Green Bay Packers: 3 Free Agents to Target this Offseason
By Paul Bretl
Joe Schobert ILB
At this point I’m sure it is safe to say that Blake Martinez will not be back in 2020 which means the Green Bay Packers have a huge void to fill at inside linebacker. And considering it isn’t a very deep draft class at that position, them finding their solution via free agency seems like a very likely route.
Just like Martinez, Joe Schobert was drafted in the fourth-round of the 2016 NFL draft. While he is a solid tackler which included leading the NFL with 144 during his Pro Bowl season in 2017, this is an area where Martinez may be considered better but the difference isn’t huge.
With that said, two areas in particular that Schobert would be an upgrade is in coverage and as a playmaker. In 2018 according to Pro Football Focus, Schobert finished with the second best coverage grade among linebackers with 87.7, he was first in snaps per reception with 21.3, first in snaps per target at 12.9, and first in yards allowed per snap with 0.42.
Unfortunately, Schobert would see a drop off in 2019 as his overall coverage grade fell to 67.6, which ranked 15th among linebackers but it was still ahead of Martinez. It’s also worth pointing out that he played at a much higher level for a majority of the season but a few rough weeks to end hurt his overall performance.
Schobert has also been able to make more impact plays during his career which includes six interceptions, seven forced fumbles, 20 pass breakups, and 19 quarterback hits. Where as over that same span, Martinez has just 3 interceptions, two forced fumbles, 17 pass breakups, and 12 quarterback hits. Although he does have 1.5 more sacks.
In the past the Packers have shown a reluctance to spend money on the inside linebacker position. However, they certainly can’t go into the season with Oren Burks and Ty Summers leading the way, so if they are ever going to spend, now is the time.