Packers Release A.J. Hawk; What's Next for the Packers at Inside Linebacker?

After 9 memorable seasons with the Green Bay Packers, A.J. Hawk has been released by the Packers. Hawk was drafted 5th overall in the 2006 draft out of Ohio State. He finishes his Packers career as the all-time franchise leader in tackles with 1,118.

So now, in the aftermath of Hawk's release, as well as the recent release of fellow inside linebacker Brad Jones, the Packers are looking pretty thin at that position. It's safe to assume the front office has a plan for filling the inside linebacker void, part of which will be using players already on the roster. But with the sudden shallowness of the inside linebacker position, expect Ted Thompson to use the draft and/or free agency to fill the gap. Here are a few players who might fit the bill.

Larry Foote (FA) -- The long time Steeler and more recent Cardinal would be the kind of short term patch Ted Thompson likes -- a short-term placeholder who can come and perform well while grooming younger talent.

Benardrick McKinney (Draft) -- McKinney is a big, tall linebacker who is athletic enough to play outside or inside. He also projects to be a late first round pick, and might be available when the Packers are drafting.

Denzel Perryman (Draft) -- Another linebacker who will probably be available when the Packers are picking in the first round. Perryman is shorter, smaller, and a bit slower than McKinney, but is perhaps the more physical of the two.

Stephone Anthony (Draft) -- Yet another prospect at linebacker for the Packers to draft. Anthony is projected to go in the third or fourth round, and could be an excellent value pick for Green Bay. Anthony has NFL size and speed, and is certainly physical enough for the role. Look for Anthony as a potential second or third round pick.