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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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Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) moves to defend in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) moves to defend in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State

If speed is an issue for Ragland, the same complaint can’t be made of Darron Lee. Lee is listed as an outside linebacker, but would likely be shifted inside by the Packers.

Why Lee would be a good fit in Green Bay is due to his ability in coverage. He has the speed to keep up with tight ends, running backs and quick receivers in the middle of the field. With Clay Matthews shifting back outside, the Packers need a linebacker capable of holding up in coverage. Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com compared Lee to the Buccaneers’ Kwon Alexander:

"“Although he is still young in linebacker years, he is a high character competitor, playing with sky-high confidence and natural football instincts to pick things up quickly. In the mold of Ryan Shazier or Kwon Alexander, Lee is a versatile run-and-hit linebacker with an attacking mind-set that fits today’s NFL.”"

Jake Ryan has proven himself as a solid run-stuffer, and Lee would be a natural fit alongside him. Plugging the Ohio State product into Dom Capers’ defense would help let Matthews move back to his natural position while filing the Packers’ biggest need on defense.

Next: Some firepower on offense

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