Green Bay Packers: Five first round options for 2016 NFL Draft
![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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Flombardiave-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F02-2Fncaa-football-mississippi-arkansas-1-590x900-ed90c335aacf500f1333ced0bb2aaf0dbeb80c0f9a5c1005e1afe57220711b98.jpg)
DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson
This is another player who could be taken way before the Packers pick, but could equally fall all the way to No. 27. That’s the nature of predicting where draft prospects might fall in February. Should he be there when the Packers pick, Kevin Dodd could find himself wearing green and gold next season.
With Julius Peppers entering the final year on his deal at 36-years-old, and a decision to make with pending free agents Mike Neal and Nick Perry, the Packers could look to add a young pass rusher via the draft.
Dodd would add speed to the Packers’ defense and knows how to get after the quarterback. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had high praise for Dodd:
"“Saw his quarterback pressures go from three to 46 and he was credited with 12 sacks in 2015 season. Athletic upfield burst with desired bend and hip flexion to corner the edge. Has length and leverage to become an effective speed-to-power rusher. Wore Alabama out with three sacks and two tackles for loss.”"
Next: 2016 Mock Draft: Who will Packers take in first two rounds?
This pick would be dependant on the Packers’ free agents. If Neal and Perry both walk, there would be a desperate need to stock up on pass rushers. If either or both re-sign, the Packers may look at other positions in the first round.