Green Bay Packers: Midseason report card grades for each position
By Joe Kipp
Linebackers: B-
The Packers linebacking group is extremely thin at the moment, particularly in coverage. Starting inside linebacker Blake Martinez is extremely reliable as a tackler, but lacks the raw strength to consistently get off blocks if he doesn’t have a free shot at his target. His lack of speed shows up in coverage, as well, but overall he’s been more of an asset than a liability. The good news is that when he does go untouched, he racks up plenty of tackles. Martinez currently ranks second in the NFL in total tackles (83).
Next to Martinez is fellow inside linebacker B.J. Goodson, who the Packers traded for from the New York Giants before the season started. Goodson has been solid if not spectacular, especially when it comes to stopping the run. Overall, the Packers duo of Goodson and Martinez hasn’t been amazing, but the team could do a lot worse.
Behind Goodson and Martinez is second-year inside linebacker Oren Burks, who missed the first four games with a torn pectoral muscle. Burks hasn’t logged much time on defense this season (only 30 total snaps), but has looked promising in his limited opportunities. His ability and speed in pass coverage is something the other two players at the position simply cannot offer. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Burks slowly garner more playing time as the season wears on. Overall, this group gets a respectable B-.