With Kuechly Retiring, something to think about

[Dantés]

The best off-ball linebackers currently slated to hit the market:

Cory Littleton: Long, light, and athletic. Cover man, secure tackler, and effective blitzer. My favorite target of the bunch for GB.

Joe Schobert: A rich(ish) man's Martinez-- not a great run defender but has some coverage ability. Probably not enough coverage ability that you really want him being your true cover man in the middle of the defense.

De'Vondre Campbell: A reliably well-rounded off-ball linebacker for the Falcons over the last few years, Deion Jones' injury and the subsequent shake up of roles has him coming off a down season.

Nick Kwiatkoski: Sleeper at the position; popped when he was asked to step up in relief of an injured Roquan Smith.

David Mayo: The antithesis of Littleton-- downhill plugger who can stiffen a run defense but is exploitable in coverage.

Danny Trevathan: Undersized and aging, Trevathan is still a twitchy, intelligent linebacker capable making plays.

 

[PackerfaninCarolina]

ILB has been a problem since the Nick Barnett years. Hawk was decent but not really a superstar. Been needing one at that position for years. For whatever reason, it seems like that positions never been a priority.

Wonder if LSU's Jacob Phillips is going pro this year. Don't know if he's played or would thrive as an ILB, but I'd be willing to bet he could be the next Ray Lewis. Guy was their leading tackler and seemed like he was pretty good against the run.

He's a prospect I'd have my eyes on.

 

[Dantés]

The Packers have been "searching" for an ILB with speed to cover opposition TE's. I think GB needs 2 ILB's: one 255 lb+ thumper who'll bust thru blocks and make plays at or behind the LOS AND a 240-245 lb'er with 4.5 speed to cover TE's. Guys like Urlacher & Bobby Wagner are few & far between so we need one of each, thumper & cover guy.

Maybe Burks or Summers improves significantly? I'd like Gute to make a run at Chicago's Pierre-Louis if price is right for depth.

Our 1st 3 draft picks, IMHO, need to be: ILB, WR, DT in whatever order plays out best...with OT next in line.

I agree that they need complementary skill sets out there. The profiles you describe are a little extreme. The 255+ MIKE linebacker is really a thing of the past. Most coverage specialists in today's game are in the 230's or even lighter.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Wonder if LSU's Jacob Phillips is going pro this year.

Phillips has decided to enter the draft this year.