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Green Bay Packers: Ten first-round options in 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Nov 21, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) reacts during the game against the Baylor Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) reacts during the game against the Baylor Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker (68) looks on before the 2016 Fiesta Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker (68) looks on before the 2016 Fiesta Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State

Last season, a lack of depth at offensive tackle exposed Aaron Rodgers to a number of hits. Rodgers was too often running for his life and this threw off his timing and accuracy. It’s hardly surprising his best performances of the season came when he finally had time in the pocket to operate. If Rodgers wasn’t so mobile, the Packers would have had far greater issues.

JC Tretter is a solid backup who can play across the offensive line, but the Packers need more bodies and potentially future starters. Starting left tackle David Bakhtiari, guards T.J. Lang and Josh Sitton as well as backup Tretter all hit free agency after the 2016 season.

Taylor Decker is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the draft. Decker looks to be better suited as a right tackle, but this would make sense due to Bryan Bulaga’s struggles to stay healthy each year.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2016: Complete three-round projections

Like Tretter, Decker has the ability to play at tackle and guard, which would make him a valuable asset from day one. He wouldn’t be forced into a major role right away barring any injuries, but would be leaned on in year two depending on which players leave the building.

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