Will the Packers Switch to a 4-3 Defense?

Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) goes by San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85). Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Benefits of switching to the 4-3

If the Packers fail to re-sign Raji and Pickett this offseason, then they would have to find a top-notch nose tackle in the draft to continue running the 3-4 with any effect.

Notre Dame’s Louis Nix seems to be the only the player in the draft that would fit this bill, and it’s awfully risky to bet the core of your defense on landing one player in the first round.

The Packers would avoid this dilemma by switching to the 4-3, and it would also allow them to better use the defensive line talent they currently have under contract.

A switch to a 4-3 may also better suit players like Nick Perry, Mike Neal, and A.J. Hawk, while still trying to use Matthews in creative ways in a linebacker/rush backer hybrid role.

The defensive line talent in the draft is also better suited for the 4-3. There are plenty of interior rushers, like Aaron Donald, Timmy Jernigan, and Will Sutton, who would be great at a getting pressure up the middle.

The Packers also wouldn’t have to draft more college defensive ends in hopes they could make the transition to outside linebacker in order to be pass rushers in their defense.