2021 Packers Preview – Defense
The 2020 NFL season is in the rearview mirror and the 2021 season will begin shortly. Teams are already making moves to get under the salary cap. In this two-part series, we will take an in-depth look at the Packers roster and the state of each position group. Up first is the Green Bay Packers defense going forward.
After another NFC Championship Game letdown, the Packers and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine decided to part ways. Now, Joe Barry comes over from the Rams to run this unit. Barry is described as a “passionate” and “high-energy” coach. He wants to employ speed off the ball and pressure with 1-on-1 wins. The Rams were a top defense last season and they were successful playing light boxes with great secondary play. Barry will have some nice pieces to work with here in Green Bay to run his style of play.
Defensive Line
Employing a light box while being able to pressure and stop the run requires some elite play. The Rams had Aaron Donald in the middle to be able to do this successfully. While the Packers don’t have Donald, they do possess plenty of useful players. Kenny Clark in the middle is a problem for any offense. The key is to get him more one-on-one opportunities. Barry’s system likes to shoot and penetrate gaps. Getting solid play inside next to Clark is the lynchpin. With Dean Lowry being a potential cap casualty, and Tyler Lancaster more of a hole filler than penetrator the answer on the roster right now is Kingsley Keke. Before injuries shortened Keke’s season, he flashed that he can be this guy. A full-time gig might be a lot but Keke can get in the backfield in a rotational role.
At the least, the interior defensive line needs added depth if not a starter. In free agency the hot talk is recently released J.J. Watt. Yes, Watt would instantly bolster this front but let’s not hold our breath. Green Bay already is moving money to get under the cap. Watt would not come cheap even though he’s been relatively healthy the last three seasons, injury is always a concern. Still, Watt is playing at a high level and would be a prize of the offseason.
The Packers best bet would be to add via the draft. Early-round prospects like Christian Barmore or Davion Nixon could contribute on day one. After round 2 of the draft, Marlon Tuipulotu has the makings of a steal.
Edge
Whether their hand is in the dirt or standing up the Packers have two strong starting edge players. Za’Darius Smith has put together two top-notch seasons and the sky is the limit for surging Rashan Gary. After those two, there are question marks. Unless Preston Smith gets his contract reworked he could be another cut. Jon Garvin and Randy Ramsey are young players with no sacks on their resume. Again, Watt is the dream to this situation but I don’t see much depth added via free agency here. My favorite and best pass rusher in this draft, Jaelan Phillips would be an amazing value at 29. Philips would cement the future at the position and also offer pressure inside and out on 3rd-downs. Joe Tryon in Dayo Odeyingbo are also guys to watch in the top 100. All these prospects are long lean athletes that can move around.
Latest Packers News
- Fantasy Football: Goal-Line Guide Week 15
- Fantasy Football: Goal-Line Guide Week 13
- NFL 2022: NFC Midseason Report Cards
- The Quarterback Dilemma in Washington
- New York Jets Flight Plan: Green Bay Packers
Inside Linebacker
This off-season will be an interesting year for the off-ball linebackers. Coach Barry has really developed guys in his system such as Cory Littleton. 2020 free-agent signing Christian Kirksey looked his best in the playoffs but might be another cap cut. Krys Barnes showed potential as an undrafted rookie and Kamal Martin has the attacking ability that fits what Green Bay wants to do. Still, this group is missing a hybrid playmaker able to excel against the run or the pass. Tampa Bay showed the football world the benefits of superstar inside linebackers. The Packers don’t invest big dollars at this position but there is one player in the draft that could change the face of this group. The Packers will have to move up, but Jeremiah Owuso-Koramoah is tailor-made for today’s NFL. My favorite defensive player in this draft, Owuso-Koramoah is a mix of Landon Collins and Myles Jack. For the Packers defense to take the next step forward, this group needs an alpha that can make splash plays.
-
Ep 114: Aaron Rodgers, OBJ, and The New York Jets
by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:09 am
Corner Back
Like the Rams in 2020, the Packers may play two scheme coverages. The Rams played more zone than anyone last year, and used Jalen Ramsey to cover opposing alphas. The Packers have that guy in Jaire Alexander. After that, the cupboard is pretty bare. Chandon Sullivan took a step back in a bigger role last season. Kevin King is a free agent and left an awful taste to Packer Nation in his last performance. Only on a prove-it deal do I see King back. Unlike the other positions where drafting could solve the issue, corner will need help through free agency. William Jackson would be the best option with his 4.3 speed and coverage ability but he might cost too much. Another option could be a short-term deal with Xavier Rhodes while a rookie could be brought in slowly. Rhodes rebounded in 2020 after an awful 2019. His size and zone skills could make a solid fit. Rodarius Williams could be a mid-to-late-round find. Williams (brother to Browns Greedy Williams) is a long, tough, and game bred cornerback with future starter traits.
