Packers 2020 prediction: Za’Darius Smith will lead league in sacks

Why Za’Darius Smith will lead the NFL in sacks this season.

Za’Darius Smith is already one of the Green Bay Packers‘ greatest free agency additions of all-time.

The Packers signed him based on his potential. How good could he be if given a starting role? Well, the answer is he can become one of the best edge rushers in football.

And now, in year two with the Packers, I predict Smith will get even better.

Smith will lead the league in sacks

Yes, you read that right. I’m predicting that Smith will lead the NFL in sacks this season.

“Z” is still underrated, and somehow he was only a Pro Bowl alternate before replacing Khalil Mack. And that was despite the fact just about every statistic available showed how dominant he was.

Smith finished his first season in Green Bay with 13.5 sacks and a league-best 37 quarterback hits. According to Pro Football Focus, he led the league with 93 pressures. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he led the league in disruptions with 84. The article notes that quarterback hurries, hits, and sacks all count as disruptions.

It’s easy to forget that Smith was in his first season with a new team, a new system, and playing with new teammates. But none of that mattered. He made a huge difference for the Packers on defense and proved why he’s one of the best pass rushers in football.

This season, he’ll have more familiarity in the scheme. That will help.

Rashan Gary is entering his second season and should see an increased role. That will also help.

It doesn’t matter whether Smith is lined up on the edge or rushing inside. According to NFL.com’s Nick Shook, Smith pressured QBs on a league-best 19.4 percent of interior rushes.

Za’Darius Smith finished sixth in the NFL with 13.5 sacks last season. In 2020, he’ll lead the league in sacks.