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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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Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. The Sooners defeat the Bears 44-34. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. The Sooners defeat the Bears 44-34. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

DT Andrew Billings, Baylor

Of all of the names on this list, Andrew Billings is my favorite for the Packers. Green Bay has been in need of upgrades along the defensive line for sometime now, and B.J. Raji’s ‘hiatus’ paired with Mike Pennel’s four-game suspension has only further increased the urgency.

There’s a deep pool of talent at defensive tackle in this draft, but there aren’t many nose tackles as impressive as the Baylor product. Billings has elite power and strength, but he backs it up with surprising quickness for a man his size. He has the look of a true nose tackle and would give the Packers a destructive force up front against both the run and pass.

The Packers already have a star on the defensive line in Mike Daniels. Now add in another potential All-Pro in Billings, and two thirds of the line is loaded with talent. Winning in the trenches is crucial to the success of a football team, and plugging in a player who can dominate up front alongside Daniels would benefit the entire defense.

If Billings falls to No. 27 — and based on the depth at this position in the draft it’s quite possible — it would be hard for Thompson to pass him up.

Next: Finding some more pass rush

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