Packers: 4 worst decisions made in the 2020 offseason

2. Ignoring the inside linebacker position once again

Another huge part of the run defense problem was inside linebacker. How many years have we now sat here discussing the Packers’ lack of attention at this position?

The Packers’ defense is often in its dime package. Mike Pettine loves to get defensive backs on the field, but he often doesn’t have a whole lot of choice given his options at inside linebacker. Last season, Blake Martinez and B.J. Goodson struggled. Neither player was re-signed in free agency and that didn’t come as a surprise.

Gutekunst opted against going after a top free agent like Cory Littleton, but the hope was that he’d then go early in the draft. Again, it didn’t happen. The Packers passed up on LSU’s Patrick Queen, who could now become a superstar in the Baltimore Ravens’ dominant defense.

Christian Kirksey was a low-risk signing and he could become a good starter in Pettine’s defense. But he’s played in only nine games since the start of 2018 due to injury, which is a concern. And outside of Kirksey, the depth at inside linebacker is a major issue. Oren Burks couldn’t get on the field in 2019 but they’ll need him to contribute more this season. They’ll also be hoping for Curtis Bolton to build on a strong preseason once he’s fully healthy.