Packers’ defensive line depth chart after first week of free agency
The Green Bay Packers have lost veteran defensive linemen Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry in free agency this month.
Reed returns to the Seattle Seahawks, the team that drafted him, while Lowry stays in the NFC North by signing with the Minnesota Vikings.
Green Bay will need to add more defensive line depth this offseason.
With Reed and Lowry gone, here’s the Packers’ projected defensive line depth chart as things stand:
Packers projected defensive line depth chart after first week of free agency
- Kenny Clark
- Devonte Wyatt
- T.J. Slaton
- Jonathan Ford
- Chris Slayton
Kenny Clark is still one of the best players at his position in the league and is a two-time Pro Bowler.
The Packers will need 2022 first-round pick Devonte Wyatt to play an increased role this season. He was a backup as a rookie but showed potential. It will be exciting to see what he can do in year two.
T.J. Slaton has been a solid backup defensive lineman for the Packers. He could also see more snaps in 2023.
Although the trio of Clark, Wyatt, and Slaton gives Green Bay a starting defensive line with lots of potential, the team desperately needs to add depth this offseason.
Whether that’s via free agency, the 2023 NFL Draft, or both, the Packers need to strengthen their defensive line in the coming weeks and months.
There are options in free agency, including Shelby Harris and Michael Brockers.
Green Bay will have plenty of opportunities to strengthen the defensive line in the draft. Options in the opening two rounds include Pitt’s Calijah Kancey, Clemson’s Bryan Bresee, and Michigan’s Mazi Smith. On Day 2, Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton could be an option.
The Packers already needed to improve their defensive line. That’s even more important after losing veteran starters Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry in free agency.