With The First Pick
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2020 NFL Draft: Ideal prospects for Packers to replace Blake Martinez

By Timothy Rodriguez

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after stopping the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after stopping the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Patrick Queen #8 of the LSU Tigers celebrates a tackle against Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Patrick Queen #8 of the LSU Tigers celebrates a tackle against Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

The Green Bay Packers need a linebacker that has sideline to sideline range and coverage ability. LSU’s Patrick Queen is the perfect fit for what the Packers need. Queen is an explosive tackler who doesn’t miss often. Queen has a nose for the football and uses his athletic ability to make plays at all levels of the defense. With Queen filling in for Martinez, the Packers don’t lose any ability as a run stuffer, but gain coverage ability.

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The main addition that comes with Queen is his ability to cover, something that Martinez and Ryan could never do at a high level. His athletic ability and football I.Q. make him a force in zone coverage. While he is not as polished in man coverage, his athletic ability gives him potential. In a division with gadget players like Tarik Cohen, a cover ability linebacker gives the Packers another weapon on defense.

Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

When it comes to pick 30, the Green Bay Packers may just choose whichever of Queen and Murray is available. Linebacker is a huge need for the team. Kenneth Murray is a rather large man, who packs a rather large punch. Some of the hits that Murray has will leave anyone scared for the opponent. Murray is a prototypical linebacker who has sideline to sideline ability and can fill gaps as a blitzer. Murray gives Green Bay a force in the run game to replace Martinez.

In coverage, Murray has potential but needs significant refinement. He has the size and physical tools to be a three down linebacker one day, but as of now Murray needs real work to get there. For now, Murray presents the same thing Martinez gave the Packers, but with a higher ceiling to be a more complete player.

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