NFL Draft 2012: Drafting LB Will Propel Packers Back to the Super Bowl

The Green Bay Packers run a 3-4 defense which consists of three down linemen to four linebackers. The packers have a clear gap opposite Clay Matthews at outside linebacker. A fourth star linebacker would solidify their defense and propel the "Cheeseheads" into their second Super Bowl in three years. Potential candidates should compliment Clay Matthews with a similar, but not necessarily identical skill set.

With speed and pass-rushing ability valued as well as the potential to drop into coverage, here are possible future starting linebackers who could be available near the end of each round.

Round 1: Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

Though this is a stretch, were Upshaw to fall to the Packers neat the end of the first round, the Green Bay defense would have its course set for years to come.

From the Cbssports draft profile on Upshaw's pass-rushing: "Pass rush: One of his best traits. Possesses good burst off the snap and as effective a swim move as you'll see in college football. Adept at whipping either arm over the head of the blocker and twisting his body around his opponent to gain clearance with remarkable efficiency. Heavy, active hands which he uses to bat away the tackle's initial punch. Good lateral agility to elude and possesses good straight-line speed for the position. Has a legitimate burst to close on the quarterback and arrives with explosion, creating potential fumble opportunities."

Sounds familiar. At 6'2'' and 265 pounds, Upshaw has all of the speed and power to be the perfect hybird outside linebacker.

Round 2: Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma

Ronnell Lewis is the foil of Courtney Upshaw, yet remains a viable candidate for Green Bay. With little flash and sizzle to his game, Lewis relies on his intelligence and intuition to make the right decision.

By being in the right place at the right time, Lewis rarely gives up the big play. The Packers could use a bit more consistent intelligence to compliment the instinctive nature of Clay Matthews on the other side of the line.

Round 3: Shea McClellin, Boise State

Unheralded out of Boise state, McClellin plays with an unparalleled motor. With quickness and effort amongst his prime selling points, the 6'3'' McClellin uses his footwork to produce the agility his raw talent cannot produce alone. Lacking in athleticism, Shea will make plays on the field, but will not wow scouts in workouts alone.

Round 4: Bruce Irvin, West Virginia

Bruce Irvin is second or third round talent that could fall to the fourth or fifth round due to red flags on the attitude front. Still a raw player, Irvin only started playing competitive football in community college after issues with academic eligibility in high school.

With limited experience, Irvin excels at the simplest aspect of the outside linebacker position for an athlete, the pass rush. Logging 14 sacks in his last season, Irvin would be a wise investment in Green Bay—if they can manage his discipline and willingness to develop his game.

Round 5: Brandon Lindsey, Pitt

After having played defensive end for Pittsburgh, Lindsey's flaws all point to issues that a 3-4 linebacker conversion could help with. Struggling against the run, Lindsey maintains a high level of effort and raw ability. With some more development on shedding blocks and using his hands, Lindsey's athleticism could make him an elite star a la Jason Pierre-Paul.

Round 6: Tank Carder, TCU

Tank Carder is oddly projected as a fifth or sixth round talent, despite his elite play during his four year tenure on the dominant TCU defense. Disciplined and skilled in run and pass defense as well as undervalued as a pass rusher, Carder is truly a jack of all trades (he was also a kicking specialist in high school).

If Carder falls into the mid or late rounds, Green Bay should give him a look.

Round 7: Adrian Robinson, Temple

16.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles in his past two seasons. Against any competition, that means something. Adrian Robinson thrived in a role of defensive end in a 4-3 system after a mediocre stint as a linebacker.

With playmaking ability and the Green Bay 3-4 system, Robinson could settle into his natural groove and contribute to the team as a solid backup and potential starter in the future.