Brad

Jones

Don’t expect him back in Green Bay after a disappointing season. Brad Jones and Jamari Lattimore, a free agent from Middle Tennessee State, are expected to see expanded roles, including time at inside linebacker. Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that the Packers plan to add at least one outside linebacker this offseason.

The Packers will focus on shoring up the “front five” of their 3-4 defense, which includes three defensive linemen and two outside linebackers. Currently penciled in as starters, DE Jarius Wynn and OLB Brad Jones will have their hands full in camp. Cornerback, quarterback, safety, and tailback are also listed as needs. In his latest mock draft, Rotoworld’s Evan Silva has the Packers taking Alabama LB Courtney Upshaw with pick No. 28.

“You always hope that through competition that guy will surface,” DC Dom Capers said. “Nick will come in, and we’ll throw him right into the competition and give him a chance to go out and show us what he can do.” Perry should have the advantage over Erik Walden, Brad Jones, and Frank Zombo.

D.J. Smith (ACL) and Desmond Bishop (hamstring) are both out for the season, leaving Jones to call the defensive signals. But despite the every-down role, Jones somehow managed just two tackles and one quarterback hit. A.J. Hawk had five tackles despite coming off the field in dime sets.

The Packers resisted the temptation to use A.J. Hawk as their dime linebacker after D.J. Smith’s ACL tear, and have kept Hawk in a roughly 66-percent role. Jones, the 100-percent inside ‘backer and new defensive playcaller, responded in Week 8 with a team-high ten tackles (seven solo), a sack, and a forced fumble. If Jones is unowned in your IDP league, pick him up right now.

Smith’s night is through. He’s the second starting linebacker the Pack have lost this evening, with rookie OLB Nick Perry out with a knee injury of his own. Brad Jones is now on in Smith’s absence. Smith is off to a fast start this season, with 36 tackles and two sacks through five games.

According to NBC Milwaukee, the first-round pass rusher is expected to be placed on injured reserve. Perry first injured his wrist in Week 1, but played through it until injuring his knee in Week 6. He totaled 18 tackles and two sacks in six games, earning a positive pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus. With Clay Matthews (hamstring) in danger of missing Week 11, the Packers will have to rely on Erik Walden, Brad Jones, and Dezman Moses.

Jones is trying to convert from an outside linebacker to an inside. “We just felt backing him up off the ball and letting him play the inside linebacker position was more suited to him,” defensive coordinator Dom Capers said of Jones. “I think it’s been a good move. I think it’s the right place for him.” While Smith was the Packers’ every-down linebacker, it’s expected that A.J. Hawk and not Jones assumes those duties moving forward.

Frank Zombo has been sidelined by a broken scapula, and Brad Jones was limited to special teams duty in the season opener. Walden produced six tackles, a sack, and a pass defensed against the Saints. Consistency has been Walden’s biggest stumbling block, but the coaches like his coverage skills against backs and tight ends.

Earning a three-year, $11.75 million offseason contract, Jones tallied 88 tackles over Green Bay’s final 11 games last year, adding two sacks and a forced fumble. The Packers’ WILB position is highly productive in nature and gives Jones strong IDP potential. He will be an every-down player this season.