This Packers defense showed a lot of grit at the end of the season. With a few more additions, it could shine into a premier NFL defense. Adding a linebacker like Patrick Queen could be the icing on the cake.
Queen is Ready to be LB 1 in Green Bay
It is no secret that Raquan Smith is the best linebacker on the Ravens and most likely the NFL. So it would be safe to assume that Patrick Queen may want to move somewhere to where he can prove he is top dog. Due to Raquan Smith’s contract it is likely Queen will not get offered the money he is looking for from Baltimore. If the Packers were to offer him a lucrative deal it would be hard for him to pass up. De’Vondre Campbell is 30 and has dealt with injury issues. It would make sense for the Packers to try to add a player like Queen to take the pressure off Campbell or to replace him.
Queen is Coming off the Best Season of His Career
Patrick Queen was named to the pro bowl this year after having career season. He finished the year with 133 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one interception. Mind you these numbers happened when he wasn’t even the leading linebacker on his team. With a presence like this on the field, this Packers defense could thrive. Having Queen will help keep other offenses focused on him and open up opportunity for others to shine. After playing with Raquan Smith and a top tier NFL defense, it’s clear Queen will know how to bring the Packers to the next level.
Patrick Queen is the Perfect Model of a Modern Age Linebacker
The position of linebacker has changed over the years in the NFL. As offensive players get faster such as tight ends and running backs; it makes it harder on the defensive players to adjust. This is why having a linebacker like Patrick Queen can be so valuable. He is fast just like a lot of the thriving linebackers we see in the modern NFL. Having a player like this will even make it easier to game plan for scrambling quarterbacks who have been thriving in the NFL in recent memory. Queen will have to adjust to a more coveraged based role but with time he could develop into the full package.
The dream would be that Queen would development into a leader on the Packers defense. The defensive play caller and the anchor on the field that adds to a defense that already has young talent. He is only 24 and has a lot more football to play. Hopefully it can be in the yellow and green. The Packers front office has made a lot of good decisions and hopefully this is the next one.