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

By Freddie Boston

Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

If Reggie Ragland falls to No. 27, Ted Thompson should take him. The Packers missed out on C.J. Mosley two years ago, and they should ensure they get their inside linebacker this time. Ragland is one of the best linebackers in the class and would fill the biggest position of need on defense.

Ragland is a thumper who would bolster the run defense from day one. There’s a good chance he’ll be off the board by the time the Packers pick, but if he does drop there should be no hesitation in the war room. Here’s what NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein had to say about the Alabama product:

"“Thumping inside linebacker with throwback size and tone­setting mentality. Ragland is a confident and capable early starter in league who has the temperament to become one of the premier run­-stopping inside linebackers in the pro game.”"

A reason he could fall to the Packers at No. 27 is his speed. Some analysts believe he is too slow to be taken with a high selection, but this shouldn’t put off the Packers. He has the look of an excellent NFL starter from day one.

Next: A speedy linebacker

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