With the offseason upon us and free agency approaching, now is the perfect time to explore the possibility of bolstering the Green Bay Packers roster. Specifically, let’s look at Green Bay position groups and possible targets they can add. We begin with the front of the defense. Here is Potential Packers Free Agents: Defensive Line.
After struggling against the run throughout the season, Green Bay was properly gashed during the NFC Championship Game. It is a must for the Packers front office to take a hard look at the personal and upgrade it. While the entire defense has responsibility in stopping the run, it all starts up front with the defensive line.
First, let us take a look at the defensive linemen currently on the Green Bay Packers roster.
DT – Kenny Clark, Kingsley Keke, James Looney
Kenny Clark is a stud. Neutralizing him is a priority focus of opponents in their game plans. It’s a hard task, but even Clark wore down and had some bad games last season. Injury could have played some role in this, but the workload and cast members are the bigger issues.
Attacking the very middle of the offensive line is important to disrupt a play. Some additional depth at defensive tackle could be in works. There are potential solutions to that in the roster. For instance, Kingsley Keke was drafted last season. He will need to make a leap from his rookie season but could get a shot at more playing time. Still, the position could be addressed in free agency.
DE – Montravuis Adams, Tyler Lancaster (ERFA), Dean Lowry, Greg Roberts
A nice lunch pale guy, Dean Lowry has a place on this roster (the team would save less than $1 Million if they cut him). He works hard though he is not going to light up the stat sheet. Last year he offered nothing in pass rush and ran hot and cold against the run. He’s a guy that may be best suited for a somewhat limiting role. He is currently a starter for the Packers and played 61% of the defensive snaps last season. Bringing in another starting defensive end would go a long way to improving the top end of this defense.
There is some solid depth a defensive end, mostly in the form of more high effort guys. Tyler Lancaster played a lot at the 5-tech last season but really should be backing up Clark and a snap eater. He is also an exclusive rights free agent so he will likely be retained, but surprises could happen. In rotation, Lancaster can be a nice piece, not so much as a starter. Same thing for Montravius Adams. Every training camp we hear the hype of him being ready to bust out, but it just hasn’t happened. The window might be closing for Adams.
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Free Agent Targets
Gerald McCoy
Gerald McCoy isn’t the youngest of free agents, but still and makes a lot of sense for the Packers. Namely, Green Bay will not need to break the bank in order to. Since 2012, McCoy has had 5 or more sacks in every season and holds his own against the run. He still has plenty of juice left to push the pocket and let the Smith Bros do their thing. He’s a vocal leader and playing for a contender might light a fire.
Javon Hargrave
Not really the build Mike Pettine has sought after but make no mistake, Javon Hargrave is a monster in the trenches. A run stop specialist he has also shown growth as a pass rusher. Instant upgrade and starter but will also not come cheap.
Jordan Phillips
It took him a few years to put the physical tools together but Jordan Phillips had a breakout season in 2019. He is a mountain at 340 lbs. but don’t let that fool you, he can move and push the pocket. With 10 sacks last season Phillips can get after it. He might be out of the price Green Bay wants to pay but he is someone to watch.
Michael Brockers
I have been a fan of Michael Brockers since he entered the league. He may not have blown up the stat sheet like expected but he has always been solid in different roles and different fronts. He would bring a versatile piece to the front seven for Pettine.
Thank you for reading Packers Free Agents: Defensive Line. Be sure to stay tuned to Full Press Coverage during the hectic free agency period.
– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @nyama_ks Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.
