Analyzing The Packer Roster In May 2015 - Linebackers

Yesterday I looked at the defensive line.  The view here is it could be better this year, but is better good enough? Time to look at the linebackers!

Again, as with all the Packer defense, Dom Capers plays people everywhere!  His plan of attack is dependent on down & distance & creativity(or craziness, depends on how you view it!)

Here are the linebackers on the present Packer roster:

Inside Linebacker
Sam Barrington-3
Carl Bradford-2
Nate Palmer-3
Josh Francis-1
Jake Ryan-R
Joe Thomas-1
Tavarus Danzler-R
Jermauria Rasco-R

Outside Linebacker
Clay Matthews-7
Julius Peppers-14
Jayronne Elliot-2C
Mike Neal-6
Nick Perry-4
Adrian Hubbard-1
Andy Mulumba-3
James Vaughters-R

16 Players - 16 Players fighting for 4 starting spots!  16 Players fighting for special teams spots.

Let's begin our analysis by removing two players - Julius Pepper & Clay Matthews.  Peppers with 14 years experience & Matthews with 7 years!  Remember the trend the past few years:
1 - We are counting plays, and limiting to a count, this I do think has helped with injury reduction
2 - Peppers must be limited because of age.
3 - Capers and his changing defenses.

So, without Peppers & Matthews - WE are YOUNG, and WE are INEXPERIENCED!

Let's start with our biggest question mark for the 2015 Packer Defense - INSIDE LINEBACKER!!!
2 players needed - one starter back with limited experience!  Sam Barrington!

Barrington will be in year 3.  Last year, Barrington moved ahead of Hawk & Jones quickly!  I liked what I saw - physical play & the run defense improved!

The other inside linebacker position is WIDE open!!  First, Matthews is still available!  And, I like what I saw last year!  I think playing Matthews inside should continue - why?
1 - Creates headaches for the team defensive coordinator!
2 - Allows Matthews to freelance & create match-up issues!!

Others players for the inside:
1 - Carl Bradford 6'1" - 252  - has been around a couple years, knows the system, has good size
and should get a shot!  Bradford was taken in the fourth round last year.
2 - Nate Palmer 6'2 - 248 - again has good size and experience.  Along with Bradford should be a leader (scary!) Palmer was drafted in the 6th round in 2013.
3 - Josh Francis 6'0" - 238 & Joe Thomas 6'1 - 227  both un-drafted free agents that have a little experience, but I would consider a long shot!!!
4 - Jake Ryan 6'2" - 240 & Tavarus Danzler 6'2" - 240  & Jermauria Rasco 6'3" - 252  This bunch excites me for several reasons!!  Ryan just looks like a Packer linebacker and has some great college
experience!  Danzler, from Bethune-Cookman, has a lot to prove!!  And, Rasco, a BIG boy players ball at LSU, a place were athletes must be athletes!!

So, let the competition begin at inside!!

On the outside we have some experience Peppers & Matthews.  Will not spend much time, because we know they are players!  Depth?
1 - Mike Neal 6'3" - 285 & Nick Perry 6'3" - 265  Two players with ability, but a lot to prove! Neal a 2nd round pick in 2010 & Perry a 1st Rounder in 2012.  They must, and I repeat THEY MUST have BIG years!  It is time!!!!
2 - Jayronne Elliot 6'3" - 255 & Andy Mulumba 6'3" - 260 & Adrian Hubbard 6'6" - 257  This bunch excites me, especially Hubbard, his size is impressive, but can he make plays?  I would have him move in with Peppers & follow him around all day!!!  We need one of these guys to step up!!
3 - Rookie - James Vaughters - 6'2" - 254   From Stanford - anxious to see him on the field.  Was un-drafted this year, another interesting project.

So, at the inside scary and on the outside some interesting possibilities!