Fansided

NFL: Top positional need for all 32 teams

By Robby Sabo

Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff shown on the sideline against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff shown on the sideline against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 21, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson speaks to the media in a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson speaks to the media in a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Green Bay Packers

  • 2014 Finish: 12-4, 1st in NFC North, Lost in NFC Championship
  • Top Positional Need: Inside Linebacker

The story of the 2014 Green Bay Packers can be summed up with one painful phrase: “so close, yet so far away.”

After dominating the defending champs for 55 minutes, the Packers defense and special teams came up with a meltdown of epic proportions against the Seahawks.

Packers Inside Linebackers:

  1. Clay Matthews
  2. Carl Bradford
  3. Sam Barrington
  4. Joe Thomas
  5. Jay Elliot
  6. Nate Palmer
  7. Jose Francis

The loaded disclaimer here is what the Mike McCarthy and Dom Capers want to do with Clay Matthews.

When needed, Matthews filled in at middle linebacker and impressed routinely with his hole plugging and tracking abilities. At the same time, they don’t want to take away his edge presence on pass rushing downs. With A.J. Hawk now gone, however, Matthews could turn into a full-time inside guy.

Tough to do considering the man has tallied 61 career sacks in 82 games.

Even if Matthews does stay inside the Pack will need to bring some people in to help.

Becoming more stout along the defensive line and adding to the corners will be secondary assignments behind that inside linebacker spot.

Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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