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Packers 2016 Draft: Roundtable mock draft second round

By Freddie Boston

Oct 17, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) reacts after making a tackle against the Southern California Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Southern California 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) reacts after making a tackle against the Southern California Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Southern California 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Joshua Perry (37) tries to tackle Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the game at AT&T Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Joshua Perry (37) tries to tackle Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the game at AT&T Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Dan Dahlke: ILB Joshua Perry, Ohio State

Round 1: DT Kenny Clark

The Packers desperately need a physical presence in the middle of the field and an inside linebacker that can call audibles and be a leader on defense. Perry is the perfect fit for this role. Measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 254 pounds, Perry is a tough, thumping inside backer who can plug running lanes and stack and shed blocks.

However, his best attribute may be his tremendous football IQ and high character both on the field and in the locker room. He’s also much more than just a two-down run stopper. He graded out very well in pass coverage at OSU and demonstrated decent speed and athleticism in pre-draft testing. He was even commonly featured as the lone linebacker in the Buckeyes dime defense, which is a role he could reprise in the Packers scheme.

All around, Perry’s a guy players can rally around and coaches will love working with, and by providing a dependable presence in the middle of the field, Perry frees up Green Bay’s defensive playmakers like Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers to get after the quarterback.

Next: Ralph Mancini

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