Green Bay Packers: Pre-combine seven-round mock draft

Sixth round (6-28): DE Bryan Cox Jr., Florida

In case that name doesn’t ring a bell, yes, this 6-foot-3, 269-pound defensive end is indeed related to the one-time outstanding pro linebacker and current assistant coach, who is also known for his occasional temperamental outbursts.

The younger Cox plays a lot like his dad in that he doesn’t take plays off and reportedly served as an inspirational force for his fellow Gators.

But what will make this SEC import so appealing to NFL teams at the tail end of the draft are his natural power and quick hands that often helped him lean into blockers and create leverage against his opponents.

Cox’s game, though, is more than just strength and quick hands. The redshirt senior has natural quickness to gain penetration by employing an effective spin move along with flashing the footwork to immediately close in on the quarterback on designed stunts and twists.

A recent performance versus Vanderbilt saw Cox put many of his physical attributes on display, including a keen awareness to position himself to set the outside edge against the run.

An outstanding showing at the East-West Shrine game was further proof of this man’s potential to excel at the pro level.

During the showcase event, Cox used his stack-and-shed skills to disengage from blockers or force holding calls.

His instincts to read the offense, furthermore, prevented him from getting fooled on misdirections and draws.

And if that wasn’t enough to convince scouts and coaches of his upside, Cox’s intensity to chase running plays down across the line was another feather in the young man’s cap.

So with all these positive traits going for him, one may ask why is he being projected as a late-round pick?

It’s all about injuries.

Throughout his time in Gainesville, the three-year starter was plagued by an assortment of knee, ankle and thumb ailments. In his senior year alone, Cox was only able to start five games.

While this fiery prospect projects as more of a 4-3 end, he can easily fit in the Packers’ defense by starting out as a situational third-down outside rusher.

And with both Nick Perry and Datone Jones both approaching free-agent walk years, there will be a need for added depth on the edges.