Green Bay Packers: 4 players with the worst preseason

3. Inside Linebacker Jake Ryan

Heading into a contract year, inside linebacker Jake Ryan needed to have a big year. Despite finishing 16th at the position via Pro Football Focus, the team still drafted Burks in the third round. Burks represented the perfect compliment to Blake Martinez with his athleticism and coverage ability. These were things that Ryan just didn’t have. His old school style just was falling out of favor, and his torn ACL did not do him any favors moving forward.

Burks has been one of the standouts this offseason, and, even if Ryan had stayed healthy, Burks may have taken the starting job. If Ryan is able to get healthy heading into next season, the Packers may choose to bring him back as a depth piece, or he could catch on with another team. However, for a guy with already limited athleticism, an ACL tear will not bode well for him in the future.

Mike McCarthy has always valued a strong veteran voice in the locker room. Ryan’s work ethic would be something for younger players to aspire for. Now, he will have to make his impact felt from the sidelines. Thumping linebackers that can’t cover are a dying breed, and this was Ryan’s last offseason to solidify his spot on the depth chart. Heading into next offseason, it’ll be interesting to see if the Packers choose to bring him back.