Packers Letting B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett Walk
By Ernie Padaon
Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle
B.J. Raji(90) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Bay Packers are going to allow big linemen B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett walk in free agency this offseason. Both players are over 330 pounds in the middle of the defense, but the team does not plan on getting any smaller at the position. I am not sure which players they can find that are much bigger in the middle of the defense though.
#Packers are letting BJ Raji & Ryan Pickett walk. So, if McCarthy says they are not getting smaller, who will they find bigger than those 2?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2014
They could be looking to add some more youth in the draft in the middle with a player like Louis Nix. He has the size and explosiveness in the middle to open up some things for the linebackers on defense.
Teams that are in a 3-4 defense looking for a nose tackle will likely give both of these guys a look. They have been successful in the past and can likely hold down the position for a little bit of time.
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Dec 8, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back
Steven Jackson(39) is tackled by Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (79) and cornerback
Tramon Williams(38) in the 4th quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports