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Green Bay Packers: Five inside linebacker targets in 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Texas A&M Aggies running back Tra Carson (5) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Texas A&M Aggies running back Tra Carson (5) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2015; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) reacts during the first half against the New Mexico Lobos in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) reacts during the first half against the New Mexico Lobos in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Scooby Wright III, Arizona

Projecting where Scooby Wright III will fall in the draft isn’t easy, with mixed reviews depending on who you talk to. But the most likely scenario seems to be him falling to the third or fourth round. If the Packers wait this long before addressing the position, they could turn to Wright.

Wright isn’t an elite athlete who will blow up numbers on the track, but he’s a smart player who knows how the play the inside linebacker position. Adding him to the center of the Packers’ defense would help give an immediate upgrade in run defense. Last season, Green Bay finished No. 15 on total defense — No. 6 against the pass and No. 21 against the run. It’s clear what needs the most work.

Wright’s athleticism and coverage ability has been called into question — these areas could hold his draft stock back — but for a day two or three selection the Packers would get a linebacker more than capable of holding up in the run with the potential to grow into a better player.

Referred to by many as a ‘tackling machine’, Wright could be an ideal target to help shore up the Packers’ leaky run defense.

Next: Looks great on tape

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