Grading Packers position groups ahead of free agency

Edge rushers: A-

Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith form one of the best pass-rushing tandems in the NFL. The Smith Bros. combined for an impressive 25.5 sacks in 2019. Both players set career-bests in sacks with Za’Darius Smith earning a trip to the Pro Bowl.

The Smiths give the Packers two dominant starters at edge rusher. The only concern is the depth behind them.

Rashan Gary had an up-and-down rookie year but only played around 24 percent of the snaps, according to Pro Football Reference. His development is going to be crucial in the next couple of seasons.

With Kyler Fackrell set to hit free agency, the Packers don’t have much depth at edge rusher, which is something they’ll need to address. If they achieve that this offseason, the A-minus grade will soon turn into an A-plus.

Inside linebackers: F

Consider inside linebacker an urgent need. Blake Martinez has been the team’s top player at the position in recent years but he’s now a free agent. Even if Martinez was under contract, the Packers would still have a major need at the position.

B.J. Goodson was a solid addition but he’s also a free agent.

That leaves Oren Burks, Ty Summers, Curtis Bolton as the top three inside linebackers on the roster prior to free agency. Burks played less than six percent of the defensive snaps in 2019. Summers played zero defensive snaps and Bolton spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve.

This is a major position of need entering free agency.