Green Bay Packers: Jake Ryan perfect fit at inside linebacker

Versatility and coachability are things Dom Capers looks for in a player. Jake Ryan has both traits, which is why he is the perfect fit at inside linebacker for the Green Bay Packers.

In hopes of a run to the Super Bowl, the Green Bay Packers needed to find someone who could play the inside linebacker position. Knowing the challenge, the Packers’ best overall player on the defensive side of the football made the switch from defensive end to inside linebacker.

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While

Clay Matthews

did play exceptional well at the position, the fact of the matter is that they need him to rush the quarterback along with

Julius Peppers

and not play inside linebacker. Things were questioned even more this offseason when the Packers cut

A.J. Hawk

, the inside linebacker who had started every season for the Packers since he was drafted fifth overall in the 2006 NFL Draft.

Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY SportsBefore the draft, the Packers were going to rely on inexperienced players in

Sam Barrington

Carl Bradford

, and

Joe Thomas

to man the important positions… remember there are two inside linebacker positions in the 3-4 defensive scheme.

Knowing that, the Packers went into the 2015 NFL Draft with a need for an inside linebacker. In retrospect, spending a high pick on an inside linebacker like Benardrick McKinney or Stephone Anthony really doesn’t make a lot of sense, as the Packers could’ve got the best NFL inside linebacker prospect in this year’s draft in fourth round in Michigan’s Jake Ryan.

The Big Ten Conference always seems to produce quality NFL inside linebackers and while Ryan isn’t the traditional inside linebacker, he has the intelligence and ball-hawking skills to play the part in the NFL. Originally an outside linebacker at Michigan, Ryan was asked to make the transition inside at the linebacker position and he absolutely flourished in the role.

At Michigan, he was a team captain. While he didn’t get the NFL attention other players on the team received this offseason, Ryan’s combination of toughness and work ethic truly are second to none and those are things the Packers and the coaching staff will absolutely love.

At 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, with 31-inch arms, Ryan is obviously a little small for an NFL linebacker. He needs to put on weight, but he’ll be able to do that over the course of the offseason with an NFL weight room and an NFL conditioning program. Ryan’s arms are extremely small for the position. He doesn’t have great shedding ability either. That said, Ryan will need to use his speed and grittiness to make plays in the league.

Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers talks with the defense during warmups prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive coordinator Dom Capers loves toughness, versatility, and coachability in his players. Depending on the front the Packers play, Ryan provides so much to this defense, as he can have success both inside and outside.

Some weight will need to be added on, but Ryan has the skills to start right away at one of the inside linebacker positions. In this defense, where versatility almost defies your role, Ryan should have the opportunity to contribute right from the get-go.

Next: Green Bay Packers: Damarious Randall at CB a smart move

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