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Packers 2016 Draft: Roundtable mock draft first round

By Freddie Boston

Oct 10, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) during the third quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 29-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Oct 10, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) during the third quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 29-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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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 /

Ray Rivard: DT Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech

It’s difficult to project just who might be left by the time the draft gets to the Packers pick at #27, but it’s quite probable that there could be as many as a handful of defensive linemen already off the board. That said, there are a ton of D-linemen who could be considered great picks at the end of the first round, including Vernon Butler.

Here’s a guy with size, girth and athleticism. Because of the fact that Packers D-linemen Mike Pennel (four-game suspension) and B.J. Raji (one-year hiatus) won’t be available for either part or all of 2016, the Packers have to go out and grab a defensive lineman — though we all know the holes the franchise must fill at tight end and linebacker — not to mention offensive line.

While deep down inside I hope Ted Thompson trades back into the second round to get his tight end and a defensive end deeper into the draft, that probably won’t happen. That’s why he should stick with the routine and select a defensive lineman at #27. In my estimation, Butler should be that guy.

Next: Dan Dahlke

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