The Green Bay Packers have needed an upgrade at inside linebacker for at least two seasons now. As a result of their lack of depth inside, pass rushing maven Clay Matthews has been forced to spend much of two years now playing out of position. Really, it's not that Matthews isn't a quality inside linebacker - he's more than capable enough to succeed there. It's just that a better inside linebacker would allow Matthews to move back outside, shoring up two spots with one go. And while Packers GM Ted Thompson hasn't been able to get the job done to this point, it sure sounds like the 2016 NFL Draft may finally be the one that provides an answer at the position.
"I did meet with them, and they talked to me about that they needed a linebacker on the inside," said likely first-round pick and former Alabama linebacker, Reggie Ragland, per 247 Sports. "And if they had the opportunity, I think they would. But I'm not sure. It all depends when draft day comes.
"But they said they really need an inside linebacker, so they can move Clay (Matthews) back on the outside. If they get me, it would be a blessing in disguise because Green Bay's always been one of my favorite teams growing up as a kid."
Ragland isn't considered an "elite" linebacker in this draft from an athleticism standpoint, not when guys like UCLA's Myles Jack and Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith are set to be available (though both players are dealing with recent injuries and could fall as a result), but he's a big, heavy-hitter who plays a downhill game and can set the tone for a defense.
Because he plays inside and doesn't make his bones rushing the passer - though he certainly possesses the ability to do that - or in coverage, Ragland isn't considered as valuable and could potentially fall in the draft. But there's little chance he'd make it to the Packers pick late in round two.
If Thompson and Co. are convinced that Ragland can be the guy to solidify what has been a position in flux for two years now, they may have to snag him at No. 27 overall. The Packers have shown a preference for Crimson Tide players in the recent past - safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who Ragland refers to as a "big brother" and running back Eddie Lacy - so it certainly wouldn't be surprising to see them go back to that well once more.
