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Green Bay Packers: Projected preseason two-deep depth chart

By Freddie Boston

Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass to wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass to wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-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 /

Left outside linebacker

Starter: Clay Matthews

If all goes to plan, Clay Matthews will return to the outside after spending the past season-and-a-half as a full-time inside linebacker. Matthews’ role isn’t rigid and Dom Capers will want to move him around to exploit the best matchups, but his number one job will be to do what he does best, and that’s rush off the edge.

Matthews struggled somewhat when asked to rush from the outside last season, but he was doing so after the grind of playing inside. The plan is to give Matthews more snaps off the edge so he can make the most impact on opposing quarterbacks.

Sometimes it’s important not to ask what your own team wants, but rather what the opponents do not want. No quarterback wants to see Matthews rushing at them from the outside.

Backup: Jayrone Elliott

This is a big season for the third-year Jayrone Elliott. He has flashed potential with a smaller role on defense, and now is the time for him to shift his play up a gear. Elliott made strides last year with three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception, and Coach McCarthy will expect the same rate of improvements.

Elliott will face competition from rookie Kyler Fackrell, so it’s important to hit the ground running.

Next: Right outside linebacker

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