Packers pick USC LB Nick Perry in first round of draft

GREEN BAY (AP) -- The Green Bay Packers moved to boost their pass rush in the first round of the NFL draft, taking USC's Nick Perry with the No. 28 overall pick Thursday night.

At 6-2 and 271 pounds, Perry likely projects as an outside linebacker in the Packers' 3-4 scheme. That could make him a potential compliment to fellow Trojan Clay Matthews, something the team has lacked in recent seasons. Perry had 21.5 career sacks in three seasons.

Green Bay gave up an NFL-worst 411.6 yards per game last season and allowed 80 plays of 20-plus yards, third-worst in the league.

The Packers had 29 sacks; only two teams had fewer.