Packers mock draft: Green Bay goes defense in Round 1

The Green Bay Packers still have a playoff game to play (and possibly more), but that doesn't mean the fine people at Mocking the Draft haven't considered what the team might do this April. In the latest version of his mock draft, Dan Kadar has the Packers addressing what many consider their biggest area of need.

Slotted at pick 29, Dan has Green Bay selecting UCLA inside linebacker Eric Kendricks. Kendricks is a redshirt senior with four full seasons of playing experience. This season, he led the Bruins with 136 tackles and produced a robust three interceptions, one of which he took to the house.

Kendrick is one of several linebackers that have been attached to the Packers in mock drafts. The other, Mississippi State's Benardrick McKinney, was selected in the first half of the round by the Houston Texans as a replacement for longtime starter Brian Cushing.

Here's what the experts had to say about Kendrick to the Packers:

The Packers may head into the offseason looking to finally upgrade the inside linebacker position. McKinney will be a popular pick for the Packers, but if he's off the board Kendricks is a good fit as well.