Packers: Grading each position group following the draft and free agency
Defensive Line
Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster, Montravius Adams, Keke Kingsley, Gerald Willis III, Jamal Wills II
The defensive line is a lot like the receiving group. They are led by a star in Kenny Clark, but other than him, there isn’t a whole lot to be excited about. The perception of the group wasn’t helped after the 49ers gashed the defense on the ground in the NFCCG.
The Packers signed a pair of unproven guys, but probably not anyone who will make the team or make a difference. Montravius Adams has a lot to prove. He had chances to step up last season and didn’t make much of an impact. Tyler Lancaster and Dean Lowry are serviceable role players, but not necessarily starting-caliber linemen. Kingsley Keke will be depended on to make a jump his sophomore season.
Overall, this is probably the weakest group on the team. The Packers depend a lot on Kenny Clark. If he were to go down with an injury, they would be in trouble. I think a lot of fans were hoping this position would have been upgraded by the start of the 2020 season.
Grade: C
Linebackers
Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Christian Kirksey, Oren Burks, Rashan Gary, Curtis Bolton, Ty Summers, Jonathan Garvin, Randy Ramsey, Kamal Martin, Tim Williams, Tipa Galeai
The linebacking group completely turned around after the 2018 season. The additions of Za’Darius and Preston Smith revitalized the defense last year. Both were constantly in the backfield, racking up 13.5 and 12 sacks, respectively. The next closest Packer in that category was Kenny Clark with six sacks. They are arguably the best pair of pass rushers in the league.
Now add in the Packers’ 2019 first-round pick, Rashan Gary. Many are quick to label Gary a bust, but he played defensive end in college and had to transition to outside linebacker last season and also sat behind both the Smiths. He started to show some promise towards the end of the season. He is a candidate to break out and be a big part of the defense.
Inside linebacker has definitely seen some turnover this offseason. Both Blake Martinez and B.J. Goodson are gone. Oren Burks will have the opportunity to step up and be a starter like last year before his chest injury in the preseason. The Packers brought in Christian Kirksey on a two-year, $16 million deal. He and Burks will form a much more athletic linebacking duo than Martinez and Goodson did. I think they lose some run-stopping ability but really helped out the defense with their abilities to drop into coverage.
This overall unit remains strong and I think one of the best in the NFC. Depth is a bit of a concern, but barring any injuries, this is a solid group.