Green Bay Packers training camp: 5 Players with most to prove
By Joe Kipp
5. Reggie Gilbert, Outside Linebacker
The Packers invested heavily in the outside linebacker position in the 2019 offseason, signing veterans Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith and drafting Rashan Gary with the 12th overall selection in the NFL Draft. Veteran Kyler Fackrell, Green Bay’s leader in sacks (10.5) in 2018, returns as well.
That leaves former undrafted free agent Reggie Gilbert in a tough situation. Gilbert, who made the 53-man roster in 2018 after an impressive preseason, logged 2.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits in 16 games last year. Gilbert filled in mainly as a rotational piece, playing 486 snaps on defense and 226 snaps on special teams.
Though a very capable run defender, if Gilbert is to make the 2019 roster he’ll need to show some form of development in his pass-rushing abilities. He lacks the speed and quickness to beat offensive tackles without a bull rush. Far too many times last season, we saw Gilbert try to overpower linemen with his raw strength, completely lacking a plan otherwise.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Packers pivot toward a younger player like second-year outside linebacker Kendall Donnerson or rookie inside linebacker Ty Summers, which means Gilbert could be one of the first to go.