Packers: All NFC-North defense entering 2021 season
Earlier this week, I put together an All-NFC North offense which featured five Green Bay Packers players.
That’s unsurprising given the Packers had the league’s number one-ranked scoring offense in 2020. But how many defensive players make the team?
The answer is four. The Minnesota Vikings also have four players in this All-NFC North defense. Three Chicago Bears players are in the team, but no Detroit Lions are included.
DT: Akiem Hicks (Chicago)
Hicks is one of the best interior defenders in the league. Aaron Rodgers will tell you that. Hicks has 27.5 sacks and 79 QB hits in five seasons. He was a Pro Bowler in 2018.
DT: Kenny Clark (Green Bay)
Clark is another former Pro Bowler. He regularly takes on double teams, but he still offers plenty as a pass rusher despite lining up at nose tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, Clark’s pass-rushing grade over the past three seasons ranks fifth among interior linemen.
DT: Dalvin Tomlinson (Minnesota)
An outstanding run-stopper, Tomlinson is a great signing for the Vikings and will help Mike Zimmer’s defense get back to its best along the defensive line.
EDGE: Khalil Mack (Chicago)
Mack needs no introduction. The six-time Pro Bowler and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year is still one of the best pass rushers in football with 30 sacks and 45 QB hits in three seasons with the Bears.
EDGE: Za’Darius Smith (Green Bay)
Nothing short of unstoppable since signing with the Packers two years ago, Smith has consecutive double-digit sack seasons to go with a pair of Pro Bowl selections.
ILB: Roquan Smith (Chicago)
Smith is one of the best linebackers in the league and was named a second-team All-Pro last season after making 139 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, four sacks, seven pass defenses, and two interceptions.
ILB: Eric Kendricks (Minnesota)
Kendricks is another great inside linebacker. Last year, he made 107 tackles, six pass defenses, and three interceptions, despite missing five games.
CB: Jaire Alexander (Green Bay)
Alexander is PFF’s top-ranked corner entering 2021 and is coming off an All-Pro season, defending 13 passes and shutting down some of the best receivers in football. He also intercepted Tom Brady twice in the NFC title game.
CB: Patrick Peterson (Minnesota)
Peterson might not be the shutdown corner he once was, but the eight-time Pro Bowler is still an excellent player and a good signing for the Vikings.
S: Harrison Smith (Minnesota)
A five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Smith is still one of the top safeties in the league and has an impressive 16 interceptions and 39 pass defenses over the past four seasons.
S: Adrian Amos (Green Bay)
One of the best all-around safeties in the game, Amos rarely makes mistakes and is always in the right position. He’s also proved he can make big plays with four interceptions since signing with the Packers.