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How the Green Bay Packers can build an elite defense

By Freddie Boston

Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) and Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) sack Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the second half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) and Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) sack Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the second half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Damarious Randall (23) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Damarious Randall (23) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Develop young talent

The Packers have committed a number of early draft selections on defense in recent years, and it’s important to ensure each player continues to develop.

In last year’s class, Ted Thompson hit a home run early on cornerbacks Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins. Both are set for bright futures and should return as more polished players in 2016. Behind them was second-year Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who made huge strides. He has the potential to become one of the best safeties in the league.

Inside linebacker Jake Ryan came on late in the season and needs to carry that through into the offseason; the Packers need him to help address one of the biggest weaknesses on defense. Datone Jones is entering the final year on his rookie deal, as is Micah Hyde. Both will be playing for their futures.

Next: Green Bay Packers: Updated seven-round mock draft

In a draft-and-develop system, the Packers need to rely on their young players to produce. Developing their talents and becoming better players – as we saw with Clinton-Dix last season – is crucial for the defense to continue its rise into one of the league’s best.

The Packers had a poor defense in 2013, a better one in 2014 and a good one in 2015. Now it needs to become a consistent top-ten unit.

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