Episode 639 - Scouting Linebackers is Hard
Linebacker isn’t exactly a position of need, and finding a good one is harder than you might think. On this episode of Blue 58, we’ll take a look at the linebackers in this class and try to find out who might be worth drafting in this year’s class.
The Packers re-sign Justin Hollins (00:32)
The Packers brought back Justin Hollins on a one-year deal after some success in a short stint with the team last year. Hollins’ productivity numbers are good — a pressure rate above 10% — and he gives them depth at a position where they sorely need it. Without Rashan Gary, the Packers only would have had Preston Smith and Kingsley Enagbare available pre-draft had Hollins not re-signed.
However, there’s a small question about Hollins’ special teams ability. The Packers are putting more emphasis on special teams contributions, and Hollins only played eight snaps on special teams last year.
How do you find a good linebacker? (2:30)
Scouting linebackers is similar to scouting running backs: athleticism generally outweighs productivity, especially since elite linebacker contributions may not always show up in the stat sheet. We walk through our criteria for identifying players who might be good fits while outlining why the 2022 class of linebackers showed how hard it can be to find good ones.
Who are the best linebackers in the 2023 NFL Draft? (11:03)
So who are the big contributors in the 2023 draft class? It starts with Iowa’s Jack Campbell, but he’s not the only solid option. There are good, productive athletes throughout this class.
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