Man....3 lbs of bees (package???) the last week of February. That is an early start.
Just remember, you asked IF your bees NEED a follower board. Really different than asking if your bees would benefit from one.
Those three pound bees will diminish in numbers for up to the first 30 days. Brood area will be dictated by how much the cluster will cover, especially at night.
So I question the early start, by not doing everything possible to allow the bees to build as much as possible. Certainly a follower board is not needed, but your bees will be greatly benefitted by you using one.
a small nuc will build better in a smaller box than a larger box. Two frames will build faster in a five frame nuc, as compared to putting them in a ten frame box. That retained heat has much to do with it. Same concept is seen in a TBH.
I know some may not be striving for the healthiest, most productive hives. I am. So I use any tricks, management, and manipulations I can. And having those bees start off in a smaller volume space, will benefit the bees. Especially in February.