Per usual, no one would suggest the inside linebacker position was a strength for the Green Bay Packers in 2016. We’ve long noted how the Packers under Ted Thompson undervalue the position.
Green Bay went into the 2016 season with two fourth-round picks — Jake Ryan and Blake Martinez — and an undrafted free agent — Joe Thomas — manning the middle.
Although he came in with much fanfare, Martinez didn’t make the impact that was expected. The Packers drafted him and then touted him as a three-down linebacker. However, the area in which he was supposed to excel — coverage — was the area he happened to be the worst at.