Green Bay Packers: Citizen GM grades the 2015 draft class
By Jamie Wright
Nov 8, 2014; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jake Ryan (47) in the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Round four – Jake Ryan brings real value to the Packers
Round Four – LB Jake Ryan – B+
Packers Nation called for Anthony, McKinney or any of the other big named linebackers in what the media called a “mediocre LB class.”
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One by one, we watched them picked off the board right in front of us.
When a few quality names were still available at the 30th pick, we were sure that’s where Ted was going.
He didn’t.
When Paul Dawson was still available in the second round, we were sure that’s where Ted was going.
He didn’t.
As all the ILB prospects came off the board, other teams’ needs were addressed and Michigan’s Jake Ryan took a tumble into the fourth round. Many said that Ryan was a steal at the place in which he fell to the Packers, that he was reminiscent of a young, hyped up A.J. Hawk coming out of OSU.
Oct 11, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jake Ryan (47) during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Though the Packers should have addressed the need at inside linebacker more quickly, they married need and value on the Ryan pick, actually exceeding the value for the position at which they got him.
Ryan has a strong, fast motor and is widely considered to be the “thumper” that the Packers are looking for in the middle.
Clay Matthews will likely continue to see snaps inside next to Sam Barrington, but Ryan will have a solid mentor and role model in both of those veterans.
Though he may not contribute highly in year one, Ryan looks to be the long-term answer at ILB, which will ultimately send Matthews back out to the outside where he belongs.
Again, Thompson finds a diamond in the rough – in a later round.
Next: Round five - a quarterback?