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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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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

Reggie Ragland’s name has long been associated with the Packers, who are in desperate need of an inside linebacker. Ragland is arguably the best the class has to offer, and he could help fix one of the biggest holes on the roster.

A thumper, Ragland would immediately give Green Bay’s leaky run defense a facelift. The unit has long been stout defending the pass, but holding up on the ground has been the Achilles heel. Ragland’s old-school style would help shore up the heart of Dom Capers’ defense.

Along with Darron Lee, Ragland is considered a first-round talent. That’s where the similarities between the two end. Lee is undersized for the position but excels in coverage with elite speed and athleticism. Ragland on the other hand doesn’t possess the same quickness or coverage ability, but his best work shows up on tape as a hard-hitting, tough run-stuffer.

Lee will likely be gone by the time the Packers pick at No. 27. If Thompson wants to find an immediate upgrade at inside linebacker, look no further than Ragland. Will he fall to the bottom of the opening round? There’s plenty of confidence among draft analysts he will.

Next: A dominant nose tackle

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