Green Bay Packers 2015 season grades: Linebackers
![Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) celebrates during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) celebrates during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Flombardiave-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F02-2Fclay-matthews-nfl-green-bay-packers-minnesota-vikings-590x900-b85d87f65556b20f7665b02376ea0480102926be13457ba07f96189d84371950.jpg)
Jayrone Elliott
Elliott is a player to watch moving forward. He’s young with a lot of potential. Elliott is a speedy player but needs to add some strength. With development, he can earn a bigger role on defense.
Grade: C-
Nate Palmer
Palmer struggled in coverage often in 2015 and got lost on a number of run plays. Was a difficult season for him, but he was forced into a tough spot when Sam Barrington was lost for the season.
Grade: D
Joe Thomas
It was an up-and-down season for Thomas, who played on 319 snaps. Did a lot of nice things, but had some issues with coverage.
Grade: D
Andy Mulumba
Mulumba wasn’t used a whole lot and was active for just seven games all season. Bottom of the depth chart and will need a strong training camp to remain on the roster in 2016.
Grade: D
Sam Barrington
Was expected to be a key piece at inside linebacker when A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones were released, but a foot injury suffered at the start of the season required surgery and wiped out the rest of the year. His return to health in 2016 will be important.
Grade: Incomplete
Next: Overall