Ranking the Packers Draft Needs Post-Free Agency

Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal (96). Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

6) OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

With the acquisition of Julius Peppers and the re-signing of Mike Neal this offseason, outside linebacker has become less of a draft need than it appeared it would be after the season.

It appears McCarthy is set on implementing the “elephant” position in the Packers defense next season, which would fit Peppers, Neal, and Nick Perry. The “elephant” is a linebacker/end hybrid position and is utilized to play to the strengths of the pass rushers currently on the roster.

Both Perry and Neal could also prove effective at LOLB opposite Clay Matthews with another year under their belt and barring any injuries. Peppers will also get some looks as a rush backer and rotate in nicely with Neal and Perry.

Andy Mulumba and Nate Palmer are still developmental prospects that flashed some promise in their rookie season. Having said this, it wouldn’t hurt for the Packers to add some depth to the position, considering Matthews and Perry’s injury history.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu (45). Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

DRAFT OUTLOOK

The Packers would also be wise to take advantage of a deep crop of 3-4 outside linebackers in this year’s draft, and despite Peppers and Neal returning, could use another pass rusher to add to the mix.

Green Bay may consider athletic edge rushers, like Auburn’s Dee Ford or Kony Ealy of Missouri, who are college defensive ends that could make the transition to linebacker in a 3-4 and be found in the first round.

Even less risky though, Green Bay may select players like Louisville’s Marcus Smith, Stanford’s Trent Murphy, or Jeremiah Attaochu of Georgia Tech, who have experience rushing the quarterback as outside linebackers and could be found on day two of the draft.