Safety
The starting safeties for the Packers would excite any defensive coordinator. Darnell Savage is growing into a game-changer while Adrian Amos is as assignment sure as they come at strong safety. Nobody is unseating this duo but Raven Green‘s injury history leaves room for depth. Vernon Scott might be in the mix in his second year after being raw as a rookie. Henry Black could also get snaps as the third safety. Of course, Jeremiah Owuso-Koramoah could mask all of this because I don’t see the Packers adding anything here in free agency. Even in the draft, it could be a late-round flyer at this position.
Overall the nucleus of this defense is here. There are field tilters and up-and-coming players. There is also room for another starter are two and upgrades at depth to take this unit over the top.
Thank you for reading 2021 Packers Preview – Defense. Be sure to check out all of the great NFL content available on Full Press Coverage.
– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.
– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.
-
Ep 149: Remembering Bud Grant With Former Vikings RB Chuck Foremanby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 10:41 pm
Former Vikings running back Chuck Foreman joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 148: Hall of Fame Voter John McClain Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on March 15, 2023 at 10:15 pm
Hall of Fame voter John McClain of Gallery Sports returns to the show to […]
-
These Remaining Free Agents are Bargains & Valuable for Contending Teamsby LandryFootball.com on March 25, 2023 at 11:45 am
While the first wave of Free Agency gets all the attention the first week […]
-
Inside Bryce Young's Pro Day & his meetings with the Carolina Panthersby LandryFootball.com on March 24, 2023 at 11:00 pm
Chris takes you inside Bryce Young's Pro Day at Ohio State as well as his […]
-
Ep 278: The Trade Marchby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 8:02 pm
-
Ep 277: Free Agency March Madnessby Full Press Coverage on March 17, 2023 at 2:39 am
-
Ep 276: Franchise Tag 2023by Full Press Coverage on March 8, 2023 at 8:28 pm
-
Ep 275: Dynasty Dispersal Draftby Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2023 at 2:06 pm
-
Episode 3.5: "Free Agent Frenzy" w/ Pete Hailey from NBC Sports Washington and "Big Doug" McCrayby Full Press Coverage on March 15, 2023 at 8:40 pm
George Carmi hosts NBC Sports Washington's Pete Hailey and Doug McCray on […]
-
Season 3.4: "Winds of Change" with Rick Snider of 106.7 The Fan and "Big Doug" McCrayby Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2023 at 10:33 pm
George Carmi hosts Rick Snider from 106.7 The Fan to discuss the latest […]
-
Full Press Islanders - Friday, March 24thby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 5:05 pm
The Isles got help yesterday in a massive way with the Pens and Panthers […]
-
Full Press Kraken - Friday, March 24thby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 3:15 pm
Recap the loss to Nashville and look at the playoff picture. Learn more […]
-
3/24 - Bruins Approaching Record; OBJ To the New York Jets?by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:07 am
Ian and John discuss the Boston Bruins dominance and discuss whether or […]
-
3/22 - World Baseball Classic Was A Classic; Connor McDavid on Hockey Tournamentby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 10:29 pm
Ian and John discuss the success of the World Baseball Classic and debate […]
-
3/21 - Aaron Rodgers Latest, World Baseball Classic Talkby Full Press Coverage on March 21, 2023 at 6:59 pm
Ian and John talk more Aaron Rodgers and the excitement around the World […]
-
3/20 - Aaron Rodgers, Brandin Cooks, Boston Bruinsby Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2023 at 2:25 pm
Ian and John discuss the latest with Aaron Rodgers, the Brandin Cooks […]
-
Ep 2: Top 5 Super Bowls Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on February 7, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti give their Top 5 Super Bowls of all time. […]
-
Ep 1: The Top 10 Quarterbacks Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 8:42 pm
On the first episode of 'According To Who?', host Ian Glendon and John […]
-
Bucks at Nuggetsby Broken Controller Media on March 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm
-
Pacers at Hawksby Broken Controller Media on March 25, 2023 at 4:00 pm
-
Nets at Heatby Broken Controller Media on March 25, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
Ep 157: Sid Part One - Skyscraper to Sychoby Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm
-
Fight Stack: Final Notesby Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 11:00 am
-
Ep 114: Aaron Rodgers, OBJ, and The New York Jetsby Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:09 am
-
3/24 - Bruins Approaching Record; OBJ To the New York Jets?by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:07 am
-
Full Press MMA - Friday, March 24thby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 11:00 pm
-
Thunder at Lakersby Broken Controller Media on March 24, 2023 at 10:00 pm
-
Ep. 230 - NBA Playoff Race Could Come Down To Injuriesby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 9:42 pm
-
1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm
-
Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenwayby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am
-
1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classicby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am
-
1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengalsby Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
-
12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am
-
Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sightby Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 230by Talkamania on September 6, 2022 at 11:43 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Revolution Reviewby Boot 2 The Face on March 10, 2023 at 12:42 am
AEW Revolution Review, Power Rankings, B2TF of the Week, and […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 215by Boot 2 The Face on March 2, 2023 at 12:50 am
We are back talking Kenny Omega's importance to AEW. Also, we break down […]