Green Bay Packers: 3 Free Agent ILBs to Target
By Paul Bretl
Nick Kwiatkoski
If the Green Bay Packers are looking for a more affordable option that won’t break the bank, then they should be taking a look at Nick Kwiatkoski formerly of the Chicago Bears.
Kwiatkoski was drafted in the fourth-round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of West Virginia and over his career he has made 57 appearances, including 32 the last two seasons, and he also has 22 starts. During that span, Kwiatkoski has recorded one interception, eight pass-breakups, four forced fumbles, and 176 total tackles.
Certainly not the same numbers put up by Schobert and Littleton, but Kwiatkoski also hasn’t had the same amount of opportunities over his four years in the NFL either.
However, in 2019 with an injury to Danny Trevathan, Kwiatkoski would see significant playing time during the second half of the season and looked like an ascending player that with more chances, could develop into a three down linebacker in this league.
He was solid against the run, had shown that he was a capable blitzer with three sacks and 10 quarterback hurries, and Kwiatkoski also displayed an ability in coverage. Opposing quarterbacks targeted him 34 times in 2019 and he held pass-catchers to just 8.1 yards per catch and quarterbacks had a passer rating of only 85.8 when throwing in his direction.
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This is a signing that may not come with the same level of certainty that Schobert would or the same level of playmaking that Littleton would. But with that said, Kwiatkoski is going to be a cheaper option and based on what we saw in 2019, he could end up being a steal if he helps solve Green Bay’s issues in the middle of their defense.