Green Bay Packers 2011 NFL Draft Needs, No. 3: Outside Linebacker

Outside Linebacker Ranks No. 3 on the Green Bay Packers 2011 Draft Needs

Like the cornerback position, my fourth-ranked "need" for the Packers, Green Bay isn't exactly lacking when it comes to outside linebacker. 

In fact, the trio of Clay Matthews, Frank Zombo and Erik Walden combined for 24 sacks over the Packers 20-game schedule in 2010. 

However, Matthews was responsible for 17 of those 24 sacks, and the Packers could use another dynamic rusher to take some of the pressure of him.

So why is outside linebacker ranked just third on this list? 

We'll get into that and more in Part 3 of the five-part series examining the Packers draft needs. You can also read No. 5 (receiver) and No. 4 (cornerback). 

Why It's a Need: Currently the Least Talented Spot on the Defense

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: (L-R) Erik Walden #93, Desmond Bishop #55, B.J. Raji #90 and Cullen Jenkins #77 of the Green Bay Packers walk towards the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on Janu

When you break down the starting 11 defenders for the Packers, very few glaring weaknesses stick out. 

There are stars at each level of the defense, and solid role players fill out the remaining spots. 

However, if you were to pinpoint one position from the 2010 defense that was lacking talent, the outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews is likely the worst of the bunch. 

Frank Zombo, Erik Walden and Brad Jones together can hold down the position, but individually that trio is below average. Adding competition to that group would only benefit the defense. 

Why It's a Need: Take Pressure off Clay Matthews

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

According to JSOnline, Clay Matthews was double teamed on 35.2 percent of opponent drop backs last season. 

Think about that for a second—on over one-third of opponent passing plays in 2010, the offense chose to put two blockers on Matthews, and he still managed to sack the quarterback 17 times. 

What was the main reason opposing offenses could afford to double team Matthews so often? 

The lack of a pass rushing threat opposite Matthews in the Packers 3-4 scheme. 

If Green Bay brought on a player that could keep offenses honest with double teams, you'd like to think that Matthews and the rest of the Packers defense would benefit from more one-on-one opportunities. 

Why It's a Need: Pass Rush Is Essential to Dom Capers' Defense

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: A Green Bay Packers holds up a sign for defensive coordinator Dom Capers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

It probably rings true for any NFL defense, but getting pressure on the quarterback is likely the most important factor in Dom Capers' 3-4 defense. 

While the Packers were second in sacks last season with 47, you get the feeling they accomplished that without a full deck of cards. 

Frank Zombo and Erik Walden benefitted greatly from one-on-one opportunities to tally eight total sacks, but the team never had a steady answer at that position.

Bringing on another talented rush linebacker would only increase what Capers could do from a blitzing standpoint, and, as we've touched on, would also give Clay Matthews more favorable matchups. 

You have to get after the quarterback if you want to be among the best defensive teams, and the Packers are currently on the cusp of leap-frogging the Pittsburgh Steelers for the title of No. 1. 

Getting that second pass rusher to pair with Matthews might push the Packers over the top. 

Who's Available: First and Second Rounds

Justin Houston (Georgia)

His experience in the 3-4 defense at Georgia might give the Packers some added incentive to take him in the first round. 

Akeem Ayers (UCLA)

Before the NFL combine, Ayers was considered a top-15 pick. He's versatile and can be explosive when he puts in the effort.

Martez Wilson (Illinois)

He played inside linebacker at Illinois, but his speed and size makes it necessary for him to be an edge rusher.

Brooks Reed (Arizona)

Everyone's favorite potential draftee, Reed looks a lot like Matthews but needs to develop more of a pass-rushing arsenal. 

Sam Acho (Texas)

While the least explosive of anyone on this list, Acho has a good motor and is a class act off the field.

Jabaal Sheard (Pitt)

He's the wild card of the group. Sheard is stout at the point of attack and can still get pressure on the quarterback at 264 pounds.

Who's Available: Third and Fourth Round

K.J. Wright (Mississippi State)

He might be better suited for a 4-3 defense, but Wright has the size and makeup to play as an edge rusher.

Greg Romeus (Pitt)

An ACL injury keeps him from being higher on this list, but Romeus is big (270 pounds) and still has the closing speed to get to the passer.

Dontay Moch (Nevada)

While the best athlete of any outside linebacker, he comes with risk because he's raw in a lot of areas.

Chris Carter (Fresno State)

He's been gaining some steam lately, and Carter's first step will give him a chance at being an impact player.

Ricky Elmore (Arizona)

The "other" Arizona pass rusher, Elmore might be the more consistent prospect overall.

Who's Available: Fifth and Sixth Round

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes drops back to pass as defensive end Jeremy Beal #44 of the Oklahoma Sooners gets past offensive lineman Matt Pipho #65 at Land Shark Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Miami

Jeremy Beal (Oklahoma)

A nightmare showing at the combine has him dropping way down boards, but he was productive during his time at Oklahoma. 

Cliff Matthews (South Carolina)

If for any other reason, wouldn't the Packers likely make No. 52 write out "Clay Matthews" on the back of his jersey if they chose Cliff?

Steven Friday (Virginia Tech)

Despite his ability to get to the quarterback, Friday is an underrated 3-4 prospect at this point. 

Who's Available: Seventh Round and UDFA

Marc Schneidl (CSofM)

Haven't heard of him? Don't worry, many haven't. He was Division II's all-time sack leader, however.

Markell Carter (Central Arkansas)

The Packers recently worked him out, and he has the athletic ability to add competition to the group. 

Wayne Daniels (TCU)

Another guy who has disappointed with slow times, Daniels had plenty of experience rushing the passer at TCU. 

Summary

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Linebacker Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers and Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons look on during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers

I understand that many of you likely think that outside linebacker is the Packers No. 1 need in this draft. 

While I think there is definitely an argument for that, remember that Green Bay's defense was pretty good the way it was structured last season. 

They still managed to tally 47 sacks without much of a presence opposite Clay Matthews, and don't forget that both Frank Zombo and Erik Walden should be better next season. 

Both are young players, and they both made their fair share of big plays last season. 

But could this position be better? Of course. And would a player like Brooks Reed or Justin Houston immediately upgrade the defense? Most likely. 

The Packers have bigger needs, however, and you can probably identify the two position by process of elimination.

Even if the Packers don't spend a high pick on another pass rusher, I think Dom Capers' defense can still be the dominant force it was last season.

And remember—we all thought that Ted Thompson was going to pick a rusher last draft and he didn't. Did Frank Zombo or Erik Walden do anything last season to change his comfort level at that position?

We'll know that answer in two weeks.