Packers: Power ranking NFC North by position groups in 2022

Linebackers

1. Packers

The Packers ranking first for the defensive line and now inside linebacker? Strange times, indeed.

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry is blessed with strength and depth at linebacker. The Packers rewarded De’Vondre Campbell with a new five-year deal after he made the All-Pro first team last season.

They also drafted Quay Walker with the 22nd overall pick. Krys Barnes has starting experience and provides good depth as the third option.

2. Vikings

A former first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler, Eric Kendricks is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL. He is now joined by free-agent addition Jordan Hicks, who has 89 career starts to his name.

3. Bears

Chicago has an excellent starter in Roquan Smith but lacks the depth Green Bay and Minnesota have. The Bears will need Smith, a second-team All-Pro in each of the past two seasons, to lead the way for a much-changed defense.

4. Lions

The Lions have improved their defensive line, but linebacker remains a major concern for this defense. NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal projects Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes will be the Lions’ starters in the middle.

Detroit may struggle to defend the middle of the field, and this is an area the team will need to focus on in upcoming offseasons.