/>Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesAcme Packing Company homepageHorizontal - WhiteAcme Packing Companya Green Bay Packers communityFollow Acme Packing Company online:Follow Acme Packing Company on TwitterFollow Acme Packing Company on FacebookFollow Acme Packing Company on InstagramLog in or sign upLog InSign UpSite searchSearchSearchAcme Packing Company main menuFanpostsFanshotsSectionsPackersOddsAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 321 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections The APC PodcastPackers Film RoomFantasy Football AdviceCDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:Packers tried to claim TE Jordan Leggett on waivers Jaire Alexander Jersey , per reportTwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailPhoto by Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesIf there’s one area where Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has most clearly distinguished himself from his predecessor, Ted Thompson, it is in his willingness to acquire players from other teams to fill out the back end of his team’s roster. Gutekunst has submitted waiver claims on a frequent basis since getting the GM job in an effort to find players who can help his team despite being cast off by other NFL franchises.On Monday, Gutekunst was apparently back at it, illustrating this strategy despite a futile effort. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Packers submitted a claim for tight end Jordan Leggett, whom the New York Jets waived on Monday. Although the Packers did not receive the rights to Leggett — he went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had a higher waiver priority — this continues to show Gutekunst’s willingness to trust his pro scouts when a player from another team becomes available. In fact, the Packers have successfully claimed two players on waivers in just the past two weeks, snagging kick returner Jawill Davis and safety Mike Tyson.As for the player himself, Leggett was a highly productive player in college for the Clemson Tigers, recording at least 40 receptions, 500 yards Lane Taylor Color Rush Jersey , and seven touchdowns in each of his final two seasons. Both of those came with DeShaun Watson at quarterback, and the Tigers won the National Championship in the players’ final collegiate season. At 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, Leggett then ran solid agility times at the 2017 Combine and posted a reported 4.71 40-yard dash at Clemson’s Pro Day.The Jets drafted Leggett in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but he did not suit up on gameday as a rookie before going on injured reserve at midseason. He played in 15 games in 2018, however, catching 14 passes for 114 yards and one touchdown.The Packers currently have six tight ends on the 90-man roster: veterans Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis, second-year pro Robert Tonyan, returning first-year player Evan Baylis, 2019 third-round pick Jace Sternberger, and undrafted rookie Davis Koppenhaver. Over the next two weeks, Acme Packing Company will break down each position group on the Green Bay Packers and provide insight into how they performed during the 2018 season. Today, we examine the inside linebackers.The Green Bay Packers never received the opportunity to see their full linebacking corps play in defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s scheme. Veteran Jake Ryan suffered a torn ACL -- the second such injury since 2013 -- during the first week of training camp. The ruptured ligament ended his season and forced the team into a heavier linebacker rotation throughout the season.With Ryan’s rookie contract expiring, the Packers have to make a decision on whether to bring back the dependable-if-unspectacular linebacker or allow him to depart https://www.thepackersfanshop.com/Kevin-King-Jersey , creating opportunities for younger players.Jake RyanNFL experience: Four yearsFree-agent status: UnrestrictedExpiring contract: Four-year, $3.9 million ($456,676 guaranteed)2018 stats: None (injured)Ryan appeared in many games for the Packers over his four-year career, but he never developed into a centerpiece of the defense. Ryan’s run defense made him a useful player in Dom Capers scheme, though opposing offenses exploited his weaknesses in pass coverage when possible. By 2017, Blake Martinez had surpassed Ryan as the team’s featured off-ball linebacker. That likely would have continued under Pettine who took over as defensive coordinator last offseason.Because of Pettine’ creativity, a larger linebacker like Ryan could serve the team well should he re-sign. The Packers rotated linebackers throughout 2018, using the run-focused Antonio Morrison and box safeties in various sub packages to attack the offense. Ryan could also offer valuable depth should something happen to Martinez, who wears the radio helmet on game days.At the same time, the Packers didn’t trade up to select Burks in the third round to let him ride the bench. A preseason shoulder injury and inexperience hampered him throughout 2018, but linebackers often take the leap during their sophomore campaigns. Clearing a path for Burks and Green Bay’s other young defenders might make more football and financial sense than bringing back Ryan.