Is This the Green Bay Packers Weakest Position Heading into OTAs?

The Green Bay Packers addressed many of their needs in the 2025 NFL Draft as they attempt to improve on last year’s 11-6 season. But one position group they didn’t address appears to now be the team’s weakest position as of right now. That’s not to say there isn’t talent at this position, but there are more question marks and an overall lack of proven depth. This appears to be the Packers weakest position heading into OTAs if Jaire Alexander remains on the roster at cornerback.

The Packers Weakest Position Heading into OTAs?: The Two Obvious Starters

Former first round pick Quay Walker returns as the starting mike linebacker. The Georgia alum will enter the final year of his rookie contract.

Walker led the Packers in tackles in each of his first three seasons with the team. He has outstanding speed and can also blitz the quarterback. Walker also wears the green dot on his helmet and calls the defensive signals for the team.

Unfortunately, Walker has struggled to read plays and often makes tackles downfield after the opposing team has already gained substantial yardage. He did improve his level of play late in the 2024 season but has to prove that this can be his new level of play and not just a streak of a few good games.

The Packers are looking for a step forward from second-year man Edgerrin Cooper. The former Texas A&M star earned All-Rookie Team honors despite playing just 55 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in 14 games.

Cooper looks like a playmaker. He made 87 total tackles including 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception. Cooper has the speed to cover receivers out of the backfield and to rush the passer. If he continues to build on his rookie campaign, Cooper could earn Pro Bowl honors as soon as this season.

The Battle for the Third Starting Spot

The Packers re-signed Isaiah McDuffie who would have become an unrestricted free agent had they not agreed to a new deal. The Boston College alum provides experience, effort, and leadership although he has only average athletic ability for an NFL linebacker.

McDuffie played for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley at BC and also contributes on special teams. He finished second on the team in tackles last season.

Last year’s third-round pick, Ty’Ron Hopper will be McDuffie’s primary competitor for the third linebacker spot. Hopper has the athleticism McDuffie lacks but has yet to adjust to the pro game and barely saw the field as a rookie.

Hopper played only 18 snaps on defense all season in 2024. The Missouri alum will need to show a better grasp of the defense to see the field more this season.

The Packers also signed linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons as a free agent after the draft. Simmons may be a tweener without a true position, but he’s somebody Hafley could use to blitz the quarterback or in specific defensive packages because of his speed and elite athleticism.

The Packers Weakest Position Heading into OTAs?: The Depth Players

The Packers depth here is unproven. Veteran Kristian Welch was re-signed by GM Brian Gutekunst over the offseason. Welch played for the Packers in 2023 and played well during the preseason last year. However, the Packers released him, and he split the season between the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens before becoming a free agent again this offseason.

Welch is a special teams ace who didn’t even play one snap on defense during his season in Green Bay in 2023. He has never played more than 53 snaps in a season on defense during his five seasons in the NFL. His ability to contribute on special teams will determine whether he makes the team.

The only other linebacker presently on the roster is undrafted free agent rookie, Jamon Dumas-Johnson. The 6’1”, 245-pound Kentucky product has a chance to make the roster if he can play well on special teams and show promise on defense. He is a better run defender than he is in pass coverage due to his lack of elite speed. Dumas-Johnson sees the game well and is a smart player.

Outlook

The Packers will likely keep five or six linebackers. They could also add another candidate at the position before the start of training camp. The addition of Simmons could potentially help the depth here, but he’s not a true linebacker or safety. This group isn’t bad, but there are questions here that need be resolved before the start of the season.