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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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Nov 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels (76) hurries Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels (76) hurries Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall

Overall, it was an improved year for the defensive line. Mike Daniels was the star of the show and dominated all year long. Letroy Guion and B.J. Raji were solid contributors too, but Raji faces an offseason of uncertainty. How much money will he command, and will there be other teams willing to spend more money than the Packers?

At this stage, it certainly feels like his time is up in Green Bay. Maybe Mike Pennel’s suspension will change that and make the Packers re-think.

What’s more likely is GM Ted Thompson addresses the line in the upcoming draft. While inside linebacker is a bigger need, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Thompson take a big guy in a deep class for defensive linemen. Options in the first round could include Alabama’s Jarran Reed and Louisiana Tech’s Vernon Butler – both would be great fits in Green Bay.

Adding a defensive lineman who can shore up the run defense would go a long way to helping the Packers’ defense continue its trend upwards. Reed would be the better run defender of the two, while Butler offers more in pass rush and has drawn comparisons to the Jets’ Muhammad Wilkerson.

Next: Ranking Packers' biggest needs pre-combine

It was a solid year for the defensive line, and it’s exciting to see how the line can continue to improve heading into 2016.

Grade: B-

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