3 Packers NFL Draft needs that don’t involve Aaron Rodgers

2. Linebacker

Green Bay was infamously run over by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at the end of the 2019 season, the Packers’ below-par play at linebacker dooming them to an embarrassing loss.

While the Buccaneers’ win over Green Bay at the same stage 12 months later was much less convincing, Tampa Bay also succeeded against the Packers on the ground, revealing linebacker to still be an area of concern on the defensive side of the ball.

Christian Kirksey’s exit has left Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin as the projected starters at inside linebacker and, while that young duo each have room to grow, Green Bay would surely benefit from an infusion of competition at the position.

In a league dominated by mobile quarterbacks and burgeoning with position-less passing game weapons who put ever-increasing levels of stress on linebackers and safeties alike, having athletic linebackers who can excel in coverage while still providing thump against the run is imperative in 2021.

Compared to their rivals atop the NFC, the Packers have been deficient in that regard for too long. It may not be a day-one need, but it will be a missed opportunity if Green Bay does not come out of this draft with more help at linebacker.