Packers’ positional grades at quarter mark of 2021 season
![GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 03: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field on October 03, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 03: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field on October 03, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/61f437faef4b4f31b4a724f3ced4c0890468ac0311e49c354174f32226121237.jpg)
Inside Linebackers
De’Vondre Campbell has been a very pleasant surprise for Green Bay. He leads the team with 40 total tackles and has been pretty solid against the run. Even better, he’s been good in pass coverage as well–leading PFF to rank him as the fourth-highest inside linebacker out of 79 qualified players. Krys Barnes, the other inside backer, has been alright so far.
Grade: B+
Outside Linebackers
This has been a roller coaster of a position. After sitting out all preseason, Za’Darius Smith barely played in Week 1 before they placed him on the injured reserve due to his back injury. He’s since had surgery and is out indefinitely. Preston Smith and Rashan Gary have struggled at times to hold up their end of the bargain with the increased attention. However, they’ve each had moments where they’ve made some really good plays.
Grade: B-