Packers: Predicting three most improved positions in 2020

3. Inside linebacker

This one might come as a bit of surprise, but the Packers could actually improve a lot at inside linebacker. That’s despite the fact they lost leading-tackler Blake Martinez to the New York Giants in free agency, with last year’s number two inside linebacker B.J. Goodson signing with the Cleveland Browns.

The Packers made a free-agency move of their own at inside linebacker by signing Christian Kirksey, who could be an improvement over last year’s top two at the position if he can stay healthy. Kirksey’s recent injury history is the number one concern rather than his talent. If Kirksey is on the field, the Packers should be improved at the position.

Kirksey started all 16 games for the Cleveland Browns in 2016 and 2017. In that time, he made 286 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and six sacks. When healthy, Kirksey can help Green Bay’s defense improve against the run.

I’m also excited about Curtis Bolton, assuming he’s fully healthy after a torn ACL cost him the entire 2019 season. It might have only been the preseason, but Bolton was playing some great football last summer before getting injured. He could be a solid backup this year with the potential to earn more playing time in Mike Pettine’s defense.