Sometimes the NFL's off-season does crazy things to analysts and fans alike and in the Green Bay Packers' case this year, it seems to be the hybrid role that's being carved out for Green Bay defensive end Mike Neal. In the 2013 organized team activities (OTAs), Neal was seen playing a few snaps at outside [...]

LombardiAve  wrote:

Well, I like that Capers is finding some room to experiment and innovate with a hybrid player. Great idea to keep offenses guessing without changing personnel. I'm glad he has the tools to work with this season, and this ought to benefit Neal greatly.

Originally Posted by: play2win 

I like experimenting as long as you can pull the plug on a failing one.

I think the idea of Neal at OLB was floated by an unnamed inside source in an article 2 or year 3 years ago and I loved it. Because I think he's better run stopper and pass rusher than the other OLBers not named Matthews (at the time). And honestly other than maybe adding Perry to that list the same might be true today. So I still like the idea.

Of course you probably won't be able to leave him in man coverage but zone coverage might be alright with help over the top. He ran a faster 20 yard time than Bishop, Moses and tied Hawk's time.

And Capers did seem to use more cover 2 defense last year which would help with coverage over the top. So I think it all fits... my only question is why didn't they do this earlier? I mean they could of used help there in years past as well, even more so when Matthews gets he's yearly leg injury that he tries to fight through.

Originally Posted by: beast 

What I wonder about is will he be an additional LB with 2 down linemen? That, to me, sounds promising to keep opposing offenses guessing. Datone Jones will be the guy that makes this all possible if it turns out to be effective, along with the acceptance and athleticism of Neal himself. Can't wait to see it.

Originally Posted by: play2win 

Yeah I've been guessing he's going to be a LB in the nickel packages but he could also do the physical close to the line role Perry played some last year and ether way it frees up Matthews/Perry more so they can get a breather and/or be more creative with all of them on the field.

Also in a couple of years they very well could do the same with Datone Jones. That might be a very interesting pass rush package.

DL: Raji and Daniels

LB: Neal, Matthaws, Perry, Jones

CB: Shields, Hayward and House

S: Burnett and ___


That's a lot of pass rushers all at once. They should be able to get pressure.

Originally Posted by: beast 

Interesting. And, it fits the "bigger, faster" criteria we went into this draft with for adding talent to/changing the D as a whole. Beast, can you imagine what a real, true stud ILB could do in this system? That's why I am really hopeful with all the players we have assembled there. I love what is happening with our D.

Originally Posted by: play2win