Detroit Lions, NFC North training camp previews: Defense

Green Bay Packers

The Packers made some strides on defense in 2019 with key additions that paid off in terms of their ability to rush the passer. Their run defense, however, proved to be a major weakness and without any significant upgrades this offseason, they will be relying on internal growth and development as they seek to rebound from a disappointing defensive finish to last season.

Edge rushers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith proved to be home run signings last year, as the pair combined for a monster 25.5 sacks with the former making his first Pro Bowl. Few teams in the NFL will be able to boast a tandem capable of providing as much quarterback pressure as these two.

Where the Packers’ front seven faltered was in stopping opposing ground games. Nose tackle Kenny Clark also made his first Pro Bowl in 2019 and has chalked up 12.0 sacks of his own over the past two years. But he and tackles Dean Lowry, Montravious Adams, and Tyler Lancaster were swallowed up by run blocks too often, particularly in the playoffs. No significant additions were made to this group, though Kingsley Keke could challenge for snaps in year two.

They would love to see progress from 2019 first-round pick Rashan Gary, who was invisible as a rookie. Nominally an edge defender, it’s unclear where he fits into the Packers’ scheme, or if he fits at all. Ideally, he would spell one of the Smiths on the outside occasionally, step in as an injury replacement, or move inside on obvious passing downs. He may need to show he can help improve Green Bay’s run defense to slide into the rotation.

Inside linebacker was an issue for the Packers last year and figures to be again this year after losing steady Blake Martinez in free agency. Christian Kirksey will step in and provide some experience but plenty of durability concerns as well – he has played in only nine games over the past two years. Oren Burks has been primarily a special teamer but is now a starter by default, with few other players on the roster posing much of a challenge at this point.

Young cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King played well in 2019, and each figures to take another step in 2020. Watch out for third-year corner Chandon Sullivan too, the presumptive starter in the slot. The former undrafted free agent quietly had a solid season for the Packers and could see time on the outside as well.

Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage form yet another strong safety duo in the division. Savage’s run support and tackling will need to improve in year two, however, a common theme at every level of the Packers’ defense.