Green Bay Packers: Draft and free agency options at positions of need

Dec 17, 2015 St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook (89) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015 St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook (89) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Texas A&M Aggies running back Tra Carson (5) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Texas A&M Aggies running back Tra Carson (5) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside linebacker

Best free agency fit: Brandon Marshall would be a great addition in Green Bay, although he is a restricted free agent and signing him would require surrendering a second-round draft pick. This is a highly unlikely scenario.

Other free agency options: Karlos Dansby was released by the Browns and could get a look from the Packers, but at 34-years-old he’s not the player he once was.

Beft draft fit: Reggie Ragland to the Packers would make a lot of sense if he’s there at No. 27. Ragland is an old-school thumper and would strengthen the run defense. Green Bay needs a linebacker who can hold up in coverage, but they still hope Jake Ryan can be that guy.

Ragland is the best linebacker in the class and would make sense for the Packers if he drops.

Other draft options: Deion Jones is a player to watch out for. The LSU product is listed as an outside linebacker but would likely move inside in a 3-4 defense. He has elite speed — posting a 4.38 40-yard dash at his pro day — and would be an instant upgrade in coverage. Jones would be a great addition on day two.

Next: Defensive line