Ranking the Packers’ 2015 Draft Needs

Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53). Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

7. OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

The Packers could always use more pass rushers on their team. After all, generating quarterback pressure is what Dom Capers’ defense is built around.

Julius Peppers has been a good addition for Clay Matthews and the rest of the defense. Mike Neal also offers some depth at the position and some juice off the bench in passing situations.

Nick Perry remains a question mark and could be released after the season to avoid the cap hit his contract will generate in 2015. Jayrone Elliott is still young and developing.

The depth of this year’s draft class is undersized, athletic college defensive ends who translate well to 3-4 outside linebackers in the NFL. Given Peppers‘ age and the soon-to-be expiring contracts of Neal and Perry, Green Bay may want to draft a young pass rusher they can develop for the future.

Prospects to watch in CFB Bowl games:

  Vic Beasley (Clemson) in Russell Athletic Bowl on Dec. 29th

  Shane Ray (Missouri) in Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1st

  Shaq Thompson (Washington) in Cactus Bowl on Jan. 2nd

  Dante Fowler (Florida) in Brigham Bowl on Jan. 3rd