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

Our “Red Dot” Edge Rushers

Kyle — Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky

Noah Spence might seem like an odd player for a red dot considering his past trouble with drugs at OSU. Every player who has a past has a narrative about how they are now a changed person. The difference with Spence? I believe him. With off the field concerns out of the way, Spence has the talent to be a very good starter in the league. While Spence played against lower competition at Eastern Kentucky, he also saw a lot of double teams there. When watching Spence I see a player who has a motor that never stops and who has excellent burst off the edge. I think Spence’s talent would be wasted in a 4-3 system. I believe Green Bay is an excellent landing spot that would allow him to learn behind Peppers, Matthews, and Perry before being given the reigns as a full-time starter.

Dan — Kyler Fackrell, Utah State

I’m a big Fackrell fan and I love his fit as a rush backer in a 3-4 defense. He plays with his hair on fire and always manages to find ways to be around the ball. I also like his versatility to play either outside or inside linebacker at the next level, not to mention his ability to kick it inside and create pressure as an interior rusher as a down lineman. He’s also a high-character, hard-working player and seems to be the type of player Ted Thompson and the Packers organization covet.

Freddie — Kamalei Correa, Boise State

Kamalei Correa is a prospect who has really grown on me and he would be an ideal fit at outside linebacker in a 3-4. Correa is a great athlete, has an explosive burst and his potential as a pass rusher excites me. Letting him get to work with Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers would be fun to watch.

Our “Black Dot” Edge Rushers

Kyle — Shawn Oakman, Baylor

Oakman is the classic player who looks like they should be amazing, but simply doesn’t have the game tape to match. Someone will take him too early based on potential, but it is hard to see him developing into a reliable defender. Oakman now also has rape allegations hanging over his head. There are a lot of really good players in this draft. Oakman is one that I can live without.

Dan — Eric Striker, Oklahoma

Striker is such a tough player to project. He was a terrific pass rusher in college, recording 23 sacks as three-year starter in the Sooners defense. However, at 5-foot-11 and roughly 220 pounds where do you line up Striker in the NFL? He’s way too small to play outside linebacker in the Packers system and his skillset doesn’t necessarily translate to inside linebacker, not to mention a slow 4.80 forty time, which could make him a liability in coverage. He’s just not a good fit with Green Bay.

Freddie — Leonard Floyd, Georgia

Leonard Floyd has the talent to succeed at the next level, but he feels like a boom-or-bust prospect to me. Floyd is incredibly thin and this could be a real issue when battling with stronger players in the NFL.

Next: Inside Linebackers