Green Bay Packers: Training Camp Roster Battles

Jun 17, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Sam Barrington stretches during the team

2. Inside Linebacker

Options (7): Sam Barrington, Carl Bradford, Jake Ryan, Nate Palmer, Joe Thomas, Tavarus Dantzler, Josh Francis

2014 Roster (5): A.J. Hawk, Brad Jones, Sam Barrington, Jamari Lattimore, Carl Bradford

What to expect: I think we can all admit that last year was a little frightening in terms of the inside linebacker position. Rotating Matthews inside was more of a Band-Aid solution than a permanent one, however. Barrington was quite impactful last season and will likely carry a starting job into the season. It will be interesting to see if rookie Jake Ryan can earn playing time next to him. Let’s not discount Bradford also as he competes to make the team.

The departures of Hawk, Jones, and Lattimore leave three empty spots on the team, giving the younger and more unproven players such as Thomas and Dantzler a golden opportunity to earn a starting job as well. If someone proves worthy of being a starter on this defense at inside linebacker, Matthews may return to the position where he excels most.

I can easily see Ryan and Barrington starting the season lined up next to one another but carrying five inside linebackers is far from a certainty. Thompson may exchange one inside for an outside linebacker and vice versa, depending on who stands out the most.

Next: Right Around the Corner