Defensive Line Watch

[RingoCStarrQB]

This should be a primary focus for Gutey and the defensive staff. History has proven that a great defensive line is paramount to winning NFL Championships. Look at these line-ups from the past 7 championship seasons:

1961: Willie Davis, Dave Hanner, Henry Jordan, Bill Quinlan
1962: Willie Davis, Dave Hanner, Henry Jordan, Bill Quinlan

1965: Willie Davis, Ron Kostelnik, Henry Jordan, Lionel Aldridge
1966: Willie Davis, Ron Kostelnik, Henry Jordan, Lionel Aldridge
1967: Willie Davis, Ron Kostelnik, Henry Jordan, Lionel Aldridge

1996: Reggie White, Santana Dotson, Gilbert Brown, Sean Jones

2010: Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett

What will the Packers 2021 Defensive Line be?

[Yoop]

This should be a primary focus for Gutey and the defensive staff. History has proven that a great defensive line is paramount to winning NFL Championships. Look at these line-ups from the past 7 championship seasons:

1961: Willie Davis, Dave Hanner, Henry Jordan, Bill Quinlan
1962: Willie Davis, Dave Hanner, Henry Jordan, Bill Quinlan

1965: Willie Davis, Ron Kostelnik, Henry Jordan, Lionel Aldridge
1966: Willie Davis, Ron Kostelnik, Henry Jordan, Lionel Aldridge
1967: Willie Davis, Ron Kostelnik, Henry Jordan, Lionel Aldridge

1996: Reggie White, Santana Dotson, Gilbert Brown, Sean Jones

2010: Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett

What will the Packers 2021 Defensive Line be?

where missing a true stud at 3 tech, but we still have a pretty good DL of Gary/Preston ??? Clark and Z

with our needs at CB and possibly ILB it'll be tough to fill all 3 holes with starter ready talent.

[go pak go]

This should be a primary focus for Gutey and the defensive staff. History has proven that a great defensive line is paramount to winning NFL Championships. Look at these line-ups from the past 7 championship seasons:

1961: Willie Davis, Dave Hanner, Henry Jordan, Bill Quinlan
1962: Willie Davis, Dave Hanner, Henry Jordan, Bill Quinlan

1965: Willie Davis, Ron Kostelnik, Henry Jordan, Lionel Aldridge
1966: Willie Davis, Ron Kostelnik, Henry Jordan, Lionel Aldridge
1967: Willie Davis, Ron Kostelnik, Henry Jordan, Lionel Aldridge

1996: Reggie White, Santana Dotson, Gilbert Brown, Sean Jones

2010: Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett

What will the Packers 2021 Defensive Line be?

where missing a true stud at 3 tech, but we still have a pretty good DL of Gary/Preston ??? Clark and Z

with our needs at CB and possibly ILB it'll be tough to fill all 3 holes with starter ready talent.

I agree. I think in terms of positional importance on the defense this year, I would rank it as follows:

1. Cornerback. (like we absolutely need a starter)
2. Defensive Linemen #2
3. Inside Linebacker

[Ghost_Lombardi]

Gary and the Smiths aren't DL.

They are LBs.

Without a DL in front of them they can't hunt.

Management absolutely needs to look for some bargains at DL.

[Yoop]

Gary and the Smiths aren't DL.

They are LBs.

Without a DL in front of them they can't hunt.

Management absolutely needs to look for some bargains at DL.

BS, all of Gary, Z and P are DE's converted, so in a 43 they are DL men, so just because they now play in a 34 doesn't negate that fact, and they hunt just fine without DT's, same vice versa, minus edge rushers DT's wouldn't do squat.

sure we need to look for some bargain DT's, and also CB's and ILB's and WR, and OL, we went 13-3 last year not doing anything at DT from the previous season of 13-3, and we'll probably do so again minus any additions at DT.

[salmar80]

Gary and the Smiths aren't DL.

They are LBs.

Without a DL in front of them they can't hunt.

Management absolutely needs to look for some bargains at DL.

Funnily if the DC just called our D a 4-3, then the Smiths and Gary would be considered DL, and suddenly most of our DL would be great ... Especially since they're big boys, not slender OLB body types like Fack and CMIII were. And it's not too far from the truth with us playing so much 4-2 nickel and 4-1 dime.

I thought Keke showed some promise, but no doubt an upgrade at 3-tech would be valuable.

[go pak go]

Gary and the Smiths aren't DL.

They are LBs.

Without a DL in front of them they can't hunt.

Management absolutely needs to look for some bargains at DL.

