Loaded everywhere, Packers defense has elite players at each level
On paper, the Green Bay Packers have one of the most talented defensive units in the NFL. It’s arguably the most talented defensive group of the Aaron Rodgers era.
“I like our defense on paper for sure,” Rodgers said. “It’s one of the best defenses on paper that we’ve had.”
Green Bay’s defense has elite playmakers at every level of the defense.
Pro Bowler Kenny Clark is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league.
For the first time in his career, Clark finally has a talented supporting cast. This offseason Green Bay’s general manager, Brian Gutekunst signed veteran defensive lineman Jarran Reed and drafted Devonte Wyatt in the first round.
From a talent standpoint, Wyatt is hands down the most skilled defensive lineman that Clark has played with since Green Bay selected the former UCLA Bruin in the first round in 2016.
“He can be really good on first and second down,” Green Bay defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery said. “He’s an inside guy that has some unique traits as a pass-rusher…He’s got twitch…Really, really good defensive line traits.”
Aside from the two newcomers, the Packers return Dean Lowry and T.J. Slaton to round out the defensive line unit. Lowry enjoyed a career year last season. Lowry recorded a career-high five sacks, while Slaton flashed potential in limited playing time during his rookie season.
Rashan Gary is primed to enjoy a monster season. The 2019 first-round pick recorded 9.5 sacks and consistently got after the quarterback (87 pressures) last season.
“Rashan is a tone-setter,” Matt LaFleur said. “He’s relentless. He plays with a great motor and energy and I think it rubs off on everybody. He makes everyone around him better.”
Across from Gary, is Preston Smith, who enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2021. After posting four sacks in 2020, Smith recorded nine sacks last season.
De’Vondre Campbell earned all-pro honors during his first season in Green Bay in 2021. Campbell will be joined in the middle by first-round selection, Quay Walker.
De’Vondre Campbell just stood up Aaron Jones in the hole. Great read by the all-pro.
This defense is so fast. They are making things so difficult for the offense.
Run fits, pressure, coverage, rallying to the ball, speed – it’s all evident. Fun to watch.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 1, 2022
In the secondary, the Packers have the best cornerback trio in the league. Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Rasul Douglas give Barry a trio of cornerbacks capable of locking up the opposing team’s top receiving weapons.
“All three of those guys in my mind are elite players,” LaFleur said. “They’re super versatile. Whether they’re in the slot or outside, I think they have the skill set to do it all.”
“We got high standards in our room.”@_jamane_ @rd32_era #GoPackGo | #PackersCamp pic.twitter.com/aeF48o7Rwf
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 1, 2022
Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage form a formidable duo in the back end of the secondary for Barry.
Amos is the model of consistency. Since signing with the Packers in 2019, Amos has yet to miss a game and has recorded 84 or more tackles and eight or more pass deflections each season. This past season, Amos recorded a career-high 93 tackles to go along with eight pass deflections and two interceptions.
Is this the year that Savage puts it all together? The former first-round pick enjoyed a stellar sophomore season in 2020 after he recorded 32 tackles, four interceptions, and seven pass deflections during the final six games of the regular season.
After a disappointing season in 2021, can Savage replicate the success he enjoyed down the stretch in 2020? If he can, the Packers could have the best secondary in the league.
“I feel like we’re loaded everywhere,” Clark said. “We got great defensive backs. We got a great front. Great linebackers. We’re fast. We can do a little bit of everything…I think we’re a stout defense on all levels.”
