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Packers’ 2020 Depth Chart Projections: Inside Linebacker

By Brian Sampson

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 08: Christian Kirksey #58 of the Cleveland Browns in action during a game against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Jets defeated the Browns 17-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 08: Christian Kirksey #58 of the Cleveland Browns in action during a game against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Jets defeated the Browns 17-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Projecting what the Green Bay Packers’ depth chart at inside linebacker could look like heading into training camp of the 2020 season.

A huge question mark heading into the 2020 season is the inside linebacker position for the Green Bay Packers. Tackle-machine Blake Martinez is gone–which could be a good thing–and the Packers are left searching for answers in his wake.

They brought in Christian Kirksey from the Cleveland Browns as the lead man for the job. Kirksey has experience playing under defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, and his ceiling is higher than Martinez’s. He’s a physical, passionate and athletic run stopper who can glide sideline to sideline. Even better–he can make plays in the backfield. Health is the biggest complicating factor for Kirksey who only played in nine total games over the last two years.

There will be a fierce battle for the second inside linebacker position. Despite technically running a 3-4 base defense, Pettine doesn’t use two true inside backers on the field very often, instead, opting to go with a defensive back in their place. Regardless, that second spot on the depth chart will play a major role whether Kirksey stays healthy or not.

Ty Summers had a fantastic 2019 preseason, but lost some steam when the games mattered. He’ll have a chance to redeem himself and prove he can be more than an exhibition game darling.

ILB1: Christian Kirksey

ILB2: Ty Summers

ILB3: Oren Burks

ILB4: Kamal Martin

ILB5: Curtis Bolton

ILB6: Krys Barnes

Oren Burks might be on his last life with the Packers. After being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he hasn’t done much during his professional career. Once lauded for his potential to bring speed and athleticism from safety to linebacker, he’s failed to prove he can handle the physicality that comes with the position.

Kamal Martin, a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, is the final player likely to make the roster. He might not receive regular snaps on defense unless either he surprises or players above him get injured, but he could have an impact on special teams in his rookie campaign.

Following a strong senior season at Oklahoma, Curtis Bolton was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Packers last season. He played well in his first two preseason games, but suffered a torn ACL–ending his 2019 chances. If he’s fully recovered, he could challenge for a roster spot and make life difficult for the front office.

Next. Packers' Depth Chart Projections: Outside LInebacker. dark

An undrafted free agent out of UCLA this season, Krys Barnes has an outside shot of making the roster. He’s an intelligent and hard-working linebacker, but he lacks the athleticism needed to play the position and is a bit undersized. He has a long road ahead of him.

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