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Green Bay Packers: How team needs were addressed in 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal inside linebacker Blake Martinez (4) knocks the ball out of the hands of Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) in the third quarter in the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi
Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal inside linebacker Blake Martinez (4) knocks the ball out of the hands of Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) in the third quarter in the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi /
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Pass rush

The Packers’ pass rush was strong in 2015, tied for seventh with 43 sacks on the season. But head coach Mike McCarthy, perhaps influenced by the suffocating Denver defense that powered the Broncos to the Super Bowl title in February, wants more consistent pressure off the edge.

The most obvious move to generate more pressure was with the third-round selection of Kyler Fackrell out of Utah State. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder somewhat flew under the radar and has clear potential as a pass rusher at the next level. Michelle Bruton of Cheesehead TV believes he can go onto earn Pro Bowl nods with the Packers.

"“Fackrell was a disruptive force all over the field in 2015. His efforts led to him becoming a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker, and earning an invitation to the Senior Bowl.”"

Fourth-rounder Dean Lowry, a five-technique end from Northwestern, will also offer some pass rush along the defensive line. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark, selected 27th overall, will be used primarily as a run-stuffer, but his potential to grow as an interior rusher is exciting.

The Packers made some in-house moves this offseason, also. Datone Jones will rotate time between defensive end and outside linebacker in an “elephant” role, and Clay Matthews figures to see more time rushing off the edge, his strongest weapon.

If Nick Perry can stay healthy, the incentive of playing on a contract year could help him build off his 3.5 sacks in two postseason games last season, and the development of Jayrone Elliott will also be interesting to watch.

Don’t rule out Lerentee McCray, either. The outside linebacker was apart of the Broncos’ dominant defense last term, and while most of his work will come on special teams, he might factor into the Packers’ plans on defense.

Next: Defensive line

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