Packers: Ranking biggest positions of need entering 2021 NFL Draft

Packers may look to add in the middle in the draft

Need #4: Middle linebacker

The middle linebacker position has been a weak spot on just about every Packers defense this past decade. The past several seasons’ opponents have been able to completely gash Green Bay in the middle.

The rush defense has been awful, perhaps at its worst against the 49ers in the 2019 NFC Championship game, where Raheem Mostert ran all over them for 220 yards and an absurd four total touchdowns.

Now, I must admit that I am a fan of what the Packers currently have on the roster but that should not stop them from upgrading at the position. Krys Barnes was an undrafted free agent who ended up starting in 10 of 13 games.

Their other interior linebacker is Kamal Martin who was a fifth-round selection in the 2020 draft. These two players together both showed some flashes throughout the season and were even a nice Yin and Yang to each other.

Martin provides some serious explosiveness when attacking the ball, where Barnes is more of a field general. Again, I really like these two but if the Packers are high on a prospect they shouldn’t hesitate to pounce.

There is some very good LB talent in the draft this year. By most accounts, Micah Parsons and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah are the top prospects but probably won’t be there at 29. Luckily for the Packers, there are plenty of other prospects.

Players to watch:

• Zaven Collins
• Nick Bolton
• Jamin Davis