While the Packers' pass rush projects to improve this year with the newly signed Julius Peppers and healthy returns for Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, and Mike Neal, the front office continues to look for other ways to increase pressure on the quarterback.
Sources tell Acme Packing Company that Green Bay's scouting department has expressed interest in Eastern Washington's Anthony Larry.
Larry (6-2, 251 lbs.) played defensive end for EWU but projects as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He was highly productive during his college career, accumulating 127 tackles and 11.5 sacks, most of which came his senior season. At his pro day, Larry produced solid speed times (4.74 in the forty, 7.23 in the three cone, and 4.27 in the short shuttle), but completed only 15 reps on the bench.
While Larry may seem off the radar, NFL teams and the draft community have followed him closely the past twelve months. Noted NFL draft evaluator Tony Pauline recently called Larry, "the most underrated defensive prospect in the nation." As Pauline notes, Larry looked like a tremendous prospect as a sophomore in 2011, but missed the entire 2012 season due to academic ineligibility. As a result, Larry either won't be selected until late in the draft or will be a priority signing in undrafted free agency. That's the area where Green Bay has regularly found capable pass rushers to fill out its depth chart.
The Packers aren't the only team in on Larry, however. The Patriots brought him in for a workout on March 5th, while the Bears and Seahawks have also inquired about his services. The Chargers also showed up at his Pro Day, suggesting some interest from them as well.