The “elephant” position, now three years in development in Dom Capers’ defense in Green Bay, will get its most thorough test with the Packers in 2016. The label refers to a player who plays outside linebacker on some plays and defensive line on others. The ultimate goal is to generate a great pass rush.
From 2010 through 2012, the Packers linebackers were all about the same size. Clay Matthews, A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop, Erik Walden, Frank Zombo, and Brad Jones all weighed from 240 to 255 pounds.
In 2013, however, Mike Neal started 10 games as a linebacker.