D.J. Smith knows he comes across as laid-back, even standoffish. For a middle linebacker in any defense, such a demeanor is not ideal. Smith's position demands him to direct traffic, to take charge.

So he changed.

"Going into 10th grade of high school, coaches told me I had to be more vocal," said Smith, whom Green Bay drafted in the sixth round in April. "It's good to lead by example, but you have to be more vocal."

Now, Smith says, he's always talking on the field. That's good news for the Packers, who need depth at inside linebacker pronto. The easiest spot to nitpick the defending champions is at Smith's position. General manager Ted Thompson secured the long-term future of the inside 'backers by re-signing both Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk last season, but concerns linger.

Both Nick Barnett and Brandon Chillar were released to save cap room, gutting the Packers' veteran depth. There's a chance the Packers will move an outside linebacker - possibly Brad Jones - to the inside. But for now Smith, Robert Francois, Cardia Jackson, rookie free agent Elijah Joseph and recently signed K.C. Asiodu are it.

Considering the need for mobile linebackers on passing downs, that could be a problem.

At 5-foot-10, Smith is short for the position, though he was supremely productive at Appalachian State. In four years, he made 525 tackles, fourth in conference history. So far, Smith believes he's picking up Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme.

"The key to playing inside linebacker in this defense is knowing assignments, knowing where you're going and knowing a lot of pre-snap adjustments," Smith said. "You're calling the shots and getting everybody lined up. You need to get the adjustments down and get the plays down.

"If they switch it up, you have to be able to make changes."

Francois is probably the top backup on the inside for now. Coach Mike McCarthy sung his praises earlier in the week as a versatile option with experience. He's been working with Jackson on the No. 2 defense thus far. For now, Smith bides his time.

"It's going all right," Smith said. "I'm just keeping my head down and following the veterans' lead."