Green Bay Packers 2018 roster review: Kenny Clark

It was an impressive second season for Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark.

Kenny Clark, a first-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2015, made a big second-year jump this season.

A number of Ted Thompson‘s first-round picks as general manager never lived up to their potential, such as Datone Jones, but Clark has so far looked worthy of a Day 1 selection.

Let’s take a look back at his second season with the Packers.

Season in review

Clark put together a number of strong performances late in his rookie year, particularly in the playoffs. That carried into the 2017 season. His second-year jump helped make the defensive line a rare bright spot in Dom Capers’ defense.

Playing in 15 games, the Packers’ first-round draft pick two years ago delivered career-highs in a number of categories.

Clark finished with 55 tackles, up from 21 in his rookie season. He also registered 4.5 sacks and forced two fumbles, both career-highs.

He played 684 defensive snaps, up from 333 last year, according to Pro Football Reference. Clark played the sixth-highest amount of defensive snaps on the team, and most among defensive linemen.

Clark ranked No. 69 in Pro Football Focus’ Top 101 Players of 2017 rankings, which is his first appearance on the list.

Looking ahead to 2018 season

Just 22 years old, Clark’s best football is still ahead of him. If he can find more consistency, he could become one of the finest defensive linemen in the league. The jump he made from year one to two should excite head coach Mike McCarthy, especially with new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine coming in.

Clark and Mike Daniels form an excellent 1-2 punch along the defensive line. While new general manager Brian Gutekunst may look to add more depth along the line, he has a talented pair in Clark and Daniels.

So far, so good for the Packers’ first-round pick.

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Can he make an even bigger jump entering his third season?