How we see it: First-round Packers pick

Our experts predict which player will be drafted by the Packers with the No. 27 pick in the first round Thursday night:

PETE DOUGHERTY, Packers columnist

A’Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama: Tough call on whether the position-versatile defensive lineman makes it to No. 27, but the guess here is he will and that GM Ted Thompson takes him over inside linebacker Reggie Ragland. If Robinson doesn’t make it through, Louisiana Tech DL Vernon Butler or Alabama DL Jarron Reed might.

RYAN WOOD, Packers reporter

Related: Complete Packers draft coverage

Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama: The Packers plan to move Clay Matthews back outside, meaning they need an inside linebacker who is stout in run defense. Ragland has some limitations in coverage, but not enough to keep him off the field in nickel, the Packers’ preferred package. If he's still on the board at No. 27, it would be tough for the Packers to pass him up.

STU COURTNEY, Packers editor

Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky: Yes, Spence comes with plenty of baggage after twice testing positive for Ecstasy at Ohio State and being banished from the Big Ten. But the gifted 6-foot-3 edge rusher reportedly sent each of the 32 NFL teams the results of the 20 drug tests he has taken since last May to demonstrate he's clean. Perennially picking toward the end of the first round, Packers GM Ted Thompson -- who brought Spence in for a pre-draft visit -- rarely gets a shot at this kind of talent.