You remember Jake Ryan.
Oh, shit. Wrong Jake Ryan.
Yes, we’re referring to the rookie inside linebacker on the Green Bay Packers. THAT Jake Ryan.
Well, probably the most interesting thing to come out of the first two days of training camp was this development.
Interesting that we saw rookie LB Jake Ryan with the starters at ILB in nickel when Clay Matthews moved outside. #Packers
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) July 31, 2015
As we expected, it appears the fourth-round pick will get every chance to earn substantial playing time.
Last season, the Packers played nickel more than they played their base defense. If this holds up, that would make Ryan a de facto starter.
On paper, the Packers starting inside linebackers are Sam Barrington and Clay Matthews.
The way he finished last year, we don’t expect Barrington to get displaced by anyone. Even though he’s proven to be better inside than out, the Packers have some flexibility with Matthews.
If Ryan proves to be one of the four best linebackers on the team, then Matthews can slide back outside permanently and Ryan and Barrington can plug the middle.
It’s a little early for that talk, but something to keep an eye on nonetheless.
I want Ryan to do well but I also don’t want Matthews to permanently go back to the outside. He played like donkey balls last year until he moved to the inside which saved his whole season, and vastly improved the defense. Which reminds me, NO MORE BRAD JONES!! WOOHOO!!
Second that WOOHOO and add a WOOOHOOO!
I know big Michigan fans who insist Jake Ryan is the real deal.