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Green Bay Packers: Five first round options for 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Hunter Henry (84) runs after a catch in the first half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Hunter Henry (84) runs after a catch in the first half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) knocks down the pass of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks quarterback Garrett Smith (13) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Warhawks 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) knocks down the pass of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks quarterback Garrett Smith (13) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Warhawks 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

DT Jarran Reed, Alabama

An option growing in momentum around mock drafts for the Packers is defensive tackle Jarran Reed out of Alabama. The Packers have found some success taking players from Alabama in recent years with Eddie Lacy and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

This pick would make a lot of sense for the Packers. Reed is an excellent run defender and could be plugged in on Dom Capers’ defensive line. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein compared Reed to the Bears’ Eddie Goldman, saying that “Reed is an elite run defender with the lower body strength to command his gap, but the instincts and timing to be productive as a tackler rather than just a space ­eater.”

Taking Reed would mean the Packers wouldn’t have to pay B.J. Raji. There would be plenty of depth with Reed, Letroy Guion and Mike Pennel.

Holding the Alabama prospect back is his pass rushing ability. This could allow him to fall to No. 27 where the Packers could swoop in and take him. The 6-foot-3, 311-pounder has great strength and would be an immediate upgrade to the Packers’ run defense, an area needing improvements.

It was disappointing to see the Packers pass on Goldman last year who looks to be the anchor on the Bears’ 3-4 defensive line, but taking Reed here would make a lot of sense.

Next: A game changer on offense

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