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Packers 2016 Draft: “Red” and “Black Dot” players on defense

By Dan Dahlke

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 /
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Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed participates in a workout drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jarran Reed participates in a workout drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Our “Red Dot” Defensive Linemen

Kyle — Jarran Reed, Alabama

Make no mistake, Jarren Reed can be a nose tackle at the NFL level, but I love him at five-technique defensive end. While Reed is not a natural pass rusher, he is very much an elite athlete. I believe you take advantage of his ability to pursue by placing him as close to the edge as possible. In the end, Green Bay could play Reed at either nose tackle or defensive end and have a starter there for the next ten years. His movement in space and lateral quickness are elite traits for a man of his size, which makes him tough to pass on if he’s available.

Dan — Kenny Clark, UCLA

I love what Clark could bring to the Packers defense. His ability to play either nose or five-tech defensive end makes him a valuable piece in their 3-4 front and would complement Letroy Guion‘s own versatility well. Clark is also a very stout run defender who can two-gap and anchor in the middle of the line, but he also possesses some juice as an interior pass rusher. He’s an ideal fit in a 3-4 system.

Freddie — Andrew Billings, Baylor

Andrew Billings would be a perfect fit for the Packers. He would give the run defense an immediate upgrade, and he also offers a lot as an interior pass rusher. Pairing Billings with Mike Daniels on the defensive line would be a scary sight for Jay Cutler, Teddy Bridgewater and Matthew Stafford.

Our “Black Dot” Defensive Linemen

Kyle — Jonathan Bullard, Florida

I struggle with Jonathan Bullard because I feel like he’s a less intriguing version of Datone Jones. Jones has been a tweener for the Packers who has never proven stout enough to play a true five-technique defensive end. Bullard will probably be a solid contributor for a NFL team–maybe even a quality starter in the right scheme–but the Packers simply don’t need another tweener in their 3-4 defense.

Dan — Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss

At some point a player’s talent doesn’t outweigh his character concerns. Greg Hardy can be a testament to that. The fact Nkemdiche not only has gotten in some off-field trouble, but his willingness to throw his teammates under the bus in team interviews has to be a major red flag. Not to mention the various reports that have surfaced that he’s just a strange dude all-around. He doesn’t sound like a locker room presence I want on my team. I don’t care if he’s an athletic freak at the position.

Freddie — Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss

The off-the-field concerns are too much and Robert Nkemdiche isn’t worth the headache. For all of his talent, the Packers would be better off going after one of the other defensive line prospects, of which there are many talented options to choose from.

Next: Edge Rushers

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