Packers 2022 training camp preview: Defensive line

This might be the Green Bay Packers‘ most talented defensive line in over a decade.

If defense wins championships, it sure helps to have a deep defensive line. That’s what the Packers could have this season.

Pro Bowler Kenny Clark again leads the way, but he will be joined by some new additions.

Who’s here?

Kenny Clark has been a Pro Bowler twice in the past three seasons and is one of the Packers’ most important defensive players.

Free-agent signing Jarran Reed has been a starter his entire career. Can he earn a starting job in Joe Barry’s defense this summer?

The Packers invested a first-round pick at defensive tackle, selecting Devonte Wyatt out of Georgia. He will be one of the top players to watch at training camp.

Dean Lowry is coming off his best season in the NFL and is also entering a contract year. He has made 68 starts over the past five seasons, so it will be interesting to see whether he remains a regular starter in 2022.

Second-year T.J. Slaton should be part of the 53-man roster after showing potential in his rookie year.

Competition for the final roster spot will come from Jack Heflin, draft pick Jonathan Ford, Akial Byers, Hauati Pututau, and Chris Slayton.

Expectations

The potential of this defensive line is sky-high.

In Clark, Reed, Wyatt, and Lowry, the Packers have four defensive linemen who could start. There will be many situations when only two or three of them are on the field, allowing Joe Barry to rotate them and keep each player fresh.

Slaton will be a player to watch at training camp. Can he build on his rookie season?

If the Packers keep more than five linemen, there will be plenty of competition for the final spot. That’s never a bad thing.