers by simply going up and getting it over the heads of smaller defensive backs may have their prayers answered in a few days. That player doesn’t necessarily need to be a tight end if one isn’t available at the spot where he deserves to be drafted.

Mathews has the upside to merit an investment in this part of the draft. Not only is he 6-foot-6, but he has 10 1/2” hands and outstanding body control to help him hold on to the ball when he goes airborne for a jump pass.

Prior to his pro day, many were under the impression that the BYU product was merely a run-of-the-mill big receiver with 4.7 speed. Mathews dispelled that perception by clocking in at an official 4.41 seconds. To boot, he boasted a highly impressive 6.96 in the three-cone drill, which indicates that he has some agility to his game as well.

The knock on Mathews is that he didn’t perform against the top three defenses he faced in 2015 (Michigan, Missouri and Utah). There’s no doubt that the former Cougar is raw and he’ll need to get stronger at the next level, but he has the physical tools that can be developed.

But beyond his size, speed and mesmerizing leaping ability, Mathews has the one basic characteristic that every competent receiver must possess—hands. He uses his mitts to pluck the ball outside his frame rather than catching it with his body.

The added bonus here is that he doesn’t come with any sort of personal baggage. Sign me up.

Next: Kenn Korb