Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Kyle Van Noy (3) attempts to rush around the block of Boise State Broncos offensive linesman Travis Averill (73). Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
The Packers need to add another pass rusher to their roster. Hopefully, Julius Peppers is that guy for them or that Mike Neal and Nick Perry progress into this role.
However, the Packers would be wise to take a close look at a deep crop of 3-4 outside linebackers in this year’s draft.
BYU’s Kyle Van Noy (No. 3) could be an option for them if the Packers trade down in the first round. Marcus Smith (No. 5) and Jeremiah Attaochu (No. 6) would be good players to pick up in the second or third round and could develop into solid contributors.
The Packers could even take a look at day three options, like Alabama’s Adrian Hubbard (No. 12) and Notre Dame’s Prince Shembo (No. 14).
My Pick for the Packers: Marcus Smith in Round 2
1. Khalil Mack, Buffalo: 6-3, 251 (4.55)
2. Anthony Barr, UCLA: 6-5, 255 (4.41)
3. Kyle Van Noy, BYU: 6-3, 243 (4.71)
4. Dee Ford, Auburn: 6-2, 252 (4.59)
5. Marcus Smith, Louisville: 6-3, 251 (4.68)
6. Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech: 6-3, 253
7. Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State: 6-3, 251 (4.69)
8. Trent Murphy, Stanford: 6-5, 250 (4.86)
9. Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas: 6-3, 247 (4.63)
10. Carl Bradford, Arizona: 6-1, 250 (4.72)
11. Chris Smith, Arkansas: 6-1, 266 (4.71)
12. Adrian Hubbard, Alabama: 6-6, 257 (4.69)
13. Trevor Reilly, Utah: 6-5, 245 (4.66)
14. Prince Shembo, Notre Dame: 6-1, 253 (4.71)
15. James Gayle, Virginia Tech: 6-4, 259 (4.66)
16. Ronald Powell, Florida: 6-3, 237 (4.65)
17. Devon Kennard, USC: 6-3, 249 (4.70)
18. Cassius Marsh, UCLA: 6-4, 252 (4.70)
19. Kasim Edebali, Boston College: 6-2, 253 (4.79)
20. Michael Sam, Missouri: 6-1, 261 (4.91)
Read a complete breakdown of the outside linebackers here.
Watch highlights of the top ten outside linebackers here.