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Green Bay Packers: Ted Thompson’s top 30 draft picks of all-time

By Freddie Boston

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter of a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter of a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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26. Sam Barrington (Freddie’s pick)

Sam Barrington is one of football’s good guys, and he will be a key to fixing the need at inside linebacker in 2016. Selected in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Barrington is a classic example of Green Bay’s draft-and-develop philosophy, and is a good reason why undrafted players should feel comfortable joining the Packers. They know they’ll get a shot.

Barrington didn’t see much of the field as a rookie, but was given an opportunity in 2014 and never looked back. A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones had their struggles inside, and Barrington eventually got a starting job and held it for the remainder of the season alongside Clay Matthews who joined him inside.

The Packers were hoping for Barrington to continue this role alongside Matthews in 2015 with the addition or rookie Jake Ryan, but an ankle injury suffered in Week 1 against Chicago wiped out his season and left the Packers thin at the position.

Barrington is a tough hitter despite being slightly undersized (6-foot-1, 240 pounds) and lacking speed. Sounds a little like Reggie Ragland, right? Barrington’s best work comes against the run, and he will play a key role at inside linebacker in 2016.

Talk about value in the seventh round.

Next: No. 25 (Ray's pick)

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