2014 NFL Draft: Grading The Linebackers

The one position where the Green Bay Packers really need an upgrade is at inside linebacker. My main concern is that whoever they might draft in the 1st round wouldn't actually get a chance to unseat A.J. Hawk. While he's been lousy over the past three seasons, the coaches seem to have a soft spot for his leadership. I'm still a Brad Jones fan, he should be given a chance to return from an injury plagued 2013 season, and I'm looking at a replacement for Hawk.

Alabama's C.J. Mosley is slipping on draft boards but he's still seen as a good fit for the Packers. There's a lot to like about Mosley, but I love Ryan Shazier's speed. He's a little undersized for an inside linebacker on a 3-4 defense, but if the Packers can live with the recently re-signed Jamari Lattimore on the inside, they can make it work for Shazier. Though it's not an apples-to-apples comparison; the coaches don't appear to be giving Lattimore even the chance to start.

My dream is that North Carolina TE Eric Ebron somehow slides down to No. 21 and gives them a big boost to a depleted position. Assuming that doesn't happen, adding the speed of Shazier into the heart of the defense is a close second on my wish list.