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Green Bay Packers Defensive Deep Dive: Jake Ryan

By Deanna Chapman

Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Jake Ryan (47) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Jake Ryan (47) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jake Ryan joined the Green Bay Packers in 2015. That season, he had the opportunity to start in five games and this past season, he doubled up on starts. He played in 14 regular season games (although he recorded no stats against Tennessee in November and missed the following two games) and all three playoff games. Considering he was the 129th pick in 2015, he hasn’t been a horrible addition to the team.

Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) tries to get past Green Bay Packers linebacker Jake Ryan (47) in the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) tries to get past Green Bay Packers linebacker Jake Ryan (47) in the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

In a season where it seemed the Packers couldn’t tackle anyone, Ryan contributed 56 tackles with 25 assists. In the playoffs his numbers were 15 and 5, respectively. It’s an improvement over his rookie season and if he stays on this trajectory, he could continue to become a better player. The Packers started off strong against the run and Ryan definitely contributed to that.

However, being a young player, Ryan still had some miscues. This happens to everyone and his just so happened in the playoff game against Atlanta that could have taken them to the Super Bowl. There was a bad snap to Taylor Gabriel and Ryan was in reach of recovering the fumble, but just couldn’t get control of the ball. While it’s a play that could have changed the momentum of the game, that loss can’t be blamed solely on Ryan.

In 2016, tackles and assists were the only stat lines that Ryan really filled so there’s clearly some room for improvement. He defended a few passes, but it would be great to see some turnovers in there. When defending against the run, causing some forced fumbles was something the Packers seemed to lack.

Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Zach Zenner (34) is tackled by Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Zach Zenner (34) is tackled by Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

We’ve all seen the players who go for the fumble a lot when trying to tackle, which can be costly if they’re constantly trying to punch the ball out to no avail. Instead, if Ryan focuses on finding a way to both tackle the player while punching the ball loose, he could be an excellent asset to the run defense.

Teams also want to see their linebackers getting to the opposing QB. We’ve seen Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, and Julius Peppers all smash some QBs into the ground. However, Ryan didn’t have any success with that this past season.

Is Ryan the next defensive star of the Packers? Probably not, but if he can be more consistent that would be a win for them. The Packers have shown that the defense is more worrisome than the offense, so any reassurance on that end is a plus. If Ryan keeps working at it, and it seems he really wants to, he’ll be in good shape and earn his spot on the team for the long run.

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