Green Bay Packers 2015 NFL Draft: Breaking down the outside linebacker prospects

Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines defensive end Frank Clark (57). Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Tier Three

14. Frank Clark, Michigan (6-3, 271)
15. Zachary Hodges, Harvard (6-2, 250)
16. Trey Flowers, Arkansas (6-2, 266)
17. Kyle Emanuel, North Dakota State (6-3, 255)
18. Xzavier Dickson, Alabama (6-3, 260)
19. Za’Darius Smith, Kentucky (6-4, 274)
20. Geneo Grissom, Oklahoma (6-3, 262)
21. Max Valles, Virginia (6-5, 251)

The Skinny: Green Bay could find a quality outside linebacker in the middle rounds of the draft as well.

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Clark was once considered an early-round talent before a run-in with the law hurt his draft stock. He’s still a powerful player off the edge and has the size and motor to be an effective run defender outside of the tackle. He would be a great pick in the third or fourth round.

Emanuel and Hodges are underrated athletes who move well in space and are coming off productive college careers. They could could be legitimate fourth-round options for Green Bay.

Smith and Flowers are ferocious pass rushers but may struggle making the transition to outside linebacker. They don’t quite have the athleticism to drop in coverage or make plays in the space. They’re both probably better off keeping their hand on the ground.

Despite leading Alabama in sacks (9) and tackles for loss (12.5) as a senior, Dickson is flying under the radar heading into the draft.

He’s a tough player who can generate pressure off the edge but also hold the point of attack against the run.

Next: Tier Four