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Packers at the Scouting Combine: Among OLBs, Fackrell is an outlier

While most of the Packers’ pass-rushers have at least one elite-level physical trait, there is one who seems ordinary by comparison.

By Evan "Tex" Western
NFL: New York Giants at Green Bay Packers Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY Sports

By this point in our look through the Green Bay Packers’ performances at the NFL Scouting Combine, you have probably realized that overall athleticism is highly-prized by the organization. This is no secret, and GM Ted Thompson often seems to have specific target numbers for certain positions in certain drills.

As we move on to outside linebacker — keeping in mind that there is a small sample size — we find one recent draft pick at the position that seems to make little sense when put in context with Thompson’s other linebacker selections. The outlier is Kyler Fackrell, and the reason that he is an outlier is that he’s not an outlier.

Wait, what?

Let me explain. Every one of the Packers’ other pass-rushers displayed an elite physical characteristic. Datone Jones (who started out as a defensive end) had a combination of size, quickness, and functional strength. Nick Perry was hugely explosive. Clay Matthews showed exceptional quickness.

It’s the fact that Fackrell does not stand out in any physical manner — besides his tall frame and long arms — that makes him stand out among this group, and makes the Packers’ third-round pick in 2016 seem like an odd choice.

Here’s a look at the Combine measurements for each of the Packers’ outside linebackers.

Kyler Fackrell (2016)

  • Size: 6’5”, 245 lbs, 33-1/4” arms, 10-1/8” hands
  • 40 time: 4.72
  • Bench press: 15
  • Vertical: 34.5”
  • Broad jump: 121”
  • 3-cone: n/a
  • 20-yard shuttle: n/a

Datone Jones (2013, DE)

  • Size: 6’4”, 283 lbs, 32-3/4” arms, 10” hands
  • 40 time: 4.80
  • Bench press: 29
  • Vertical: 31.5”
  • Broad jump: 112”
  • 3-cone: 7.32
  • 20-yard shuttle: 4.32*

Nick Perry (2012, DE)

  • Size: 6’3”, 271 lbs, 33” arms, 9-1/2” hands
  • 40 time: 4.64*
  • Bench press: 35
  • Vertical: 38.5”*
  • Broad jump: 124”*
  • 3-cone: 7.25
  • 20-yard shuttle: 4.66

Clay Matthews (2009, DE)

  • Size: 6’3”, 240 lbs
  • 40 time: 4.67
  • Bench press: 23
  • Vertical: 35.5”
  • Broad jump: 121”
  • 3-cone: 6.90
  • 20-yard shuttle: 4.18

Julius Peppers (2002, DE)

  • Size: 6’6”, 283 lbs
  • Did not work out by choice

Not invited to Combine: Reggie Gilbert (2016), Jayrone Elliott (2014)

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