Packers 2015 Outside Linebackers

Clay Matthews, inside or outside linebacker?  The word is, on Matthews exit interview, he will play both next year.  I think that is good, for three reasons.

1 - Clay is our most athletic line backer, let him cause issues all over the field from the middle!!

2 - Rushing the passer is flashy, exciting, but Clay also gets beat up by 300 pound lineman!  Let him cover tight ends, tackle running backs running from side to side!

3 - Other teams MUST account for Clay!  When preparing for the Pack - Where is Clay?  Make other teams worry about that!!!

Other Outside Libebackers:

Julius Peppers
Mike Neal
Jayronne Elliot
Nick Perry
Carl Bradford
Adrian Hubbard
Andy Mulumba

First Clay Matthews.  Clay still flies around the field.  He still creates match up problems for opposing offenses.  But, it seems that impact plays are down.  The big sack & fumble.  The interception for a TD.  Hopefully, there are more big plays left in the tank as he begins year 7.  I really like what Capers is doing using Clay as a "Wild Card".  With a positive attitude going into 2015, with Capers dreaming of new ways to use Clay, I expect a BIG year for Matthews!!!

Julius Peppers - Nice pick up!  First, I really believe in the "draft & develop" Packer theme, BUT every year, one or two free agents are still a great idea!  Peppers is proof of that!  Entering year 14, does Peppers still have enough to help?  My answer - YES!  First, the young players seem to respect Julius & just by his interviews this year, fans should also!!  He is humble & focused.  And I still think he wants that Super Bowl ring & deserves one!!  Second, he seemed to play better when his snaps were monitored, for Peppers, less is better!  Rotating Neal & Perry seemed to allow Julius to provide quality plays!  Nice season Julius Peppers & great leadership!

Mike Neal & Nick Perry - it seems from this humble fan, Perry & Neal had a good season & made some strides.  That is good news for Packer fans!  Especially Perry, a former #1 pick!  Neal will enter year 6 & Perry year 4!  This defense should benefit from their maturity!!!  I expect a good season from Neal & Perry in 2015!

Jayrone Elliot - A definite surprise in 2014!  Signed as a rookie un-drafted player, Elliot had a great pre-season & helped on special teams, while making the 53 man roster!  Could he develop even more in 2015 & become more of a surprise?  We hope so!  Could be a sleeper that makes a difference!!

Andy Mulumba - one of those pleasant surprises a few years back!  Has provided special team help and also, was on the field to back up the starters!  But, 2015 it may be a difficult year for Mulumba.  Competition may bring out more ability!

Carl Bradford & Adrian Hubbard - Here you go, draft & develop!  These linebackers should have a chance to be that player!  Both players have a chance, the size of Hubbard is interesting - 6'7" & 257 lbs!  Hope is, at least one of these players will take that BIG step in 2015!!

There they are, I think a Packer strength!  The need is improvement!  The hope is, some of the young players will make that next step.  I think, there is no real need to use a high draft pick or free agent money, unless it is a "no brainer!"