With The First Pick
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Green Bay Packers Select Kenny Clark At No 27 Overall

By Benjy Kling

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Kenny Clark participates in the workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Kenny Clark participates in the workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Green Bay Packers Select Kenny Clark in the First Round of the 2016 NFL Draft to Fill Hole on Inside of Defensive Line

BJ Raji announced he would be retiring temporarily, or at least taking a year off from football. The big question as a result has been how the Packers would anchor down the middle of the defensive line in his absence, a spot that already wasn’t a strong suit of this roster.

The answer is Kenny Clark, the defensive tackle out of UCLA. The captain of his team, Clark is a clean prospect and a smart player who the Packers reportedly fell for in interviews with him. Guys like A’Shawn Robinson from Alabama and Andrew Billings from Baylor were supposed to go well before Clark, but the Packers have been known for making somewhat surprising and ultimately successful picks.

The Packers are going to be back in the playoff race as always and they needed a big guy who can fight on the inside of this defense. Clark stepped up his game in the last year of his collegiate career and even though nose tackles don’t fill up the stat sheets he’s a fun player to watch who gives complete effort on every down.

I was a bit shocked at first because Clark wasn’t the best available defensive tackle, but the more I think about it the fit makes sense. Replacing BJ Raji is about more than just a nose tackle, the veteran was a high intensity player with a high football IQ and great leadership skills. Clark checks out down the list to step right into that role.

In a draft with a bunch of panics and trades it’s nice to see a team stay put and take a guy who fits perfectly into their system both on and off the field.

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