Packers 2022 post-draft position review: Defensive line

For far too long, the Green Bay Packers‘ defensive line has struggled against the league’s best offensive lines.

Outside of Pro Bowler Kenny Clark, the Packers needed more talent.

Well, they have achieved this now. Entering the 2022 season, the defensive line could be a strength for Green Bay.

Currently on the roster

Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Jarran Reed, Devonte Wyatt, TJ Slaton, Jonathan Ford, Jack Heflin, Akial Byers, Hauati Pututau

Offseason moves

It sure seems like strengthening the defensive line was a priority this offseason.

First, Green Bay signed free-agent defensive tackle Jarran Reed. Then, the team picked Georgia’s Devonte Wyatt in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. They selected Jonathan Ford in the seventh round.

Improved from 2021?

Yes.

The Packers’ defensive line played well late last season, in part due to Dean Lowry putting together a career year. But Green Bay still lacked depth along the line.

No longer. Joe Barry is spoilt for choice with a number of starting-level defensive linemen to rotate. This could be Green Bay’s best defensive line in years.

Key player

Kenny Clark.

As ever, it will be the Packers’ Pro Bowl defensive tackle drawing attention from opposing offenses. Clark regularly sees double teams. If he’s at his best, it will create plenty of one-on-one opportunities for Jarran Reed and Devonte Wyatt, which is bad news for the Packers’ opponents.

Position outlook

Green Bay’s defense has the chance to be special in 2022, and it starts up front.

Clark, Reed, and Wyatt can all provide excellent interior pass rush. Pair that with the talents of Rashan Gary and Preston Smith on the edge, and the Packers’ front seven is going to give opposing offenses nightmares.

With strength and depth, this defensive line has the potential to be the best we’ve seen in Green Bay for a long, long time.