Packers 53-man roster predictions following 2018 NFL Draft

Outside linebackers (5)

Outside linebackers: Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Vince Biegel, Reggie Gilbert, Kendall Donnerson

Much of Green Bay’s success at outside linebacker will depend on the development of the young players.

Clay Matthews and Nick Perry form a strong starting pair. They combined for 14.5 sacks last season. Staying healthy has been the biggest problem for both of them throughout their careers.

The Packers will be hoping Vince Biegel, a fourth-round pick a year ago, will become an important piece to the pass rush. Biegel missed almost all of the team’s offseason program last year, and didn’t make his debut until midseason. Now that he’s healthy and has a full offseason to improve, the hope is Biegel becomes a key contributor.

Reggie Gilbert played well late last year when given an opportunity. He, too, could play an important role at the position.

The Packers added just one edge rusher in this year’s draft, seventh-rounder Kendall Donnerson. It would be unfair to place high expectations on the 6-foot-3, 249-pound pass rusher.

Staying healthy is key for both Matthews and Perry. Perry stayed relatively injury-free in 2016, missing just two games, and produced career-best numbers with 11 sacks.

Have the Packers done enough to address the pass rush this season? Time will tell.