Packers four-round mock draft: Biggest needs fixed after trade

Round 2 (62): Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M

With a major need at wide receiver addressed earlier in the day, the Packers can fix another later in the second round. To improve the run defense, Brian Gutekunst must give Kenny Clark some more help. Enter Justin Madubuike out of Texas A&M.

This would be great value for the Packers late in the second round. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has Madubuike ranked 45th in the class, and wrote that he’s a “dominant run defender”.

Madubuike was a second-team All-SEC last year. Over the past two seasons, he made 95 tackles, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and even had an interception.

Initially, his work as a run defender would help the Packers. But he has the potential to develop into a very good player. Joe Marino of The Draft Network wrote that Madubuike can “absolutely become a valuable starter if he finds that consistency”.

Adding to the defensive line should be a priority for Gutekunst in this week’s draft after (so far) avoiding the position in free agency. Extending Dean Lowry’s contract looks to be a mistake. Re-signing Clark is a must in the near future, but it’s also important to get him some help up front in Mike Pettine’s defense.

Drafting Madubuike would go a long way to strengthening the defensive line, particularly against the run.