:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1639106/GYI0062984564.jpg)
The Green Bay Packers have one lock at outside linebacker, and another spot with a giant question mark. Of the three players that started at outside linebacker this season, I'd put Walden first, Jones second, and Zombo last. Having said that, all three players shined at times, and all three deserve a chance to battle for the starting job. Assuming the Packers don't use a high draft pick on an outside linebacker to improve the position.
Outside Linebackers (6): Clay Matthews, Brad Jones, Frank Zombo, Erik Walden, Brady Poppinga, Diyral Briggs.
#52 Clay Matthews
Player Progression (progress/stagnate/regress from 2010): progress
Team Standing (expanded/same/diminished role): same role
Likelihood of Long-Term Relationship: high
I'm not sure how he'll improve. I guess he could actually win defensive player of the year instead of almost winning it. He's an every down player who rushes the quarterback, can drop back in coverage, is tenacious in pursuit, and a sound tackler. He's come so far, so fast.
#59 Brad Jones
Player Progression: progress
Team Standing: same
Likelihood of Long-Term Relationship: average
He was injured at the start of the preseason, he was hurt again early in the season, and finally it was over after only six games. After such a promising rookie season in the place of DE Aaron Kampman, 2010 was a lost season. He's got the talent, and as the roster currently stands, he's the likely starter. I'm neutral on him until he comes back healthy.
#58 Frank Zombo
Player Progression: progress
Team Standing: same
Likelihood of Long-Term Relationship: average
Will he continue to improve, or have we seen the best he has to offer? Four sacks are more than I ever expected when they signed him as an undrafted free agent last April. He shined at times, but most of the time he was just another guy. Injuries kept him out for seven games (final four regular season, and first three playoff games), but he still managed a productive season. I really need to see him for another full season.
93 Erik Walden
Player Progression: progress
Team Standing: same
Likelihood of Long-Term Relationship: average
I feel like I'm writing the same thing about Jones, Zombo, and Walden: they've all shown flashes at times, but they've got to stay healthy, play another full season, and prove to the coaches that they belong. I think he could be the starter in 2011, but he's got to prove it.
#51 Brady Poppinga
Player Progression: regress
Team Standing: same
Likelihood of Long-Term Relationship: poor
Every year, I keep expecting the coaches to see his limitations and move one. But he's always impressing the coaches in practice, and remained the first guy off the bench. Just like Jones, he only played in six games. I expect he'll get another chance in 2011, but with a salary over around $2 million, this might finally be the year the Packers move on.
#53 Diyral Briggs
Player Progression: stagnant
Team Standing: diminshed role
Likelihood of Long-Term Relationship: poor
If he played at all on defense, I might have a better opinion of him. After a rash of linebacker injuries mid-season, Briggs was signed as a street free agent,. He primarily played on special teams, and he often had trouble with that job. Once everyone comes back healthy, I don't see how he'll stick with the team.