Deion Jones-Inside Linebacker-LSU

Self-proclaimed leader of the Green Bay defense, Sam Barrington, is looking to pick up where he left off after sustaining a season-ending ankle injury. Jake Ryan played well late in his rookie season, and will likely line up next to Barrington to start the 2016 season.

The Packers do still have a need at Inside Linebacker, and that need is coverage ability. Deion Jones was frequently utilized as a coverage backer at LSU. Undersized and underpowered, but Jones could be exactly what the Packers are looking for during the draft. His cover instincts are not perfect, but he has experience covering Running Backs and Tight Ends, which is something not a lot of prospects have. He could make an immediate impact in passing situations and special teams.

Matt Ioannidis-Defensive Line-Temple

Defensive line is not a need for the Packers, yet Thompson keeps on drafting them. Matt Ioannidis would offer a ton of value to Green Bay’s defense, especially if he is available with a compensatory pick at the end of Round 4. He has the power to move lineman off the line of scrimmage, and can disengage to tackle the ballcarrier. Versatile and physical. Played all across the Temple defensive line, but would probably fit best as a 5 technique in Capers’ defense. Ioannidis excels at bull-rushing. He is able to collapse the pocket in a hurry and could require an extra blocker at the next level.

Cole Toner-Offensie Line-Temple

Once again, not a position of need for Green Bay… yet. At the end of next season, both Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang will be unrestricted free agents. About ten years ago, Ted Thompson showed up in Green Bay and let two Pro-Bowl guards walk in free agency (Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera). Granted, this is a slightly different situation, even if only because Thompson has been around for ten years instead of ten days. Either way, the Packers will likely draft an offensive lineman at some point.

Cole Toner had his moments at the 2016 Reese’s Senior Bowl. At 6’5 303, Toner has the size and athletic ability to stick at Tackle in the NFL. Thompson tends to draft lineman that have experience at Left Tackle. A mid-round lineman like Toner makes even more sense for the Packers because the oft-injured Don Barclay is a free agent, and his time as a back-up Tackle could be at an end in Green Bay.

CT