Packers 2016 Draft: “Red” and “Black Dot” players on defense

Our “Red Dot” Inside Linebackers

Kyle — Joshua Perry, Ohio State

When an Ohio State Linebacker has been mentioned in draft circles, most of the time we are talking about Darron Lee. This is unfortunate because Joshua Perry might be the most NFL ready linebacker from OSU. While I love Reggie Ragland, there is not much fall off between him and Perry. Perry has the 6-foot-4 and 250-pound frame that teams desire in a linebacker. Perry also has a 4.68 forty time. He not only looks the part, but he is the definition of productive. He led the Buckeyes in tackles in 2014 and finished second in that category in 2015. In addition to his on the field abilities, he is also recognized as a high character player who leads by example away from the field. I want this kid on my 2016 roster.

Dan — Beniquez Brown, Mississippi State

Brown remains one of the most underrated inside linebacker prospects in this class. Weighing in at 236 pounds at 6-foot-1, Brown ran a respectable 4.62 forty at his pro day. He moves well in space and is the “chase” linebacker the Packers need to run down ball carriers outside the tackle box. He recorded a team-high 99 tackles as a junior in 2015 and was a reliable leader on the Bulldogs defense. Brown is also one of the better coverage linebackers in this class, which is an area Green Bay could use some help on defense.

Freddie — Deion Jones, LSU

The Packers need a linebacker who can drop into coverage, and Deion Jones could be their man. Jones is an outstanding athlete, has great speed and can make plays on the football in coverage. Jones has a lot of potential and would be a good fit inside for the Packers.

Our “Black Dot” Inside Linebackers

Kyle — Deion Jones, LSU

Jones has quite a few attractive qualities. He’s fast and he’s aggressive, but there are also reasons to think he will bust as a linebacker in the league. He’s small. At just over 220 pounds, it is hard to envision that his nearly maxed out frame can get off blocks at the NFL level. He also has very limited starting experience. Everyone is in love with his speed, but that speed doesn’t always translate into good coverage when you watch the tape. Jones does some things well and might be able to make the transition to strong safety, but I am going to pass on him as a linebacker.

Dan — Antonio Morrison, Florida

Morrison was a really good chase linebacker at Florida, who exceeded the century mark in tackles in each of the past two seasons. However, not only does the former Gator have some major medical red flags after undergoing two significant knee surgeries in 2014, Morrison also has two arrests on his record. All of this and he ran a 5.1 forty at his pro day this spring, which is way too slow for any linebacker prospect, but especially concerning for one who plays between 225 and 230 pounds.

Freddie — Nick Vigil, Utah State

Nick Vigil isn’t a good scheme fit and would be best suited in a 4-3 defense. Needs to bulk up his frame and lacks great speed or athleticism.

Next: Cornerbacks