NFC North Rookie Preview: Green Bay Packers (Defense)
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
#47 LB Jake Ryan (Michigan, 4th round)
I was surprised the Packers waited until the 4th round to address their inside linebacker position since it was probably the biggest weakness on their defense last year. Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, the Pack were forced to move their best pass rusher, Clay Matthews, to inside linebacker late in the season. The Packers may have waited longer than expected, but they still found a player capable of starting as a rookie.
Ryan was a force against the run in college with proper tackling technique and good power. He’s not an elite athlete, but has great football instincts which allow him to play faster than his timed speed. Ryan is also an instinctive blitzer, shows above-average play recognition, and the ability to shed blocks. One knock on Ryan is his ability to cover TEs and RBs in space. He’s not very fluid in coverage which could limit Ryan to a 2-down LB role at least initially. Overall his top-notch intangibles should make up for any physical limitations and I could see Ryan having a long productive career for the Packers. Hopefully Ryan won’t grow his hair long and come up with an annoying sack celebration, but since he’s a Packer now he probably will.
#97 DT / DE Christian Ringo (Louisiana-Lafayette, 6th round)
The Packers addressed another need on defensive with the selection of Ringo to bolster their defensive line depth. GM Ted Thompson mentioned current DE Mike Daniels often when talking about Ringo and there are some solid parallels. Like Daniels (6’0), Ringo is short (6’1), explosive, and productive (11.5 sacks). Granted Ringo was playing against sub-par competition at Louisiana-Lafayette, but he showed an NFL quality burst off the line of scrimmage and the motor to finish plays.
It may take Ringo some time to adjust to the speed and power of the NFL game, but his work ethic and natural quickness/power combo should get Ringo into the Packers D-line rotation before the end of his rookie deal. It may come sooner rather than later with the Packers being dangerously low on effective pass-rushers after a couple of rare misses by Thompson in the last few drafts (Worthy, Perry, Jones).
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#36 Ladarius Gunter (Miami, UDFA)
At 6’2, 205 Gunter has ideal corner size and was rumored to be an early day 2 draft pick until he ran a 4.69 40-time at the combine which dropped Gunter out of the draft completely. His lack of speed is a concern as he won’t be able to stay with NFL receivers on deep routes, but he can still provide value in the right scheme. Gunter is an aggressive corner who should excel in both press and short zone coverage. He has a strong punch at the line to slow up receivers and is active in run support with an occasional big hit. Gunter’s size and willingness to tackle should eventually get him on the field in sub-packages, but he will always be susceptible to the deep ball. Hopefully Bears rookie Kevin White will find Gunter across from him at some point in the next few years.
#59 OLB Jermauria Rasco (LSU, UDFA)
The Packers may have found some UDFA value with Rasco who has good size (6’4 | 260) and showed pass rush potential in the 2nd best football league in the world (SEC). Rasco doesn’t have elite athleticism and his play recognition skills need to improve, but he has a quick first step, slick pass rush moves, and can change direction on a dime without losing much speed. Rasco hasn’t put up big sack totals, but generated consistent pressure on the QB and is solid in run support. He will need to gain weight / strength to become a 3-down OLB in a 3-4, but could contribute immediately as a pass rush specialist and on special teams.
#43 OLB/ILB James Vaughters (Stanford, UDFA)
I thought Vaughters would get drafted on day 3 (5th-6th round) and think he could be one of the steals of the undrafted free agent group. He’s a strong, well-built player who consistently sets the edge against the run and does a good job shedding blockers as a 3-4 OLB. Vaughters lacks NFL athleticism, but is a smart player with a good motor. He’s not going to make a lot of splash plays, but won’t make many mistakes either and has special teams experience on kick coverage units. Vaughters should make the roster and could be a solid contributor against the run who can also add value on special teams.
Next: NFC North Rookie Preview: Green Bay Packers (Offense)