Green Bay Packers 53-man roster predictions following 2017 NFL Draft

Outside linebackers (5)

Outside linebackers: Nick Perry, Clay Matthews, Vince Biegel, Kyler Fackrell, Jayrone Elliott

A few factors will determine whether the Packers’ edge rushers succeed in 2017.

First is replicating what worked last year. Nick Perry stood atop the rest with a team-high 11 sacks, and he needs to prove 2016 was no fluke by staying healthy and hitting the double-digits again.

Next is replacing what they lost in Julius Peppers. The future Hall-of-Famer netted 7.5 sacks last year, and the Packers will rely on veteran Clay Matthews to make a return to form and help pick up the slack.

The third and final factor is youth. Jayrone Elliott might see an increased role. Last year’s third-rounder Kyler Fackrell has to; he was largely a non-factor as a rookie.

Then comes Vince Biegel, the Packers’ fourth-round pick. There’s no shortage of buzz surrounding the former Wisconsin Badger, who should come in and compete for snaps right away. Dom Capers may feel he fits best inside, but in likelihood he’ll be used in a number of ways.