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Green Bay Packers: Projecting the roster ahead of training camp

By Jacob Schyvinck

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 20: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass during the first half against the Oakland Raiders in the game at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 20: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass during the first half against the Oakland Raiders in the game at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 08: Outside linebacker Christian Kirksey #58 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 08: Outside linebacker Christian Kirksey #58 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Linebackers: 4 (44/53)

Christian Kirksey

Kamal Martin

Oren Burks

Ty Summers

Linebacker is a position that the Green Bay Packers should probably keep more at heading into the 2020 season, but the reality is, there isn’t much potential in this group right now. The Packers have never really valued the position in the NFL Draft, and that has hurt them in recent years.

In the offseason, the Packers let Blake Martinez walk, and he signed with the New York Giants. Green Bay did bring in former Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey, who, when healthy, will be a great addition to the defense as the next one in line to be the “clean up crew” in Mike Pettine’s scheme.

Now, for the rest. Oren Burks hasn’t really found it yet in two seasons with the Packers, and there may not be a spot for him in a starting role this year if he doesn’t find it. Burks was a great athlete coming out, but the processing aspect of the game has made the transition difficult.

There’s a better than decent chance that rookie Kamal Martin ends up as a starter. Martin is excellent at working downhill and working through blockers. His physicality fits in perfectly with this defense. Ty Summers rounds out the group to make the roster, as his abilities on special teams will guarantee his slot.

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