Jake Ryan, 2015 Fourth Round Pick

[mraynrand]

ILB was a position of need for draft/FA, but where does ILB rank on overall position importance, particularly on the Packers? I'd say it's pretty low; that's why TT isn't gonna reach at all, and is comfortable drafting an ILB later in the draft.

Quick internet search:

Bleacherreport
15: OLB
14: Run stopping DE
13: OG
12: ILB*
11: RB
10: OC
9: DT, run stopping
8: WR
7: Cornerback
6: TE
5: Safety
4: OT
3: Inside pass rusher
2: Edge pass rusher
1: QB


*

"The Prototypes: Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers; Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks

Traditionally, the middle linebacker has been the heart, mind and soul of a defense. Frequently the roughest, toughest player on the field, the middle linebacker was trusted with the most important job: getting to the ball-carrier.

Fending off a fullback or pulling guard and stuffing the running back 10 times a game or more takes a special combination of size, speed, grit, instincts and thirst for violence. Often called the quarterback of the defense, to this day, the middle linebacker usually relays the play calls from the sideline to the huddle.

Now, though, if all a player can do is stop the run between the tackles, he comes off the field in passing situations—and most situations are passing situations.

Today's middle linebacker has to have the size, power and attitude to stop the run when called upon, but it's more important to have the athleticism to cover the middle of the field—whether in man-to-man against running backs or patrolling the middle of the field in zone coverage.

Players that excel at both, like Patrick Willis, are rare and valuable indeed. For most teams, though, inside linebackers who are "good enough" tacklers and very good in coverage are sufficient and plentiful."

I like how they list inside and outside pass rush separately. So if you think about it, by scheme they will generate inside rush without having to necessarily draft it at ILB using a high pick (on a guy, esp in this draft, who might not have those pass rush qualities). You would like to have more than Clay Matthews as your inside AND outside pass rusher; thus the pick up last off season of Peppers. I am assuming someone else will need to step up in those roles this year.

[3irty1]

ILB was a position of need for draft/FA, but where does ILB rank on overall position importance, particularly on the Packers? I'd say it's pretty low; that's why TT isn't gonna reach at all, and is comfortable drafting an ILB later in the draft.

Quick internet search:

Bleacherreport
15: OLB
14: Run stopping DE
13: OG
12: ILB*
11: RB
10: OC
9: DT, run stopping
8: WR
7: Cornerback
6: TE
5: Safety
4: OT
3: Inside pass rusher
2: Edge pass rusher
1: QB


*


I like how they list inside and outside pass rush separately. So if you think about it, by scheme they will generate inside rush without having to necessarily draft it at ILB using a high pick (on a guy, esp in this draft, who might not have those pass rush qualities). You would like to have more than Clay Matthews as your inside AND outside pass rusher; thus the pick up last off season of Peppers. I am assuming someone else will need to step up in those roles this year.

I'm pretty sure by inside pass rush they are talking about interior defensive lineman who can rush the passer.

[mraynrand]

I'm pretty sure by inside pass rush they are talking about interior defensive lineman who can rush the passer.

I didn't read it carefully, but you're right:

The Prototypes: Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions; J.J. Watt, Houston Texans

It's been said many times that the shortest path to the quarterback is a straight line. As anchoring against the inside run becomes less and less of a priority, explosive 300-pounders are being lined up inside and unleashed.

This revolution in approach is forcing offenses to reevaluate everything about how they protect the quarterback. Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer admitted to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune that the Bears were thinking about Ndamukong Suh lining up "over the right guard" when they drafted a right guard in the first round.

Whether they line up over the guard in a 4-3 defense or between the guard and tackle as a 3-4 end like 2012 AP Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, these rare athletes force offenses to account for their disruptive power.

I would include pressure from the ILB in a category of "Inside pass rusher" but that's just me