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Matthews and Perry will anchor the Outside Linebacker spots in 2013

Packers Outside Linebackers:  This is a group that had a lot of promise heading into 2o12 but after an injury to rookie Nick Perry and an underwhelming season from 2011 incumbent Erik Walden, there wasn’t nearly as much production as the defense needed nor wanted.  The Green Bay Packers enter the 2013 offseason with some questions at this vital position.

(Note: Listen to the combined linebackers podcast at the end of this article:)

Where are we now:

Here are the current suspects:

Clay Matthews III (1st round)

Nick Perry (1st round)

Erik Walden (UDFA)

Dezman Moses (UDFA)

Frank Zombo (UDFA)

Jamari Lattimore (UDFA)

Matthews was, once again, the steady rock of this group.  He had has second-best season, posting 13 sacks despite missing several games with a hamstring injury.  Not much more can be said of Matthews other than he makes the entire Packers defense better and he has to be a top priority of the team to retain when his contract expires at the end of the 2013 season.

Perry had high expectations after being drafted in the first round.  He showed some flash early in the season but was shelved after just six games due to an injured wrist ligament that required surgery.  It’s hard to say what Perry’s impact would have been but the team will enter the 2013 season program with him slated to start at left outside linebacker.  Read more... (1517 words + 3 images, estimated 6:04 mins reading time)

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Shea McClellin OLB Boise State

Green Bay Packers draft prospect profile: Shea McClellin

Player information:

• Shea McClellin, DE/OLB Boise State
• 6-foot-3, 260lbs
• The type of player coaches (especially one named Kevin Greene) love. Hard worker that gives you full effort at all times and is always looking to improve.

NFL Combine:

• 4.62 40yd dash
• 4.33 20 yard shuttle
• 7.07 3-cone drill
• 9.83′ long jump
• 31.5″ vertical jump
• 19 bench press reps

News & Notes:

Boise State was the only FBS school that showed any interest in McClellin out of High School. Played running back and linebacker in High School. McClellin has built himself up and gotten bigger and better every year. Played multiple positions at Boise, as a DE with his hand on the ground and a LB from a standing position. The 19 bench press reps at the combine might be a red flag, until you find out he measured out with 32 3/4″ arms and 10 1/8″ hands. Surprised many with his 40 yd dash time.

What they’re saying about him:

Wes Bunting (National Football Post):   A versatile, explosive athlete with a mighty motor who knows how to reach the quarterback. McClellin possesses a solidly put together frame with a strong upper body which maximizes his length into contact. He plays all over the Boise State defense. He will play with his hand on the ground, can stand up and rush from a two-point stance and will blitz from the inside as well.  Impression: McClellin is a productive pass rusher with a big motor, good skill set and can get after the QB in a number of ways. Looks like a potential starter at the next level.  Read more... (534 words + 3 images, estimated 2:08 mins reading time)

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Bruce Irvin, OLB West Virginia

Green Bay Packers draft prospect profile: Bruce Irvin

Player information:

• Bruce Irvin, OLB West Virginia
• 6-foot-3, 245lbs
• Teammates claim he has run a sub 4.4 40 yard dash

NFL Combine:

• 4.50 40yd dash
• 4.03 20 yard shuttle
• 6.7 3-cone drill
• 10.25′ long jump
• 33.5″ vertical jump
• 23 bench press reps

News & Notes:

Irvin dropped out of High School as a junior and spent 2 years on the streets caught up in the seamy world of drug dealing and robberies. Was arrested and spent a few weeks in jail, where a friend pleaded with him to not waste the physical gifts he was blessed with. Irvin turned his life around, got his GED and enrolled at Mt. San Antonio Junior College. After a season where he recorded 16 sacks, Irvin transferred to West Virginia and spent two seasons there.

What they’re saying about him:

Wes Bunting (National Football Post):  A gifted athlete who has the initial burst to routinely reach the edge. However, lacks ideal size and doesn’t have a real sophisticated pass rushing repertoire. Is going to make the move to a 34 OLB at the next level and might need a little time. Reminds me some of the Chris Clemons.  Read more... (527 words + 3 images, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)

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Vinny Curry, DE/OLB Marshall

Green Bay Packers draft prospect profile: Vinny Curry

Player information:

• Vinny Curry, DE/OLB Marshall
• 6-foot-3, 266lbs
• Curry finished 2011 in the top ten in the nation in sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles.
• Is from New Jersey. That is all…

NFL Combine:

• 4.85 4.98 40yd dash
• 4.4 20 yard shuttle
• 6.9 3-cone drill
• 9.1′ long jump
• 32″ vertical jump

News & Notes:

All-State selection at Neptune High School, where he was voted team captain and MVP.  Named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 with 11 sacks, seven forced fumbles and 22 TFL.  Recorded two sacks in the Senior Bowl, answering some questions about whether he could handle better competition. Ran a disappointing 4.85 40 yard dash at the combine, which has many observers thinking he fits better as a 4-3DE.

What they’re saying about him:

Wes Bunting (National Football Post):  A strong kid with good movement skills and the production to go along with the skill set. Isn’t a dynamic athlete but has the ability to keep tackles off balance and be a solid pass rushing force.

Chad Reuter (CBS Sports):    Plays with intensity and a nice anchor even when giving up 40-50 pounds against most blockers. Shows pop as a bull rusher. Stands up well against the run when lined up at five-technique, but must prove he has the bulk and strength to handle NFL linemen one-on-one or double-teams before moving inside. Team leader, younger players look up to him. Positive attitude in the locker room, works well with the media. Hustle on the field reflects work ethic off the field. No major off-field incidents.  Read more... (481 words + 3 images, estimated 1:55 mins reading time)

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Oklahoma LB Ronnell Lewis

Green Bay Packers draft prospect profile: Ronnell Lewis

Player information:

• Ronnell Lewis, OLB Oklahoma
• 6-foot-2, 253lbs
• Played only some 8-man football in HS.

NFL Combine:

• 4.65 40yd dash
• 4.4 20 yard shuttle
• 7.09 3-cone drill
• 9.3′ long jump
• 31″ vertical jump

News & Notes:

A late bloomer, Lewis had a good 2011, playing in multiple spots on the front seven and averaging 6 tackles per game. Doesn’t have a lot of football experience, so he will take some time to develop. Lewis loves to hit hard, but is not particularly assignment-responsible. In 35 games at Oklahoma, Lewis was in on 118 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. There are some questions about maturity, as he was suspended for Oklahoma’s bowl game due to academic ineligibility. Will be a special teams demon.

What they’re saying about him:

Wes Bunting (National Football Post): he possesses an impressive physical/athletic skill set, a “plus” motor and a real passion for the game. I don’t think he’s ever going to be a top end pass rusher in the NFL. However, as a 6-8 sack guy long term who can help out on special teams and give you all he has play in and play out, I think he warrants a second round type grade.

Dane Brugler (CBS Sports): Lewis was moved around a lot in college as the coaches tried to maximize his talents, playing “SAM” linebacker, defensive end and also a hybrid of the two positions — lacks a natural spot and looks to be scheme specific as a pass rusher in a 3-4 defense. Lewis plays hard on every snap and has a lot of ability, but is still relatively unproven and raw — a good, but not great, prospect who is being overrated as a top-40 pick, but has starting potential at the next level down the line with his natural athleticism and strength.  Read more... (438 words + 3 images, estimated 1:45 mins reading time)

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