Green Bay Packers: 3 Inside Linebackers To Target In NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers could find a long-term solution at inside linebacker by turning to any one of these three inside linebackers in the NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers have experienced a lot of turnover at inside linebacker this offseason; allowing Blake Martinez to walk in free agency and bringing in Christian Kirksey from the Cleveland Browns. They could still use more work to address the position.
Although Green Bay might be okay in 2020 with Kirksey manning the position (granted he stays healthy, as he’s only played in nine total games over the past two years), they could still use quality depth and a long-term solution.
It’s true defensive coordinator Mike Pettine only runs with one inside backer most of the time, but the Packers can’t afford to rely on someone like Oren Burks to play a major role next season should Kirksey get hurt again. They could also use a difference-maker at the position and a successful long-term plan. Here are three guys they could target early in the draft that could make a difference.
Logan Wilson, Wyoming
With Green Bay holding the 94th overall pick in this year’s draft, Wilson could be a great addition in the third round. He had a very successful career at Wyoming, and can run sideline-to-sideline fairly well. He’s also good in coverage, something Green Bay could use more of from their linebacker. It will take Wilson a couple of years to adjust to the NFL game (Kirksey is under contract for two years), but he can contribute on special teams immediately.
Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Murray won’t be available at no. 30 so Green Bay would have to trade into the early 20s if they want to nab him. Murray is a physical specimen who can straight fly. His speed (4.52 second 40-yard dash) is evident on the field, as he can fly to ball-carriers. He’s not completely polished to take over the role full-time from Day 1 and could benefit from improving his ability to shed blockers and recognize the plays.
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Patrick Queen, LSU
Patrick Queen is the cream of the linebacker crop in this year’s draft. He ran a 4.5 second 40-yard dash and is another speedster at linebacker. He can do it all–take down running backs in the backfield, cover tight ends and run sideline to sideline. It’s safe to say he could turn into a star at the position. However, the Packers would have to move up to get him as well, something that won’t come cheap.