APC Mock Draft 2016: Packers land Baylor DT Andrew Billings

Acme Packing Company's 2016 mock draft continues on with picks five and six in round one, as we release the first-round picks over the course of this week. The rules were simple: seven authors were assigned four or five teams apiece, and made the picks for each of those teams whenever they came up. We will pick the first three rounds of the draft.

We're finally up to pick number 27, where the Green Bay Packers sit eagerly awaiting their turn. Playing the role of Ted Thompson is APC's Jon Barnett, who finds an excellent marriage of need and value with his selection. Without further ado, here is our projection for the Packers' selection in round one:

Round 1, Pick 27: Green Bay Packers select Andrew Billings, defensive tackle, Baylor

Here's Jon's rationale on his choice of the 6'1", 311-pound lineman:

In the last seven years, Ted Thompson has drafted defense with six of his eight first round picks (including two first rounders in 2009). With B.J. Raji taking at least this season off and possibly retiring, the Packers look to improve a defensive line that was already a problem. Thompson is not a pure "best player available" guy, he is a "best value available guy." Andrew Billings fits all the boxes.

Billings played big time college football in the Big XII and provided both pass rush and run defense. Billings will provide some flexibility (something the Packers have valued) as he can play in the defensive end spot and would be able to slide inside to the nose tackle position. With Mike Pennel missing time early, expect Billings to get lots of looks at the nose tackle spot spelling Letroy Guion. A run stopper will bring immediate dividends to the 21st-ranked run defense from 2015.

Stay tuned, as we will wrap up round one later today and continue on with rounds two and three of the mock draft next week.

Mock Draft Summary