Green Bay Packers 2018 position outlook: Outside linebacker
The Green Bay Packers have a talented starting duo at outside linebacker, but the depth is a concern.
The Green Bay Packers need to get more sacks in 2018.
With Mike Pettine taking over as defensive coordinator, the expectation is that the defense will improve. But does he have enough talent to work with at outside linebacker?
Let’s take a closer look.
Currently on the roster
Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Vince Biegel, Reggie Gilbert, Kendall Donnerson, Kyler Fackrell, Chris Odom, Marcus Porter, Greer Martini
Who makes the final 53-man roster?
In my post-draft 53-man roster predictions, I had the Packers keeping five outside linebackers: Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Vince Biegel, Reggie Gilbert and rookie Kendall Donnerson.
Matthews and Perry will be the starters once again, and both Biegel and Gilbert have good odds of making the final 53. Behind them there will be competition for places at training camp.
Key player
Clay Matthews: Matthews is still one of the most important players on defense. The 32-year-old recorded 8.5 sacks last season, and along with Nick Perry, will again start on the outside.
Ideally, Mike Pettine would be able to move Matthews around, using him at both outside and inside linebacker. But considering the team’s lack of depth on the edge, he’ll likely be lined up outside the majority of the time.
The six-time Pro Bowler isn’t as dominant as he once was — he hasn’t recorded double-digit sacks since 2014 — but he’s still an important piece of the Packers’ defense.
Position outlook
If Matthews and Perry can stay healthy, the Packers have a talented starting duo. But Matthews hasn’t played all 16 games since 2015, and Perry has missed at least one game each season of his career.
Behind Matthews and Perry, there is a lot of uncertainty.
Can second-year Vince Biegel take on a bigger role? He missed half of his rookie season with a foot injury. Is Reggie Gilbert ready to make an impact? He played well when given an opportunity late on last year.
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To get more sacks, the Packers might need to rely on interior pressure from their talented defensive line, as well as better play from the secondary. Right now, the lack of depth at outside linebacker is concerning.