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Packers 2016 Draft: Ranking top 10 first round options

By Freddie Boston

Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Eastern Kentucky defensive lineman Noah Spence speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Eastern Kentucky defensive lineman Noah Spence speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. DE Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky

What he would bring to Green Bay: Spence is one of the best pure pass rushers in the entire draft. He is a speed-rusher with elite athleticism who could help the Packers’ pass rush shift up another gear.

Spence could line up at outside linebacker in Dom Capers’ 3-4 defense and do what he does best, which is tee off on the quarterback.

Why the pick would make sense: Off-the-field issues could drop Spence to No. 27, and that of course brings an element of risk to the pick. But there’s no such thing as a ‘safe’ pick in the draft and this would give the Packers a rare opportunity to grab a top-10 talent without needing to give up the house in a trade.

Clay Matthews’ move back outside will help the pass rush, but Julius Peppers’ snap count is set to be reduced again in 2016 and the Packers will need to have replacements ready for when he steps away.

As a rookie, the trio of Matthews, Peppers and Spence would be fun to watch teeing off on opposing quarterbacks. If Nick Perry can stay healthy and Jayrone Elliott makes another jump, the pass rush could be scary good.

Next: No. 1

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