Packers: Predicting inside linebacker depth chart in 2021 season
The Green Bay Packers have made some changes at inside linebacker this offseason.
Christian Kirksey, a free-agent addition last year, was released to create some cap room. Earlier this month, the Packers signed former Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals linebacker De’Vondre Campbell.
They also drafted Isaiah McDuffie in April, although I don’t have him making the 53-man roster as things stand.
Packers ILB depth chart predictions in 2021
- De’Vondre Campbell
- Krys Barnes
- Kamal Martin
- Ty Summers
Campbell, a starter in the majority of the games he’s played in the NFL, will likely be Green Bay’s top inside linebacker this season. When the Packers go with one inside linebacker on the field, Campbell can handle that role. When there are two linebackers, my guess is he’ll most often be joined by Krys Barnes, who started 10 games in his rookie season.
Another second-year player, Kamal Martin, could see an increased role in his second season. Martin was impressive throughout training camp last summer but then missed the start of the regular season due to injury.
It’s tough to predict who will win the fourth spot at inside linebacker and it will be a training camp battle to watch. Ty Summers will compete with Oren Burks and rookie McDuffie for a spot on the 53-man roster, as it’s hard to see the Packers keeping more than four players at the position.
I’ve gone with Summers as he’s become a core special teams player for the Packers. Burks has also played a lot of snaps on special teams, and McDuffie can also contribute on special teams, so it’s not an easy decision. I have McDuffie spending most of his rookie season on the practice squad.
But it’s a tough choice and I’m glad I’m not the one making it. It should make for an interesting training camp battle over the summer.