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Green Bay Packers: Grading the 2015 rookie class

By Freddie Boston

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) celebrates with cornerback Damarious Randall (23) after Randall intercepted the ball and ran for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) celebrates with cornerback Damarious Randall (23) after Randall intercepted the ball and ran for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Jake Ryan (47) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Jake Ryan (47) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4: Jake Ryan

At long last, the Packers made a move to fill a need at inside linebacker. It took longer than most expected, with Ted Thompson waiting until day three of the draft to select Jake Ryan from Michigan.

Expectations were for Ryan to bolster a unit that had struggled with A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones the season prior. His role would increase when Sam Barrington was lost for the season due to injury. It took a while to become a starter at inside linebacker, but he was the preferred option late in the year.

It’s unlikely Ryan will ever be a star at the position, but he can become a valuable asset to a position that desperately needs it. He played hard and looks like an intelligent player. With a full offseason to fine tune his game, he has the potential to be a starter inside in 2016.

The Packers still have a need at inside linebacker and will almost certainly address the position with more aggression this offseason, especially after head coach Mike McCarthy revealed his plan to move Clay Matthews back to his natural spot outside.

Ryan has the makings of a talented player, and he was a good pickup in the fourth round.

Grade: C

Next: Brett Hundley

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