The Packers recently re-signed All-Pro linebacker, De’Vondre Campbell. Their linebackers have been a revolving door for a while though and it might finally be time to solidify the two in the middle for the defense. Joe Barry has shown a knack for developing linebackers and the Packers could have one of the best duos if they decide to draft a linebacker.
Round 1 Devin Lloyd Utah 6’3” 235 RAS 9.59 View Highlights
2021 stats 110 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 4 interceptions
Strengths: He is nearly a perfect modern-day LB. He can move sideline to sideline and cover tight ends and running backs. He has shown a feel for zone and has ball skills for a linebacker. Lloyd has experience rushing off the edge too. A creative defensive coordinator could move him around.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t always read the run correctly. Can get lost in the shuffle while pursuing. Lloyd isn’t going to take on a block, rather he’d like to slip or dodge. On tape, you would like to see him bring some more bang when tackling.
Round 2-3 Leo Chenal Wisconsin 6’2” 260 pounds RAS 9.99 View Highlights
2021 stats 115 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Strengths: His first step looks explosive on tape. Chenal is an exceptional run defender who reads well and isn’t afraid to attack when taking on blockers. He has an ability to rush the passer evident in his 8 sacks and plays with really solid anticipation.
Weaknesses: Chenal occasionally has trouble with ball carriers in space. He has to improve breaking down and making a tackle in space. He hasn’t excelled in pass coverage and could be exposed at the next level.
Round 2-3 Darrian Beavers Cinncinnati 6’4” 252 RAS 9.6 View Highlights
2021 stats 99 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 interception
Strengths: Beavers was moved around on his defense, occasionally even playing stand-up DE. He can be utilized in many different roles. He showed awareness in zone with an ability to feel his spot. Beavers brought the bang when he tackled ball carriers.
Weaknesses: Beavers has an in-between body type. He will struggle as a traditional linebacker but would also struggle as a traditional edge rusher. Whoever drafts him needs to have a plan and a specific role for Beavers.
Round 4-7 Quay Walker Georgia 6’4” 241 RAS 9.63 View Highlights
2021 stats 65 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Strengths: Walker is a built linebacker, with solid muscle and size for the position. He reads runs well and is patient enough to not get burned with a cutback. He played a lot of zone and really showed an ability to feel for it and look comfortable.
Weaknesses: Walker occasionally gets too high and gives up leverage because of it. He lacks ideal sideline to sideline explosiveness and can be late chasing outside runs.
Round 4-7 Jack Sanborn Wisconsin 6’2” 234 RAS 7.35 View Highlights
2021 stats 91 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Strengths: Sanborn projects as a run-stopping linebacker. He reads ques quickly and can attack down the line. Has an ability to anticipate runs and shoot gaps evident in the 16 tackles for loss.
Weaknesses: Sanborn doesn’t give you much as a pass defender. He hasn’t shown an ability to cover backs or tight ends. He also is light for a traditional run-only linebacker.
Round 4-7 Jeremiah Moon Florida 6’5” 249 RAS 9.21 View Highlights
2021 stats 49 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Strengths: Does a good job of getting blockers off of him and shedding in the run game. Has enough explosiveness to be a downhill linebacker. Enough flexibility in pass rush to be moved around and used creatively.
Weaknesses: Instincts are nowhere close to where they need to be. He waits and reacts after everyone else. Hasn’t shown that he can cover running backs or tight ends in space. Will need to work on pass rush moves at the next level.
Check out other Packer targets at other positions:
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