Packers seven-round mock draft: Linebacker, receiver in early rounds

Round 7, Pick 236: Trevis Gipson, DE, Tulsa

Green Bay needs to replace Kyler Fackrell in the rotation. It didn’t make sense to give Fackrell a new contract given how much money had already been spent on the edges, but getting an insurance policy of any kind would be wise for the Packers. Rashan Gary has quite a bit to prove after a nearly silent rookie season. If Za’Darius Smith or Preston Smith were to miss a game, the Packers will need a fourth rusher in the picture.

Gary and whichever healthy Smith would start, but upon one of them having to leave the field for a breath or a formation change, Fackrell’s replacement is up. James Looney, a late-round pick from two years ago at least had a crack at that spot, but it was so bad he is currently switching positions to tight end altogether. Trevis Gipson is not going to blow anyone away but has an ideal frame for the position and wouldn’t be asked to do much of anything right away.

Round 7, Pick 242: Charlie Heck, OT, North Carolina

Ricky Wagner is essentially on a one-year deal with a second-year team option. David Bakhtiari will be a free agent after next season as well. Billy Turner can play some tackle, but there isn’t a clear option for the future on the team. There’s no denying that a pick this late in any draft could prove to be the answer, but the Packers could at least get out ahead of it with Charlie Heck.

The Tar Heel tackle is an absolute mammoth at 6-foot-8. This late in the proceedings the Packers might as well try their luck and swing for the fences on someone who has the frame to achieve it. Lucas Patrick and Lane Taylor are both still on the roster as backup interior linemen, leaving the tackle position a bit bare. Heck would give the Packers someone to consider at the position and another potential long-term replacement for Bryan Bulaga.