BS, all of Gary, Z and P are DE's converted, so in a 43 they are DL men, so just because they now play in a 34 doesn't negate that fact, and they hunt just fine without DT's, same vice versa, minus edge rushers DT's wouldn't do squat.

sure we need to look for some bargain DT's, and also CB's and ILB's and WR, and OL, we went 13-3 last year not doing anything at DT from the previous season of 13-3, and we'll probably do so again minus any additions at DT.

Seriously this needs to stop. Yoop...who are you?! Your posts the last few days have been money.

But once again I agree. We have 3 DE's with the Smiths and Gary. 3-4 edge guys are essentially 4-3 DE's.

What we need as others have stated is a 3 tech and maybe even a 5 tech. Now I actually think Clark could be a good 3 tech so I wouldn't shy away from another really good nose or DT in the draft.

I am also curious if they think Lowry could perform better in a more "Fangio" style defensive front.

[Yoop]

Gary and the Smiths aren't DL.

They are LBs.

Without a DL in front of them they can't hunt.

Management absolutely needs to look for some bargains at DL.

BS, all of Gary, Z and P are DE's converted, so in a 43 they are DL men, so just because they now play in a 34 doesn't negate that fact, and they hunt just fine without DT's, same vice versa, minus edge rushers DT's wouldn't do squat.

sure we need to look for some bargain DT's, and also CB's and ILB's and WR, and OL, we went 13-3 last year not doing anything at DT from the previous season of 13-3, and we'll probably do so again minus any additions at DT.

Seriously this needs to stop. Yoop...who are you?! Your posts the last few days have been money.

But once again I agree. We have 3 DE's with the Smiths and Gary. 3-4 edge guys are essentially 4-3 DE's.

What we need as others have stated is a 3 tech and maybe even a 5 tech. Now I actually think Clark could be a good 3 tech so I wouldn't shy away from another really good nose or DT in the draft.

I am also curious if they think Lowry could perform better in a more "Fangio" style defensive front.

I doubt we'll see more then two down lineman often, but other then Clark the rest lack consistency winning 1 on 1's let alone doubles against the run, and can't seem to shed a block as a rusher, so we obviously should draft one, which round is the question, GM's will reach for any that show promise, Barmor will be gone long before we pick, and the rest are 2nd round or later rated, so matching slot to ability might be tough, little trading may be in order.

anxious to see just what Barry will do, we know he wants a stud at nickle corner, and he's been a linebacker coach since forever, lends to us finally shutting down center field a little better.

[go pak go]

Jay Tufele in round 2 is a guy and slot I really like.

[RingoCStarrQB]

Gary and the Smiths aren't DL.

They are LBs.

Without a DL in front of them they can't hunt.

Management absolutely needs to look for some bargains at DL.

Pro Football Reference has our 2020 Defensive Line listed as:

Kinsley Keke
Dean Lowry
Kenny Clark

Hardly NFL Championship caliber.

A LB corp of Clay Matthews, Desmond Bishop, AJ Hawk and Frank Zombo would have had trouble with that 2020 defensive line as well. As would Wayne Simmons, George Koonce and Brian Williams.

Some people just don't get it. Stopping the run should be Job #1 along with pressuring the QB. Defensive line should be a priority.

[go pak go]

Gary and the Smiths aren't DL.

They are LBs.

Without a DL in front of them they can't hunt.

Management absolutely needs to look for some bargains at DL.

Pro Football Reference has our 2020 Defensive Line listed as:

Kinsley Keke
Dean Lowry
Kenny Clark

Hardly NFL Championship caliber.

A LB corp of Clay Matthews, Desmond Bishop, AJ Hawk and Frank Zombo would have had trouble with that 2020 defensive line as well. As would Wayne Simmons, George Koonce and Brian Williams.

Some people just don't get it. Stopping the run should be Job #1. Defensive line should be a priority.

I think having the #1 of any position group is really nice to have. But I really want a solid defensive line too.

[Yoop]

Gary and the Smiths aren't DL.

They are LBs.

Without a DL in front of them they can't hunt.

Management absolutely needs to look for some bargains at DL.

Pro Football Reference has our 2020 Defensive Line listed as:

Kinsley Keke
Dean Lowry
Kenny Clark

Hardly NFL Championship caliber.

A LB corp of Clay Matthews, Desmond Bishop, AJ Hawk and Frank Zombo would have had trouble with that 2020 defensive line as well. As would Wayne Simmons, George Koonce and Brian Williams.

