Nick Perry

2016 was a breakout year for Perry, who set career highs in several categories, most importantly tackles and sacks. He dealt with the injury bug again like he has frequently during his career, but the Packers were willing to overlook that and sign him to a multi-year extension during the offseason. When -- if -- healthy, Perry is now one of the top pass-rushers in the league.

Perry may not ever be able to shed the bust label he's been tagged with since flopping as a first-round draft pick, but he proved enough in 2015 to earn another contract with Green Bay and figures to return in a role off the edge. However, he is unlikely to earn enough playing time to warrant IDP consideration.

Perry can expect to see plenty of snaps at the outside linebacker position with Clay Matthews likely spending running downs at inside linebacker. While Perry has struggled with injury and inconsistent play, the Packers are hoping for a breakout season from the former first round pick. He showed flashes of his potential at points in 2014, and could carry that into more consistent production in the 2015 season.

Perry played in just 11 games for the Packers in 2013, recording 28 tackles (20 solo) along with four sacks while missing five games with various injuries. The 2012 first-round draft pick has struggled to stay on the field for the Packers, also playing in only six games in his rookie season before suffering a torn ACL. Since Perry hasn’t filled the pass-rushing role opposite Clay Matthews as the team had hoped, the Packers brought in Julius Peppers in the offseason to fill the void. The move will impact Perry directly, as Peppers will likely slide into the outside linebacker slot while Perry will be largely relegated to backup duties. His numbers for 2014 should decline further from the first two seasons, but with Peppers playing the “elephant” spot for the Packers, consisting of him playing in multiple positions, Perry could still see the field in certain packages.

Perry will line up as a starter at outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews. He played in six games last season, before being placed on injured reserve with wrist and knee injuries. He could provide a strong pass-rushing presence with attention focused on Matthews.

The 2012 first round draft pick is expected to start at outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews. In 2011, the Packers' defense struggled, and much of that blame fell on the shoulders of those playing the outside linebacker role that Perry is stepping into. With many defenses likely to key in on Matthews, Perry should have plenty of opportunities to make his mark as a force in the pass rush.