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Green Bay Packers 2015 season grades: Linebackers

By Freddie Boston

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 /
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Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts after the Packers made a defensive stop on fourth down against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Packers defeated the Raiders 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts after the Packers made a defensive stop on fourth down against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Packers defeated the Raiders 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall

It was a mixed season for the Green Bay Packers’ linebackers. Clay Matthews played well inside and Julius Peppers was productive again on the outside, but there will be plenty of work on the group this offseason.

Due to a deficiency at inside linebacker further weakened by the loss of Sam Barrington early in the season, Matthews was forced once again to play out of position. The plan is to get him back outside in 2016, which means it will be a busy offseason for general manager Ted Thompson.

How will the Packers address their need at inside linebacker?

Free agency? That’s certainly a possibility with a number of talented players like the Broncos’ Danny Trevathan and the Colts’ Jerrell Freeman set to hit the market. How about the draft? Reggie Ragland sits atop the class but would likely require a trade up from the Packers.

Next: How Packers can build elite defense

The Packers can’t rest on their laurels at outside linebacker, either. Despite putting up 43 sacks in 2015 (good for No. 7 in the NFL), 10.5 of those belonged to Peppers who recently turned 36 and is entering the final year on his contract. Nick Perry and Mike Neal are also free agents.

Stocking up on talent at linebacker is a key to the offseason.

Grade: C

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