Some people just don't get it. Stopping the run should be Job #1. Defensive line should be a priority.

I think having the #1 of any position group is really nice to have. But I really want a solid defensive line too.

this isn't the 80's stopping the run imo is not the number one goal of any defense these days, or teams wouldn't be in nickel and dime 70 % of the snaps, sure we obviously would like to improve DT but we also need to improve CB and ILB.

I hate taking DL, 50% never play up to slot value, take 3 years to come close to it, then demand mega bucks to resign that they never really earned, people act like everyone will be a Clark, a hit, but thats probably a 1 in 10 hit rate, If I'am not drafting one top 20 then I just as soon wait till late 2nd or later to take one.

[lupedafiasco]

I think we could cut Dean Lowry, eat the dead cap and resign him and still save money. Hes just not a very good player. Hes ok. I dont think he fits a 43 defense well. Maybe if you play him as a strongside end. I dont think he fits a nickel defense very well either. Hes at his best in a base 34 and even then hes not very good. Hes got some traits like size and athleticism but he lacks length and strength IMO. What you get from Keke is far less in terms of money and more in terms of upside and versatility.

I listened to a podcast earlier that said if you have a strong DT that can steal gaps and win unfavorable matchups often enough like a Vita Vea, Kenny Clark, etc you can get away with having a poor running mate on the interior. To me though Ive always thought if you have something that is one player away from being a strength then make it a strength.

When we look at this Packers defense, and really the entire team they have a ton of star power but almost every position group that is one player away from being a strength. The passing game, despite being part of the #1 offense could be dominant, but they need another receiver. The defensive front could be dominant but theyre missing one more good interior player to make that group special. The secondary is damn near lockdown but they need one more CB. The OL could be dominant but they need an OT. The LBs have been &%$@ for about a decade. I would say the one thing that was elite about this team was its run game. The run blocking up front was great and the backs were all great last year and should carry that forward.

But hey we got the best QB duo in the league so at least that position is locked down. A shame you cant get multiple QBs on the field.

[TheSkeptic]

I think we could cut Dean Lowry, eat the dead cap and resign him and still save money. Hes just not a very good player. Hes ok. I dont think he fits a 43 defense well. Maybe if you play him as a strongside end. I dont think he fits a nickel defense very well either. Hes at his best in a base 34 and even then hes not very good. Hes got some traits like size and athleticism but he lacks length and strength IMO. What you get from Keke is far less in terms of money and more in terms of upside and versatility.

I listened to a podcast earlier that said if you have a strong DT that can steal gaps and win unfavorable matchups often enough like a Vita Vea, Kenny Clark, etc you can get away with having a poor running mate on the interior. To me though Ive always thought if you have something that is one player away from being a strength then make it a strength.

When we look at this Packers defense, and really the entire team they have a ton of star power but almost every position group that is one player away from being a strength. The passing game, despite being part of the #1 offense could be dominant, but they need another receiver. The defensive front could be dominant but theyre missing one more good interior player to make that group special. The secondary is damn near lockdown but they need one more CB. The OL could be dominant but they need an OT. The LBs have been &%$@ for about a decade. I would say the one thing that was elite about this team was its run game. The run blocking up front was great and the backs were all great last year and should carry that forward.

But hey we got the best QB duo in the league so at least that position is locked down. A shame you cant get multiple QBs on the field.

Keke is listed as 6'3" and 288 pounds. He is not big enough to be anything but a role player in either a 3-4 or 4-3. I suppose he could lose 5 pounds and play 4-3 DE but the Packers already have Smith, Smith and Gary for that role should they line up in a 4-3 or 4-2-5.

[Yoop]

I think we could cut Dean Lowry, eat the dead cap and resign him and still save money. Hes just not a very good player. Hes ok. I dont think he fits a 43 defense well. Maybe if you play him as a strongside end. I dont think he fits a nickel defense very well either. Hes at his best in a base 34 and even then hes not very good. Hes got some traits like size and athleticism but he lacks length and strength IMO. What you get from Keke is far less in terms of money and more in terms of upside and versatility.

I listened to a podcast earlier that said if you have a strong DT that can steal gaps and win unfavorable matchups often enough like a Vita Vea, Kenny Clark, etc you can get away with having a poor running mate on the interior. To me though Ive always thought if you have something that is one player away from being a strength then make it a strength.

