NFL Draft 2016 Predictions: Who will the Packers select with the 27th pick?

We've got just a few more hours until the Los Angeles Rams go on the clock to start the 2016 NFL Draft. With that in mind, Acme Packing Company's contributors put our heads together to give our best guess at who the Green Bay Packers will select with the 27th selection.

Note: we made a pact to assume that a trade up or down is not an option, and are only considering who we think the pick will  be if the Packers do indeed make their pick as scheduled at 27. Read on below and give us your prediction in the comments.

Evan "Tex" Western: DT Andrew Billings, Baylor

For me, any time you're projecting who the Packers will pick is an exercise in projecting who's available. At 27, there should still be a few defensive tackles on the "very athletic" end of the scale (as opposed to the big, plodding run-stuffers). In my opinion, that's where Ted will go, even if Reggie Ragland is still on the board. I think Billings ends up being the best of the remaining athletic linemen when the Packers are on the clock.

Jason B. Hirschhorn: DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss

On talent and tape, Robert Nkemdiche should come off the board somewhere in the top 10. However, the Ole Miss defensive lineman has seen his stock tumble as the result of an arrest for drug possession and the perception that his personality doesn't fit into the militaristic constructs of an NFL locker room. While some character concerns develop out of a track record of poor behavior and decision making, Nkemdiche's appear to arise out of fairly innocuous issues. Yes, he cannot use marijuana in a league that tests for it. However, he seems like a good kid with a quirky personality, not unlike B.J. Raji whom the Packers selected No. 9 overall despite similar red flags. Nkemdiche has elite athleticism and potential, something Ted Thompson covets in his defensive linemen.

Kris Burke: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

Ted hasn't taken an ILB early since AJ Hawk in 2006, but with such a gaping hole there, he has no choice. It's a tough call between him and a defensive tackle, but if Ragland is there expect Ted to pull the trigger.

Aron Yohannes: DT Andrew Billings, Baylor

The preferred pick for the Packers here would be inside linebacker since defensive tackle is loaded with depth. However, the linebackers meriting first-round selection will be off the board by this selection. Chris Jones, Sheldon Rankins and possibly both Alabama stuffers A'Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed will be gone, leaving Ted Thompson and the Packers one of the next best options. Edge rushers Emmanuel Ogbah and Noah Spence might be tempting, though.

Jon Barnett: DT Andrew Billings, Baylor

I still think Andrew Billings is the guy. I think Ted Thompson looks at value. This is a deep, top-end of defensive linemen and Ted values versatility. Billings is stout enough to take snaps at nose tackle and has the ability to play a 3-4 defensive end depending on the down and distance. He can provide pass rush from the line and relieve the pressure from the outside linebackers. I think he falls to the Packers and I think Thompson will be hard pressed to go anywhere else.

Zach Roethlisberger: DT Andrew Billings, Baylor

Given how I see the draft falling, Andrew Billings would be the ideal pick for the Packers in Round 1 . Billings would bring an immediate impact to the defensive line as maybe the best pure nose tackle in the draft. Fitting right into the Packers 3-4 defensive scheme, Billings would bring some depth to the nose tackle position next season along side Letroy Guion, before developing into the franchise's long term starter.

Doug Moore: DT Chris Jones, Mississippi State

Rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism. Improved run defense and would fit well in Dom Capers' 3-4 defense. A top five defensive tackle in this draft, provides an immediate upgrade to the position.

Mike Vieth: DT Jarran Reed, Alabama

I think Ted Thompson trades back with the Browns to grab a few picks including the first pick in the second round where they could grab Leonard Floyd or Kevin Dodd. However, if they stay with the 27th pick, the Packers get BJ Raji's replacement. Reed is a big DT that will take up two blockers and stuff the run up the middle. He has good instincts that help him shed blockers and find the ball. He won't get a big pass rush but he's being brought in to stop the run.

Todd Fairbourne: LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

Green Bay's need to stop run from ILB position out-weighs concerns that Ragland is a 3-down player. Lack of depth in the middle forces Thompson to take the only first-round ILB in the draft. Draft depth of defensive lineman allows Thompson to fill this need later.