Ranking the Packers Draft Needs Post-Free Agency

Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) inside linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) and inside linebacker Brad Jones (59). Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

3) INSIDE LINEBACKER

I like what the Packers have in A.J. Hawk in the middle of their defense. I think he had one of his best seasons last year and still has a lot to offer this team going forward.

However, I am not sold on Brad Jones or any of the other options the Packers currently have at inside linebacker. Sam Barrington did flash some potential in the preseason last year and may be a player that surprises us next season, but Green Bay can’t count on this.

The Packers need playmakers at the heart of their defense. They need linebackers that can shed blocks between the tackles, run sideline-to-sidenline to run down ball carriers, and who are athletic enough to cover tight ends and backs across the middle of the field.

I just don’t see this linebacker on their roster right now. Maybe, I’m expecting too much.

California Golden Bears running back C.J. Anderson (9) is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (10). Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

DRAFT OUTLOOK

If the Packers are looking for speed at inside linebacker, which I believe they need in today’s NFL, Alabama’s C.J. Mosley and Ryan Shazier of Ohio State are great options for them in the first round.

Both are fast, savvy linebackers who can run down ball carriers and drop back in coverage in the middle of the field. Mosley may be better between the tackles, but Shazier also brings some pass rush ability and has better all-around speed and athleticism.

Iowa’s Christian Kirksey is another linebacker of this mold and could be taken on day two of the draft. He’s a Bobby Wagner-type linebacker who is athletic and plays well in coverage.

If the Packers want a bruiser in the middle, similar to what they had with Desmond Bishop, Chris Borland of Wisconsin and Yawin Smallwood of UConn are both excellent run stoppers who can shed blocks and lay a hit. They’re both projected to go somewhere in rounds 2-4, and could excel in the Packers’ system paired with Hawk on the inside.

Louisville’s Preston Brown is a middle-round bruiser who could develop into a solid starter and may be a player the Packers take a look at on day three of the draft.