Green Bay Packers seven-round mock draft: Improving the roster

4a. 132nd pick — Elijah Lee, ILB, Kansas State

The Packers could really use a coverage linebacker to feature in their nickel looks, especially on third downs. While both Jake Ryan and Blake Martinez have shown some promise at the position, they lack the speed and athleticism to hold up consistently in coverage.

Joe Thomas has played admirably as a nickel linebacker, and even Morgan Burnett has been a useful tool to bring up in the box to defend tight ends over the middle of the field. However, Green Bay could really use a consistent three-down player at the position.

Lee has the speed and athleticism to roam the middle of the field and defend the pass. However, he also possesses excellent instincts and ability to read run progressions. He can be a tenacious run defender, and even though he only measures in at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, he hits like a heat-seeking missile in the open field.

4b. 140th pick — Eddie Vanderdoes, DL, UCLA

Vanderdoes was one of the standout players from the Reese’s Senior Bowl this past month. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive tackle showcased to scouts his quickness at the line of scrimmage and explosion off the snap.

He’s a better athlete than people give him credit for, and the tenacity and motor he brings to the field makes him a very disruptive player on the interior line.

The former Bruin has the tools to be an early-round prospect. However, an ACL injury that caused him to miss a majority of the 2015 season will still give some teams pause, considering his size and position, on draft day. This could cause him to drop to the middle rounds of the draft.

He’d be good value at the end of the fourth round for a team like Packers, who could use another big-body run stopper on the defensive line.