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Packers 2016 seven-round mock draft: Defense gets major upgrades

By Freddie Boston

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of Radio City Music Hall before the start of the 2014 NFL draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of Radio City Music Hall before the start of the 2014 NFL draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana Tech defensive lineman Vernon Butler speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana Tech defensive lineman Vernon Butler speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1 (27): DT Vernon Butler, Lousiana Tech

Finding help along the defensive line was a need for the Packers even before B.J. Raji announced his retirement and Mike Pennel was slapped with a four-game suspension. Fortunately for the Pack, this is a deep rookie class at the position.

Vernon Butler is an intriguing name and one who could thrive in Dom Capers’ defense. Butler is an excellent run-stuffer, but he also offers plenty as a pass rusher. His best role in Green Bay might be as a 5-technique opposite Mike Daniels with Letroy Guion sliding to nose tackle. The combination of Butler and Daniels would be a lot for opposing defenses to handle.

Butler is a great athlete and has quickness and power which helps him dominate up front. It all starts in the trenches, and adding the Louisiana Tech product would help the entire unit get better.

The Packers need to improve against the run, and Butler can help that. By adding an inside linebacker at some point in the draft, the middle of the defense would be strengthened at long last.

When Pennel returns from suspension, he could compete for the nose tackle job which would give the Packers a talented young starting trio of Butler, Pennel and Daniels.

Next: Round 2

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