NFL Green Bay Packers

2015 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers Way Too Early 7-Round Mock

2015 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers Way Too Early 7-Round Mock

Aaron Rodgers Packers
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While many teams claim to draft the player who was highest on the draft board, the Packers usually do. The team rarely reaches for a player, yet continues to fill the holes in the roster. What will the Packers do in the 2015 draft? Here's an early look at how the draft may play out.

Round 1: Jaelen Strong (WR-Arizona State)

Jaelen Strong Arizona State
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1: Jaelen Strong (WR-Arizona State)

Jaelen Strong Arizona State
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Of the five active receivers on the roster, only Randall Cobb is less than 215 pounds. The team likes big, physical receivers and Strong fits right in. He would become the main red-zone threat through the air as he excels at catching the jump-ball. He won't accelerate past defenders, but his ability to physically dominate a CB makes him worthy of a first-round pick. With Aaron Rodgers at QB, Strong would be a Rookie of the Year favorite.

Round 2: Ellis McCarthy (DT-UCLA)

Ellis McCarthy UCLA
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2: Ellis McCarthy (DT-UCLA)

Ellis McCarthy UCLA
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ellis McCarthy doesn't even start for UCLA, but along with 2014 pick Khyri Thornton, can fill the gap at NT. With B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion entering free agency after the season, the Packers used a third-round pick on Thornton. He's been injured and Green Bay needs some insurance. McCarthy is built much like Raji (6-foot-5, 325 pounds) and can clog running lanes. He hasn't played close to his potential at UCLA, yet he's still a top prospect.

Round 3: Ramik Wilson (ILB-Georgia)

Ramik Wilson Georgia
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3: Ramik Wilson (ILB-Georgia)

Ramik Wilson Georgia
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Another defender experienced in the 3-4, Ramik Wilson would compete with Sam Barrington for the ILB spot next to A.J. Hawk. He's very skilled in the run game and rarely misses a tackle. His biggest downfall is that once blocked, he has trouble recovering. With the Packers occasionally playing a hybrid defense, Wilson fits as a 4-3 OLB as well. This is another pick in which the Packers take the best player available and will find a role for him.

Round 4: Cam Thomas (CB-Western Kentucky)

Cam Thomas Western Kentucky
Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4: Cam Thomas (CB-Western Kentucky)

Cam Thomas Western Kentucky
Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL moving toward larger, more physical corners, Cam Thomas should see his draft stock rise. At 6-foot-1, he's as much of a shutdown CB as there is in C-USA. As the only returning starter in the Hilltoppers' secondary, he doesn't see many passes thrown his way. From 2012-2013, he recorded eight picks and defended 17 passes. In 2014, he's down to one and three, respectively. He should have a shot to showcase his skills at the Senior Bowl.

Round 5: Miles Dieffenbach (G-Penn State)

Miles Dieffenbach Penn State
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5: Miles Dieffenbach (G-Penn State)

Miles Dieffenbach Penn State
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

After tearing his ACL in the spring, Miles Dieffenbach made his long-awaited debut this season on Nov. 1 against Indiana. While he's only expected to see limited action this season at left guard, Dieffenbach's recover should help ease any worries about his knee. This may be a little early for him to come off the board, but if he continues to show improvement, the Packers will have a solid backup who can spot start when needed.

Round 6: Jordan Hicks (OLB-Texas)

Jordan Hicks Texas
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6: Jordan Hicks (OLB-Texas)

Jordan Hicks Texas
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

After only playing seven games over the last two years due to injuries, Jordan Hicks has significantly elevated his stock in 2014. He leads the Longhorns in tackles and has been all over the field. From sacking the QB to intercepting passes, Hicks has improved every aspect of his game. With Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers locked in as starters at OLB, Hicks can learn from the best while contributing on special teams.

Round 7: MyCole Pruitt (TE-Southern Illinois)

MyCole Pruitt Southern Illinois
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7: MyCole Pruitt (TE-Southern Illinois)

MyCole Pruitt Southern Illinois
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

While Andrew Quarless and Richard Rodgers have contributed in the passing game, MyCole Pruitt could flourish in Green Bay. Pruitt is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the draft class and can also line up at H-back. His size may be an issue (every TE drafted in 2014 is at least an inch taller), but his ability as a receiver will earn him an opportunity in training camp.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:

Philadelphia Eagles’ Early 7-Round Mock Draft

Oakland Raiders’ Early 7-Round Mock Draft

Dallas Cowboys’ Early 7-Round Mock Draft

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