Three Linebackers The Packers Need To Target
After making a splash in free agency by signing Xavier McKinney, Green Bay’s secondary is in better shape. The team’s free agency approach graded out well. Still, additions will be made to the defense before August rolls around. With holes in the middle of the defense, there are three linebackers that the Packers need to target.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
An inside linebacker with a high pedigree, Trotter Jr. will be a hot name heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. At Clemson, he was often sent as a blitzer and recorded 5.5 sacks as a Senior in 2023. Trotter’s game speed doesn’t jump off the tape, but he does display bend and the ability to dip underneath blocks to get home. When attacking the run, Trotter has solid vision and is unafraid to take on contact. His frame should help him at the next level, and his bloodlines also make him an intriguing prospect.
The linebacker position has been devalued over the years, and teams are reluctant to take swings on these players in the first round. This means Trotter should be a day-two prospect in the draft. Green Bay owns two second-round picks, so they are positioned to bolster the linebacker room with one of those picks. Trotter would fit alongside Quay Walker, as they are both physical tacklers and capable blitzers.
Javon Solomon
A standout at Troy, Solomon comes into the NFL Draft as a potential sleeper prospect at linebacker. Having broken Osi Umenyiora’s single-season sack record at Troy, Solomon has a chance to be an impact rusher at the next level. More scouts started to take notice of Solomon after a strong showing at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He will come into the NFL with scheme versatility, having played along the edge at Troy and also as an outside linebacker.
Jeff Hafley has said he wants players that attack the football. Hafley’s scheme will be diverse, which could bring a player like Solomon into the fold. On tape, Solomon’s speed stands out. His burst and closing speed, especially, led to high production at Troy. Solomon’s size will likely push him down draft boards for some teams, but his tenacity as a pass rusher is what makes him an intriguing talent. With Preston Smith likely playing his last season in Green Bay, a player like Solomon could excel as a situational pass rusher before earning more snaps later in his career.
Cedric Gray
As one of the top inside linebackers in the draft, Gray could hear his name called toward the end of day two. His projections will depend on how teams view and value the position. Last year, the Lions made Jack Campbell a first-round pick, when many expected him to go on day two. For Gray, that could mean a team like Green Bay sees him as a missing piece on their defense. With Quay Walker making his name as a sideline-to-sideline player, Gray would offer a complimentary skillset.
Tough and agile when it comes to taking on blocks, Gray does the dirty work at the line of scrimmage. His motor runs high, and he’s strong at the point of contact. Gray’s discipline shows up on tape, and he displays good traits when it comes to timing out his angles on runners coming out of the backfield. At North Carolina, Gray was productive in a handful of categories and has instincts that should translate to the next level.
After being aggressive in adding to the secondary in free agency, the Packers need to target linebacker in the draft.
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