2020 NFL Draft: Ideal prospects for Packers to replace Blake Martinez

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)
4 of 4
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 06: Troy Dye #35 of the Oregon Ducks, right, intercepts a Tyler Huntley pass intended for Brant Kuithe #80 of the Utah Utes late in the fourth quarter during the Pac-12 Championship football game at Levi’s Stadium on December 6, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Oregon Ducks won 37-15. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 06: Troy Dye #35 of the Oregon Ducks, right, intercepts a Tyler Huntley pass intended for Brant Kuithe #80 of the Utah Utes late in the fourth quarter during the Pac-12 Championship football game at Levi’s Stadium on December 6, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Oregon Ducks won 37-15. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

David Woodward, LB, Utah State

David Woodward is an option for Green Bay in the middle rounds if they choose to prioritize offensive play-makers in the early rounds in order to replace Blake Martinez. Woodward’s stock does not match the caliber of player he is. Significant injuries have derailed Woodward’s career at Utah State. Woodward is a high I.Q. player who does not miss tackles often and does a great job as a blitzer.

Woodward does not possess the coverage ability that many on this list do. He can drop into zone coverage on occasion and can handle running backs out of the backfield, but is not the player you want lined up against 49ers tight end, George Kittle, in a potential playoff game. While the Packers would likely want someone who is a new age linebacker, Woodward is a great option for a potential starter in the middle rounds.

Troy Dye, LB, Oregon

Troy Dye is a physical specimen as a tackler. His height and length make him an interesting option for the Green Bay Packers in the second or third rounds. Dye can play early on as a starting inside linebacker and is serviceable in coverage. His length makes him one of the best pure tacklers in this class.

In coverage, Dye gives the Packers someone who can play zone coverage and disrupt some passes with his size, but should not be tasked with playing man to man against tight ends or slot receivers. Dye has sideline to sideline range and plugs a big hole for a team who struggled against the run in 2019.