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The Linebackers
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| Player |
Vitals |
'07 Stats |
Synopsis |
#50 A.J. Hawk
 |
6' 1", 248 lbs.
3rd Year
Ohio State
|
129 tackles, 81 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 fumble forced, 1 fumble recovery |
A strained muscle in the preseason opener hampered his camp in a year that should be a chance to rise to the level he's had prognosticated for him since the 2006 NFL Draft: stardom. This guy's motor is one of the most powerful of any NFC linebacker, and he's now had time to learn the NFL game and develop into one of the game's best. This year is a proving ground as to whether he'll become exactly that. |
#56 Nick Barnett
 |
6' 2", 236 lbs.
6th Year
Oregon State
|
165 tackles, 109 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 1 fumble recovery |
Most underrated linebacker, perhaps, in all of football. He's the unquestioned leader of a defensive unit that must be, and should be, one of the conference's best if it aims to make the team one of the conference's best. Typically a sure open-field tackler and incredibly mobile, he's also under-appreciated in the IQ factor of middle linebackers. Watch for the Pro Bowl to come calling. |
#51 Brady Poppinga
 |
6' 3", 247 lbs.
4th Year
BYU
|
70 tackles, 43 solo tackles, 1 INT |
Poppinga fought off the challenge of newcomer Brandon Chillar to hold a starting spot for this year. To keep it, he'll have to augment his aggressiveness and explosive hitting capability with improved pass coverage skills. If this guy is the weak link in the Packers' linebacking corps, there's not exactly too much of a weakness. |
#55 Desmond Bishop
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6' 2", 238 lbs.
2nd Year
California |
6 tackles, 4 solo tackles, 12 special teams tackles |
The Jacksonville Jaguar pictured to the left would agree with his helmet that Desmond Bishop can hit. This guy owns a roster spot because he can sacrifice his body and make plays on special teams. He simply needs experience to be a contributor on defense as well. |
#54 Brandon Chillar
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6' 3", 243 lbs.
5th Year
UCLA |
(w/Saint Louis Rams)
85 tackles, 58 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 fumbles forced, 1 fumble recovery |
Chillar's a bit of a disappointment in that he didn't do what the Packers brought him in for: start at strong side linebacker. Perhaps that's more due to Poppinga's rise than his own failure. If A.J. Hawk continues to fight the injury bug, Chillar becomes even more important in the Packers' defensive future. |
#59 Tracy White
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6' 0", 238 lbs.
6th Year
Howard
|
1 tackle, 1 blocked punt recovery TD, 1 special teams fumble recovery |
Like Bishop, this guy is a special teams powerhouse when healthy, and that's what kept him on the roster ahead of Abdul Hodge, a surprise cut a few days ago. Barring injury, he won't see much playing time on the defensive side, so his coverage unit time will bring the greatest chance to shine. |
