Three predictions for Packers new-look defense in 2019
![GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 09: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on December 09, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 09: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on December 09, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Flombardiave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F12-2F1079763404-850x560-675bbc7762e9264bcd5182303f3795ca6e2e1be1e3c22a9fb69fee10173c5e6e.jpg)
Here are three predictions for the Green Bay Packers defense in 2019.
The Green Bay Packers‘ offseason has had two important stories. One is the change at head coach, and what this means for Aaron Rodgers and the offense. The other is the team’s aggressiveness in free agency and the draft in an attempt to take the defense to the next level.
Earlier this month, I focused on the first topic with three predictions for the Packers offense in 2019. Today, we’ll focus on the defense.
If you didn’t pay attention during the first week of free agency (and given the Packers’ history of not making any moves, I wouldn’t blame you), you would’ve missed quite a lot. Surprisingly, Green Bay made not one or two, but three big signings on the defensive side of the ball.
GM Brian Gutekunst clearly identified two areas the defense needed to improve: edge rusher and safety. With that in mind, he signed pass rushers Za’Darius and Preston Smith, and safety Adrian Amos at the start of free agency. But that wasn’t enough, as he then used two first-round picks at the same positions, selecting edge rusher Rashan Gary and trading up for safety Darnell Savage Jr.
This year, the expectations on defense are high. As they should be.
Here are three predictions for the Packers defense in 2019.