Packers 53-man roster predictions following 2021 NFL Draft

Defensive line (5)

Kenny Clark, Kingsley Keke, TJ Slaton, Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster

The Packers will be hoping for improvements along the defensive line this season. It was a surprise to not see the team make more moves at defensive tackle in the offseason, although they did add TJ Slaton in the fifth round of the draft.

Slaton is strong against the run so should see plenty of opportunities on early downs.

Kingsley Keke’s development will be key to the overall play of the defensive line. Keke took a step in year two and showed flashes of his potential, including two-sack games against the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles. If Keke can make more big plays like he did in these two games, he should see an increase in snaps moving forward.

Former Pro Bowler Kenny Clark will again be one of the most important players on the entire defense. Clark has started 59 games over the past four seasons and has 18.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits in that time. Impressive numbers considering he’s often lined up at nose tackle.

It will also be interesting to see how the scheme under new defensive coordinator Joe Barry differs from Mike Pettine’s and what this could mean for the defensive line.

The depth chart is almost the same as last season, but perhaps the Packers will sign a free agent over the summer.