Less than two weeks remain before the kickoff of Super Bowl 50, but for the Green Bay Packers the offseason has already begun. General manager Ted Thompson has already spent considerable time traveling from one collegiate all-star game to another in search of future contributors while Mike McCarthy and his staff have begun the process of grading and re-grading the players already on the roster. In just a few months' time, the 2016 NFL Draft will descend upon us, and Green Bay can begin adding more quality youth to its roster.
With that in mind, SB Nation's premier draft mind Dan Kadar has released the latest version of his mock draft. In it, Kadar points to two different pass rushers and a nose tackle the Packers could target with the No. 27 pick.
27. Green Bay Packers: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
The Packers could use a talent upgrade at linebacker, especially considering Nick Perry is entering free agency after the season. Floyd is a player who can line up outside to rush the passer, but has some experience playing on the inside.
Other options: Noah Spence (DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky), [Sheldon] Rankins [DT, Louisville]
Both Leonard Floyd and Noah Spence offer some juice off the edge, an area Green Bay could use some added support. Nick Perry and Mike Neal enter free agency this offseason, and Julius Peppers could ultimately decide to retire rather than suit up for a 15th season. The Packers did begin to utilize former first-round pick Datone Jones more at outside linebacker down the stretch, but he remains a problem in coverage.
As for Sheldon Rankins, he could give Green Bay a viable long-term answer should B.J. Raji depart in free agency. Rankins doesn't just eat space, however. As Kadar points out, he possesses a quick first step that allows him to play a more significant role on passing downs.