UDFA LB Tavarus Dantzler Can Be Versatile Tool in Green Bay Packers Defense

Linebacker Tavarus Dantzler out of Bethune-Cookman could become a key contributor for the Green Bay Packers on the inside and the outside in 2015. Though the undrafted rookie will face a daunting task trying to make the final roster, that versatility could be his ticket in.

The 6'2", 240-pound rookie played as an outside linebacker in Bethune-Cookman's 4-3 defense, where he had 175 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, five pass breakups, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

However, he could be a candidate to move inside for Green Bay given his athleticism, size and ball skills as well as contribute to the pass rush off the edge on passing downs. 

Height	Weight	40-yard Dash	Vert Jump	College Stats
6'2"	237 lbs	4.66 sec	35.5 in	175 T, 19 TFL, 2.5 Sck, 5 PBU, 5 FF, 3FR

Along with his size, Dantzler brings coverage ability to the table. He ran a 4.66-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, per NFLDraftScout.com, and is a hard-hitting tackler in space. 

Dantzler met with the Packers in a predraft visit before signing, per Wes Hodkiewicz of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. He also received calls from the St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins after the draft but ultimately signed with Green Bay because he enjoyed his visit, per Brian Linder of the Datona Beach News-Journal.

"It just went great," Dantzler told Linder. "The team was very family-oriented, and that played a big role in my decision. ... They wanted a run-and-hit linebacker, and I fit that role pretty good."

Dantzler is right about that. His size gives him a physicality that some of Green Bay's other prospects on the inside lack. His hard-hitting playing style, showcased in this highlights video, could be a boon to the Packers run defense, which finished 23rd in the league in 2014.

Danztler's talent is also ascending, rather than his best years being behind him. In his senior year at Bethune-Cookman, he "set or tied a career high in tackles (80), tackles for a loss (8.5, 2013), sacks (one, 2013), pass breakups (three), forced fumbles (three) and fumble recoveries (three)," per Packers.com.

Another draw of signing with the Packers for Danzler is the possibility of becoming a contributor at one of the team's few weak positions. 

"The ultimate goal is you want to go somewhere where you have the best chance," Dantzler said after signing with Green Bay, per Jason Wilde of ESPN.com. "I think I’ve obviously got a good chance to make the 53 or the practice squad. But my goal is to obviously make the 53-man roster."

Clay Matthews and Sam Barrington are the only players on the roster with any in-game experience at inside linebacker.

To make the roster, Dantzler will compete with fourth-round selection Jake Ryan, 2014 rookie Carl Bradford, 2014 undrafted rookie Joe Thomas and 2013 sixth-round pick Nate Palmer as well as offseason acquisition Josh Francis. 

Dantzler may not win the starting inside linebacker job next to Barrington—and the Packers may not even have a true starter anywhere on the depth chart. More likely, Green Bay will rotate Matthews and whichever inside 'backers show the most promise in training camp, with consideration for the situation (running play, passing down, etc.). 

Rather than plug in two full-time starters in the middle, defensive coordinator Dom Capers and head coach Mike McCarthy need only ensure that they keep the right mix of talent at the position on the final roster.

Having playmakers who are stout against the run and can cover, like Dantzler, will allow them to use players to their strengths in sub-packages and put together the best possible 11-man defense on every play.