When we look at this Packers defense, and really the entire team they have a ton of star power but almost every position group that is one player away from being a strength. The passing game, despite being part of the #1 offense could be dominant, but they need another receiver. The defensive front could be dominant but theyre missing one more good interior player to make that group special. The secondary is damn near lockdown but they need one more CB. The OL could be dominant but they need an OT. The LBs have been &%$@ for about a decade. I would say the one thing that was elite about this team was its run game. The run blocking up front was great and the backs were all great last year and should carry that forward.

But hey we got the best QB duo in the league so at least that position is locked down. A shame you cant get multiple QBs on the field.

nice read Lupe

I just saw a week old sentinal article that named a half doz DT's that should be relatively cheap UFA, so maybe we can improve on Lowery, or at least get a gap plugger to stop the run.

[YoHoChecko]

When we look at this Packers defense, and really the entire team they have a ton of star power but almost every position group that is one player away from being a strength. The passing game, despite being part of the #1 offense could be dominant, but they need another receiver. The defensive front could be dominant but theyre missing one more good interior player to make that group special. The secondary is damn near lockdown but they need one more CB. The OL could be dominant but they need an OT. The LBs have been &%$@ for about a decade. I would say the one thing that was elite about this team was its run game. The run blocking up front was great and the backs were all great last year and should carry that forward.

Yeah, we're just ONE player away at six different spots. Come on guys, get us that ONE player we need, six times. For free.

[YoHoChecko]

Keke is listed as 6'3" and 288 pounds. He is not big enough to be anything but a role player in either a 3-4 or 4-3. I suppose he could lose 5 pounds and play 4-3 DE but the Packers already have Smith, Smith and Gary for that role should they line up in a 4-3 or 4-2-5.

Wow, so he's only a littttle bit bigger than Aaron Donald, eh? Useless; where can you put these guys?

[RingoCStarrQB]

When we look at this Packers defense, and really the entire team they have a ton of star power but almost every position group that is one player away from being a strength. The passing game, despite being part of the #1 offense could be dominant, but they need another receiver. The defensive front could be dominant but theyre missing one more good interior player to make that group special. The secondary is damn near lockdown but they need one more CB. The OL could be dominant but they need an OT. The LBs have been &%$@ for about a decade. I would say the one thing that was elite about this team was its run game. The run blocking up front was great and the backs were all great last year and should carry that forward.

Yeah, we're just ONE player away at six different spots. Come on guys, get us that ONE player we need, six times. For free.

Tried with Montravious Adams recently ........... didn't work either. The 2010 team had Ryan Pickett, Cullen Jenkins and Howard Green along with BJ Raji. That formula seemed to work with outstanding safeties and safety and LB blitz threats to mix it up. 2021 D has a long way to go yet. Stopping the run and pressuring the QB should continue to be defensive priority ............. not necessarily a top over all team priority, but a priority. Can't let statue QBs beat you on 3rd down, or average running backs get 5 yards on 1st or 2nd down........consistently. Losing the line of scrimmage battle is a bad formula for success.

[Pckfn23]

When we look at this Packers defense, and really the entire team they have a ton of star power but almost every position group that is one player away from being a strength. The passing game, despite being part of the #1 offense could be dominant, but they need another receiver. The defensive front could be dominant but theyre missing one more good interior player to make that group special. The secondary is damn near lockdown but they need one more CB. The OL could be dominant but they need an OT. The LBs have been &%$@ for about a decade. I would say the one thing that was elite about this team was its run game. The run blocking up front was great and the backs were all great last year and should carry that forward.

Yeah, we're just ONE player away at six different spots. Come on guys, get us that ONE player we need, six times. For free.

Why can't we get stars at EVERY starting position and backups??!! That's a failing of Gutey, Murphy, and the Board of Directors!!!

In 2010 we were without Cullen Jenkins for the last quarter of the season and he was a shadow of himself in the playoffs. That left us with BJ Raji and the run stuffers in Pickett and Green on the Defensive Line. Teams do not NEED 2 stud interior defensive linemen to make it work. It be nice, but Clark, Lowry, Keke, and another middle round pick or cheap FA would be be fine. We most likely need another big boy space eater at minimum.

[NCF]

It be nice, but Clark, Lowry, Keke, and another middle round pick or cheap FA would be be fine. We most likely need another big boy space eater at minimum.

We can even do without Lowry. Clark and Keke are fine. What I think we need is another Clark (and I don't mean a superstar), but a NT with enough pass rush to create some issues for a DL. Then, really, you have Keke as a true UT in sub and a true 1T in sub and Clark who can play either spot. A fourth guy would probably help balance reps and such, but really, then that can be a guy like Lancaster or anyone else we already have... a jag.