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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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Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) gets the crowd fired up during first quarter action versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State leads 14-0 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) gets the crowd fired up during first quarter action versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State leads 14-0 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

LB Darron Lee, Ohio State

With Clay Matthews expected to move back outside full-time, the Packers’ need at inside linebacker is clear. Sam Barrington and Jake Ryan are the two top options at the position currently, but both have their limitations.

An option in the first round is Ohio State’s Darron Lee. Lee is undersized, but he makes up for it with incredible athleticism and speed. Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com projected Lee to the Packers with the 27th overall pick in his latest mock draft:

"“The Packers have been trying to add speed to their defense the past couple of offseasons. However, they haven’t been able to find a talented inside linebacker while doing so, but perhaps that’ll change this April. That would be the case with Darron Lee, who could be selected several picks earlier than this.”"

The Packers would definitely fill one of the biggest needs by taking Lee at this spot, and he would add much-needed speed on defense. Plugging him into the weak side linebacker spot would be an upgrade to Dom Capers’ unit.

If Lee falls to the 27th overall pick, Ted Thompson may finally address this position in the first round. The Packers just missed out on the Ravens’ C.J. Mosley two years ago and waited until the fourth round to address the position in 2015.

Next: Giving Aaron Rodgers some help

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