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Green Bay Packers: 5 offseason needs

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and guard T.J. Lang (70) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and guard T.J. Lang (70) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower (54) celebrates with teammates after he forces a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower (54) celebrates with teammates after he forces a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Inside Linebacker

This has been an issue for the Green Bay Packers for a number of years. Jake Ryan is a solid linebacker, but he’s certainly nothing special. Clay Matthews could change things if he gets healthy and starts making an impact again. But even if that happens, the Packers lack a game changer in the middle.

Dont’a Hightower is the best free agency fix for this hole. He’s a very smart player who can make plays. Pro Football Focus grades him as the best linebacker available in free agency.

"Consistent each of his five years and utilized by New England to highlight his strengths, Hightower rushed the passer on 29.4 percent of his pass snaps, most of any ILB in the NFL."

Zach Brown of the Buffalo Bills is a risky option, but he’s a guy the Packers might have to take a serious look at. Even if the Packers spend big in free agency, expect them to draft a linebacker high in the NFL draft. If nothing else, they’ve got to start replenishing their stock to prepare if Ryan and Blake Martinez set themselves up to make more money. The Atlanta Falcons exposed the Packers defense. Expect them to fix it.

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