Last week’s seven-round NFL mock draft had the Green Bay Packers focus on the offense, an uncommon route for GM Brian Gutekunst. Looking to fix the defensive holes in this three-round mock draft, see which players Gutekunst decides to add later this week.

1.15 – Myles Murphy, DE

Clemson

Drafting a player from either the offensive or defensive line is a safe bet for the Packers, and a guy like edge rusher Myles Murphy from Clemson fits the bill. Regardless of scheme, Murphy has the pass-rush talent to become a dominant NFL pass rusher, and Green Bay needs a healthy running mate alongside Rashan Gary.

Murphy’s understanding of the game and what it takes to consistently win reps makes him stand out the most, and Gutekunst values pass-rush talent from blue-chip schools, making Murphy a perfect match. Fellow Clemson lineman Bryan Bresee is a potential second-round option for Gutekunst as well, but is less of a fit for their current needs.

2.45 – Sam LaPorta, TE

Iowa

Any drafted tight ends will immediately step into a completely-vacated TE1 role, so may as well draft a player that can be the starter full time. Plus, the NFL pipeline from the Iowa Hawkeyes to the NFL has been a pretty successful one so far.

Sam LaPorta is the real deal, as his receiving chops and blocking skills make him one of the most well-rounded TEs this draft has to offer. Coming out of Iowa, you know that LaPorta’s blocking skills are going to be much farther along than most TEs entering the draft, and his route running is quite sound as well.

3.78 – Trenton Simpson, LB

Clemson

Gutekunst loves the Georgia Bulldog defense, but he may tilt towards multiple selections from the Clemson Tiger defense this year, especially with the type of player Trenton Simpson projects to be. Defensive schemes are changing every season, and adding a player like Simpson would help elevate this Green Bay defense into the 21st century.

As a multi-positional Swiss Army Knife, Simpson can play anywhere in the defense and would likely plug into Joe Barry’s defense as a hybrid coverage linebacker with downhill tendencies. Known more for his pass coverage, Simpson is a fantastic weapon for the defense – and for a guy his size (6’3, 230 lbs.), could fill many different roles.

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Mike Johrendt has been an avid fan of the Packers ever since he can remember. He is now a writer at PackersTalk and you can follow him on Twitter at @MJohrendt23

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