Green Bay Packers 2017 roster preview: Kyler Fackrell
Taking the second-year jump is key for Kyler Fackrell, but will he make a bigger impact for the Green Bay Packers in 2017?
Fackrell, a third-round pick a year ago, struggled to make a major impact as a rookie. Largely inactive on defense, Fackrell left a lot to be desired and now enters an important second season.
What can we expect from the young pass rusher, who is tasked with helping fill the void left by Julius Peppers and Datone Jones?
2016 stats
In 13 games, Fackrell recorded 18 tackles, two sacks and forced a fumble. According to Pro Football Reference, he played on just 15.55 percent of the Packers’ defensive snaps.
2016 review
It was a disappointing debut campaign for the former Utah State edge rusher. Featured in under 16 percent of the team’s snaps, the rookie couldn’t get on the field with any regularity. He did register a pair of sacks, showcasing some of his potential. Here’s Bob McGinn’s review of Fackrell’s rookie season for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
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"“He looked lost during more than a few practices in August but in the exhibition games found ways to apply steady pressure. He wasn’t as effective rushing against better tackles in the regular season but still finished with 6 1/2 pressures in 176 snaps.”"
Fackrell had to deal with a nagging hamstring injury that forced him out of three games, and he struggled from that point on.
It’s important not to get too down on Fackrell, who was after all, a rookie. That said, he turns 26 in November, which can be considered “old” for a second-year player, so he’ll need to adapt quickly.
Odds of making roster: 95 percent
The Packers will rely on their young pass rushers to provide adequate support to Nick Perry and Clay Matthews. Rookie Vince Biegel will have plenty on his plate from Day 1, but the likes of Fackrell and Jayrone Elliott also need to step up.
2017 preview
Getting stronger is the top priority for Fackrell. His weight was a concern entering his rookie season, and it’s an area the second-year man has been keen to address, according to Mike Spofford of Packers.com:
"“Fackrell is now back for his second season renewed and refreshed. He said he’s added roughly 10 pounds of muscle mass this spring, extra size his 6-5 frame can easily carry.”“It’s just about making sure you’re getting stronger as you’re gaining the weight,” [Fackrell] said. “As I’ve been able to do that, I don’t think I’ve lost any speed.”"
Fackrell already has the height-speed combo that attracted the Packers in the first place. Now he must get stronger to take his game to the next level.
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Check out our full interview with Vince Biegel here. Lombardi Ave’s Dan Dahlke spoke to him ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he’s now a member of the Green Bay Packers.