Over the next two weeks Aaron Ripkowski Color Rush Jersey , Acme Packing Company will break down each position group on the Green Bay Packers and provide insight into how they performed during the 2018 season. Today, we examine the inside linebackers.The Green Bay Packers never received the opportunity to see their full linebacking corps play in defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s scheme. Veteran Jake Ryan suffered a torn ACL -- the second such injury since 2013 -- during the first week of training camp. The ruptured ligament ended his season and forced the team into a heavier linebacker rotation throughout the season.With Ryan’s rookie contract expiring, the Packers have to make a decision on whether to bring back the dependable-if-unspectacular linebacker or allow him to depart, creating opportunities for younger players.Jake RyanNFL experience: Four yearsFree-agent status: UnrestrictedExpiring contract: Four-year, $3.9 million ($456,676 guaranteed)2018 stats: None (injured)Ryan appeared in many games for the Packers over his four-year career, but he never developed into a centerpiece of the defense. Ryan’s run defense made him a useful player in Dom Capers scheme https://www.thepackersfanshop.com/Demetri-Goodson-Jersey , though opposing offenses exploited his weaknesses in pass coverage when possible. By 2017, Blake Martinez had surpassed Ryan as the team’s featured off-ball linebacker. That likely would have continued under Pettine who took over as defensive coordinator last offseason.Because of Pettine’ creativity, a larger linebacker like Ryan could serve the team well should he re-sign. The Packers rotated linebackers throughout 2018, using the run-focused Antonio Morrison and box safeties in various sub packages to attack the offense. Ryan could also offer valuable depth should something happen to Martinez, who wears the radio helmet on game days.At the same time, the Packers didn’t trade up to select Burks in the third round to let him ride the bench. A preseason shoulder injury and inexperience hampered him throughout 2018, but linebackers often take the leap during their sophomore campaigns. Clearing a path for Burks and Green Bay’s other young defenders might make more football and financial sense than bringing back Ryan. GREEN BAY JK Scott Jersey , Wis. — Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said his veteran additions on defense during free agency gave him more flexibility with his draft picks, but it didn’t necessarily mean he would shy away from a defensive player in the first round if someone he liked was there.In the end, he liked two.Packers NFL Draft CoverageGreen Bay Packers 2019 NFL Draft gradesGreen Bay Packers 2019 NFL draft capsulesPackers close out 2019 draft, select LB Summers in seventh roundPackers add CB Hollman, RB Williams in sixth roundPackers address defense in fifth round, select DL Kingsley KekePackers use third-round pick to select TE Jace SternbergerPackers draft versatile OL Elgton Jenkins in second roundPotential Packers Day 2 picks in 2019 NFL draftPackers trade up, draft safety Darnell Savage at No. 21 overallPackers select Rashan Gary with 12th overall pick in 2019 NFL draftAfter Green Bay selected rush specialist Rashan Gary at 12th overall Brett Favre Color Rush Jersey , the Packers traded up from No. 30 overall to select safety Darnell Savage out of Maryland with the 21st pick.Green Bay gave up its 30th overall pick and two fourth-round selections (No. 114 overall, No. 118) to move up in the first round and take Seattle’s place at No. 21.Savage could fill a keen need at safety. He ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and had been moving up draft boards since. He had seven interceptions over the last two years for the Terrapins. Last season, he was a second-team All-Big Ten pick after picking off four passes, breaking up two more and finishing with 52 tackles.Speaking at the combine in February, Savage was asked if there were any NFL players he patterned his game after. His response? Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson, Amos’ running-mate last season in Chicago.“I kind of feel like he does a lot and I do a lot,” Savage said of Jackson. “We both bring speed https://www.thepackersfanshop.com/Paul-Hornung-Jersey , aggressiveness, instincts, make plays on the ball. I really enjoy watching him. I really study his game.”During free agency, Gutekunst signed four potential starters in outside linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, safety Adrian Amos and offensive lineman Billy Turner. The defense began to show some promise last season under new coordinator Mike Pettine but still ranked 22nd in points and 18th in yards allowed.Gary and Savage should help a team that also watched longtime rush specialist Clay Matthews leave in free agency.