Can the Packers Defensive Line Be Better This Season?

The Green Bay Packers defensive line has been an area of concern for the team for several seasons now. The run defense has been below average and the team has not prioritized adding talent to this position group. The last defensive lineman the Packers drafted in the first two days of the draft was Montravius Adams who was selected in the third round in 2017. Unfortunately, Adams never fully realized his potential in Green Bay. The last defensive lineman drafted in the first round was Kenny Clark back in 2016.

But this year, there are signs that things could be heading in the right direction along the defensive line. Here are five reasons why the defensive line should be better in 2021 than it has been in recent years:

1. Kenny Clark Is Healthy

Kenny Clark was a Pro Bowl defensive lineman in 2019. He tied his career high with six sacks, was in on 62 tackles (also a career high) and had nine tackles for loss.

The former UCLA star seemed primed to take his game to an even higher level in 2020 but he suffered an injury in the season opener against the Vikings and didn’t get back to full strength until the later part of the season. He finished 2020 with just 38 tackles and two sacks but by playoff time, Clark was closer to being the dominant player he was the previous season.

This year, Clark is healthy and ready to go. He took off a few pounds in the offseason to prepare himself to play in Joe Barry’s new defense which will likely see him play both on the nose and on the outside depending on the situation.

If Clark is healthy and playing at the top of his game, the defensive line should see immediate improvement.

2. Kingsley Keke Is Ready to Take a Step Forward

The next big question facing the defensive line is the play and future of third-year man Kingsley Keke. The Texas A&M alum started nine games a year ago and recorded four sacks, a new career high.

Keke was also banged up late last season and missed both Packers playoff games. If Keke can make a third-year jump, he could give the team a second consistent pass rusher along the defensive line and improve the overall quality of the position.

Keke got off to a slow start in training camp due to injuries but he started practicing again and looks to be ready to go now.

During the offseason, Keke put on 10 pounds to help make him more effective at stopping the run. He has indicated he is determined to be a three-down player and to take a leap forward in his third year in the league.

3. T.J. Slaton Can Boost the Run Defense

The Packers also added big T.J. Slaton in the fifth round of this year’s draft. The former University of Florida star is listed at 6’4” and 330 pounds and has been a hard man to move out of the way in practice so far.

In the first preseason game, Slaton was in on five total tackles and again showed some promise. While it’s not yet clear how big a role Slaton will have as a rookie, but he is expected to join the defensive line rotation and help improve the Packers run defense. That would be a step in the right direction for the defensive line.

4. Other Linemen Are Hungry

Tyler Lancaster and Dean Lowry were starters last year but neither was particularly outstanding. Yet both these players should be hungry and have a lot to prove this season.

Lancaster was released by the Packers during the offseason and then re-signed for less money. The Northwestern product knows he must make a strong showing in training camp to keep his job. Once the season starts, he also needs to be productive to give him a chance at another contract in the NFL whether it’s with the Packers or elsewhere.

Dean Lowry may also have to fight for playing time with Keke and Slaton likely to have bigger roles. Lowry has had a good start to training camp and tends to be a consistent player along the line. With his relatively high cap number, he also knows he needs to be productive this year if he wants to have a job in the future.

5. Wild Cards

The Packers are still rumored to be looking for help along the defensive line to add depth. If they sign somebody, that could also bolster the position. In addition, Jack Heflin had a good game against the Texans and may show enough to make the team.

Overall, the potential is clearly there for this unit to be better in 2021, especially after they adjust to Barry’s system. If they do show improvement, the overall defense should be better as well. While there are no guarantees, the potential is clearly there for this group to improve this season.