Defense once again is going to be the headline stealer of the Packers 2014 draft and based on what I have seen from Walter Football (www.walterfootball.com), I really do like the choices that he has posted on his mock draft.
Round 1: Ra'Shede Hageman DT/DE, Minnesota (6-6, 311)
"In 2013, Hageman had 38 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, seven passes broken up, one interception and two sacks. The senior saw his share of double-teams and at times those weren't enough to contain him, but he needs to become more consistent. Sometimes, Hageman is unblockable with power and explosion. He has pass-rush ability, but needs to get more consistent pressure on the quarterback. That could improve in the NFL when he isn't facing so many double-teams.
Hageman has a lot of flexibility for NFL defenses. He could play nose tackle in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense while also having the ability to be a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4."
Round 2: Trent Murphy OLB, Stanford (6'6, 260)
"Murphy has a well-rounded skill set as he is a good pass-rusher with quickness and strength. Murphy defends the run well and has good instincts. He also has the athletic ability to drop into pass coverage. Murphy looks like a great fit as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. He would be drafted higher if he was faster and had more explosion off the snap.
In 2013, Murphy totaled 15 sacks, 24.5 tackles for a loss, 62 tackles, six passes batted, one forced fumble and an interception returned 30 yards for a touchdown. He led the nation in sacks."
Round 3: Tre Boston S, North Carolina (6'1, 205)
"Boston had 85 tackles, four interceptions and eight passes broken up in 2013."
Round 4: Chris Borland ILB, Wisconsin (5'11, 248)
"Borland is a tough, physical defender who has a knack for jarring the ball loose. His best fit in the NFL could be on the inside of a 3-4 defense. He may not have the speed and athleticism to play in a 4-3. Borland is short and not a fluid athlete for pass coverage in the NFL, so he probably will end up being a situational backup and special teams contributor."
I'm not too sure about how I feel about Borland given his smaller stature but from what I've heard, he has a non stop motor and his ability to get underneath blocks using his instincts in doing so might benefit him moving forward. Overall, I feel all of these picks not only address a need but also improves team speed/size (except Borland)/and athleticism on defense.
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