12 Days Until The Draft
GM Ted Thompson's only notable free agent signing was at linebacker so it's really hard to say the Packers should draft a linebacker. Plus, LB A.J. Hawk and LB Nick Barnett are the only two linebackers who play a majority of the snaps, LB Brady Poppinga is the starter but he probably plays on only half of the downs, and none of the linebackers in this draft are better than either of Hawk or Barnett. With Chillar signed to compete with Poppinga, it doesn't seem like a major area of need.
But one linebacker that has really got my attention is Virginia Tech's Xavier Adibi. He's a little undersized, but otherwise he sounds like an outstanding player:
With Vince Hall injured for part of the season, Adibi handled the leadership role on the nation's fourth-ranked defensive unit. He led the team with a career-high 115 tackles (55 solo), adding three sacks and a team-high 12 stops for losses. He also caused a fumble, deflected five passes and intercepted two others, returning one for a touchdown. That performance earned him All-American and All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team honors.
He was the leader and playmaker on a dominant college defense. He's going to be a great pro, but the Packers really don't have a need for him and will probably pass on any opportunity to draft him.