It's almost training camp time for the Green Bay Packers, so it's time to evaluate each position group on the roster.
Linebackers
After the Packers decided to release former All-Pro linebacker De'Vondre Campbell back in March, and with the understanding of a change to a 4-3 base defense, not only the position became an obvious need, but a specific role also did. Or at least that was the external perception.
Quay Walker is more of a weak-side linebacker, so the middle linebacker was open — with Isaiah McDuffie as the presumed starter, even when there are only two linebackers on the field.
But when the Packers attacked the position on day 2 of the draft, the two choices were players whose characteristics also are better suited to play the weak side, Edgerrin Cooper and Ty'Ron Hopper.
During OTAs and mandatory minicamp, though, rookies waited for opportunities. The starting trio in base defense had Quay Walker, McDuffie, and veteran Eric Wilson — who's mostly been a special teamer in Green Bay. No matter the options, Walker is expected to play in the middle, and with the playcalling green dot.
"It'll be a learning curve for sure, because there are some new things they're going to ask him (Quay) to do," general manager Brian Gutekunst mentioned. "But I do think he has the ability to make plays within the box and outside, and rush the passer. He can kind of do it all."
Quay himself is comfortable with how the new defense is getting put together.
"It fits what we do," Walker said. "And not only that, I think (Jeff) Hafley has done a great job of putting us in the right position."
Positional battles
Quay Walker seems to be the only player whose starting spot is secured. McDuffie and Wilson have had reps with the ones, but Edgerrin Cooper will fight to have an immediate impact. Meanwhile, Hopper is expected to be more of a developmental piece.
Beyond that, Kristian Welch is exclusively a special teamer. Last season, he played 60% of the team's ST snaps, and didn't play in the defense whatsoever. Based on what practices have shown, that seems to still be the plan in 2024.
The bottom of the roster pieces are undrafted rookie Ralen Goforth and first-year player Christian Young, who went undrafted in 2023 and spent parts of his rookie season on the practice squad with the Seattle Seahawks and in Green Bay.
Coaching staff
To put everything into place, the Packers have invested in the staff to help develop these young pieces. The new linebackers coach is Anthony Campanile, who will also be the running game coordinator. Formerly with the Miami Dolphins, Campanile had defensive coordinator interviews and is seen around the league as an ascending coach.
Besides him, the Packers also hired Sean Duggan as a defensive assistant. He worked under Jeff Hafley at Boston College as the linebackers coach for four years, and last season he was also promoted to co-defensive coordinator. In Green Bay, he will help the linebackers to learn and adjust to the new system.
