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Green Bay Packers 2015 season grades: Defensive line

By Freddie Boston

January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels (76) reacts after a defensive play against Arizona Cardinals during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels (76) reacts after a defensive play against Arizona Cardinals during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end B.J. Raji (90) reacts after a stop during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end B.J. Raji (90) reacts after a stop during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

B.J. Raji

Expectations for B.J. Raji entering the 2015 season were fairly low. He was returning from a biceps injury that wiped out his 2014 season, and his performances in recent years hadn’t been up to his early-career best. Despite that, Raji had put together a strong training camp before getting hurt last year.

Raji played like a man with a point to prove early in the year, dominating in Week 2 against Seattle. Marshawn Lynch was bottled up all night long, and a lot of it was to do with Raji’s disruption up front.

But his performances fell away after that. While he did some good things, consistency was an issue. Raji was the Packers’ lowest-graded interior lineman by Pro Football Focus earning a score of 64.1, which fits into the backup category. He scored a respectable 71.4 in pass rush but a frightful 48.9 against the run.

Raji is an unrestricted free agent. There’s no doubting re-signing him would have its benefits, if nothing more than depth. But for the price tag he might be seeking, the Packers might decide to move on and find younger talent. Guion was re-signed to a three-year deal.

Grade: C-

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