Packers: Predicting Week 1 starters at each position
Defensive line: Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark, Muhammad Wilkerson
This defensive line could be one of the best in football. Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark formed an excellent duo along the line last year. The defensive line was one of the Packers’ only strengths on that side of the ball.
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Now it gets even stronger with the addition of Muhammad Wilkerson. The one-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has a one-year “prove it” type deal in Green Bay, so expect Wilkerson to play at a high level. I have even more confidence with Mike Pettine taking over as defensive coordinator. Wilkerson has experience playing in Pettine’s defense.
According to Zach Kruse of Packers Wire, Pettine wants to create interior pass rush. Green Bay may lack depth at outside linebacker, but the defense has more than enough talent to create more interior pressure. Daniels and Clark combined for 9.5 sacks last season. Wilkerson posted double-digit sacks as recently as 2015 (12 sacks), and has two seasons with over 10 sacks.
While the Packers will need production from their edge rushers, the addition of Wilkerson on the defensive line and Pettine as defensive coordinator will make a huge difference up front. This front three can become one of the best in the league, and that’s great news for the entire defense.