Packers 2022 post-draft position review: Inside linebackers
A year ago following the 2021 NFL Draft, it was clear the Green Bay Packers still needed work at inside linebacker.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst agreed, signing veteran De’Vondre Campbell to a one-year deal. The rest was history.
Entering 2022, inside linebacker can be a strength for this defense.
Currently on the roster
De’Vondre Campbell, Quay Walker, Krys Barnes, Ty Summers, Isaiah McDuffie, Ray Wilborn, Caliph Brice, Ellis Brooks
Offseason moves
The Packers had a decision to make with De’Vondre Campbell hitting free agency. Gutekunst made the right call, giving Campbell a new five-year, $50 million deal after being named a first-team All-Pro in 2021.
They got even more help in the middle of Joe Barry’s defense by drafting Georgia inside linebacker Quay Walker 22nd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft last month.
Improved from 2021?
Yes.
Not only did the Packers re-sign their All-Pro, they found him a partner in the first round of the draft. Remember when Green Bay never seemed to value inside linebacker?
Key player
De’Vondre Campbell.
Can Campbell build on his All-Pro season? He was key to the success of Green Bay’s defense last year, making play after play all over the field.
Campbell is a leader and showed his talent last year.
Position outlook
A year ago, the Packers hadn’t signed De’Vondre Campbell. Krys Barnes was the best inside linebacker on the roster.
Fast forward 12 months and Barnes is likely the third choice at the position behind a first-team All-Pro and a first-round pick. How times change.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed.
Campbell needs to replicate his 2021 performances, while Quay Walker needs to prove why he was picked 22nd overall.
We should see two inside linebackers on the field together more frequently this season. The combination of Campbell and Walker together should excite Packers fans.
The Packers have built a championship defense. Part of that was finally focusing on the inside linebacker position. Paying an All-Pro and using a first-round pick certainly does that.