Analyst Urges Green Bay Packers to Address Linebacker Depth

There is going to be a lot of eyes on the Green Bay Packers’ defense during training camp. This is the first year that Jeff Hafley will be leading the defense and some major changes have been made.

After years of playing a 3-4 base under Joe Barry, Hafley is installing a 4-3 base. That has led to some positional changes for players, as edge rushers from last season are now defensive ends instead of linebackers.

With that change, the team also has a need for more off-ball linebackers. Their most established player from last season, De’Vondre Campbell, is no longer on the team.

That leaves 2022 first-round pick Quay Walker as the only surefire starter. The Green Bay Packers have high hopes for second-round pick Edgerrin Cooper, who could play a significant role right out of the gate.

Cooper was the first linebacker off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. On early downs, the team could turn to fellow rookie Ty’ron Hopper.

Also on the depth chart is Isaiah McDuffie. Going into the regular season with this group could be a risky proposition given how inexperienced they are.

As a result, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has urged the Green Bay Packers to make an addition at linebacker. It is one of the holes Ballentine believes the team should look to fill before training camp this week.

“There are multiple veteran linebackers who could help stabilize the room for them moving forward.

Kwon Alexander could be a nice fit and Anthony Barr is still looking for a home. Neither would be long-term solutions but could afford Cooper a longer runway to playing time,” Ballentine wrote.

Some insurance is all the Green Bay Packers really need at linebacker. Ideally, Walker and Cooper will be the lead dogs, but some development could be needed for the Texas A&M product.

With potentially the youngest team in the NFL for a second straight season, adding an established veteran to the mix would be a good idea. Both Alexander, if he’s healthy, and Barr would be great additions.

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