Packers Prospects: 5 Defensive Linemen to Know Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft
The Packers could use a run-stuffing defensive lineman to complement their current group.
By markoldacres
After the promising rookie seasons of Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden, the Packers appear to be in a strong position in the defensive line department, but there is still room for improvement and diversification.
The current group is mostly composed of players who are stronger pass rushers than they are run defenders, and given Green Bay’s performance versus the run has been less than impressive in recent years, a quality run defender would be a valuable addition.
Here are five players who adhere to the Packers’ traditional athletic ‘type’ at the position – Brian Gutekunst has not drafted a defensive lineman shorter than 6’2.5” or lighter than 287 lbs, excluding Wooden, who is more built like an EDGE – and could be targets in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Kris Jenkins - Michigan
At an unofficial 6’3 and 305 lbs, Jenkins is a strong all-around run defender and is trustworthy in that phase. He plays with consistently good leverage and makes himself hard to move.
Jenkins stays strong and holds ground in run defense while moving laterally. He is able to shed blocks, time it correctly and reach for tackles.
There is some untapped pass rush potential with Jenkins, and he flashed some ability in that regard, but with just four sacks in his two seasons as a full-time starter, he is much more of a run defender than pass rusher at the moment.
The nephew of former Packer Cullen Jenkins could be a target for Green Bay in the second round.
DeWayne Carter - Duke
Carter is another super reliable run defender, but also shows the ability to win in multiple ways as a pass rusher.
He has the power to test both interior offensive linemen and tackles with his bull rush, and moves well for his size at 6’2.4”, 308 lbs. Carter has the physical tools and also plays with great effort to the whistle, and his tape is a fun watch.
The former Duke defender will turn 24 this year, which could hurt him on draft weekend, but expect his stock to keep rising between now and April. Carter may be a day two pick when all is said and done, and could well be on Green Bay’s radar.
T’Vondre Sweat - Texas
Sweat has mostly drawn attention for his massive size, with some records listing him at 6’4 and a whopping 362 lbs. This is a unique player and the appeal is clear.
The tape is inconsistent, as Sweat does not always play with the proper technique to get the most out of his body, but he is simply very difficult to move in run defense, moves better than he has any right to, and flashes some pass rush chops too.
He showed out at the Senior Bowl, and has all the makings of a player who will rise significantly up draft boards as the process goes on.
Sweat may end up being drafted earlier than the Packers, or most sensible teams, will be comfortable with, but if he can be had on day two, Green Bay could be interested.
Braden Fiske - Florida State
Fiske is a fun, high effort player with some power and explosiveness to go along with it.
A smaller lineman than the likes of Jenkins, Carter, and Sweat at a confirmed 6’3.5” and 295 lbs, Fiske does well to hold up his end of the bargain in run defense, showing the capability to clog rushing lanes, even versus double teams, and shed blocks.
As a pass rusher, Fiske packs a punch in his strong hands, can split double teams and win quickly on occasion with his first step.
The former Seminole needs to develop more of a plan as a rusher, too often smashing into a brick wall and running out of ideas, but he has a chance to be a three-down contributor at the next level. Fiske could be in play for the Packers as high as the third round.
Leonard Taylor III - Miami
Taylor is more of a pass rusher than run stopper at the moment, but shows the physical ability to be a disruptor in both phases. At an unofficial 6’3”, 305 lbs, Taylor has the size to be on the field on both run and pass downs.
His core strength makes him difficult to budge in the run game, even for double teams, and the power really shows up in his bull rush. There is an explosiveness to Taylor’s game.
He does not play with sound technique too regularly, relying too heavily on his natural talents, but the flashes are tantalizing. Taylor is another potential day two target for the Packers if they want to strengthen their defensive line.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (49)
Cheezehead72
February 23, 2024 at 06:34 am
The key to picking a DL a team might select is to determine if the player is a strong one gap or two gap player. The player must match the scheme. I do not know what Joe Hafley's scheme incorporates. I would guess being a 4-3 it will probably be a 1 gap. Maybe someone out there knows.
BuckyBadger
February 23, 2024 at 11:26 am
Coaches aren't one trick ponies. Hopefully Halfley can put in a scheme that best matches the abilities of the players rather then force a scheme on the group.
LambeauPlain
February 23, 2024 at 06:42 am
Hafley should be encouraged with his DL group. He will have an exciting group of DE's and the DTs are have some horsepower too, led by Clark with Wyatt, Brooks, Slaton and Wooden all worthy competitors for snaps. And Ford has the size to be a solid run stopper too...time for him to step up in year 3.
I could see a DT selected in the draft, but it is a weak class, as are S and RB...greater needs than are DT this year.
More likely Gutey shops for a DT on day 3 and uses his first 5 picks in the first two days on OL, S, LB, RB, or CB.
LLCHESTY
February 23, 2024 at 07:02 am
I would have included Ruke Orhorhoro on that list. Not the biggest guy at 295 lbs but a powerful player with an explosive 1st step. 5 sacks and 8 TFLs last year. Very raw Nigerian born player with a ton of upside.
Byron Murphy is considered one of the better run defenders in this class too. Played a surprising number of A gap snaps for a team with Sweat on it. Only 6'-1" but was much more productive vs the pass than Jenkins.
Turophile
February 23, 2024 at 07:24 am
Byron Murphy (6'1", 308), could be a Mike Daniels type DL or even better. It would take a first round pick to secure him.
you want someone who is capable of busting through the O line and going straight at the QB, this is your guy. You want snap to whistle effort, here he is. Good football IQ, check. Exceptional core strength - it's there. On Bruce Feldman's freaks list - yep.
This is not the position of greatest need , but he could be the top guy on the Packers board at pick 25.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 10:51 am
Here is the problem with shoving DT to the Top of the Need list. Other than picking the best Safety @ #41, All of our other "Actual Biggest Needs" now get to choose from lesser players at their positions to fill them.
We have a great group of D-Lineman who we drafted to give us a combination of run stop and pass rush. GB doesn't need a 350lb NT. What we need is a fast, aggressive LB who can hit RBs in the backfield and run sideline-to-sideline and make impact plays.
And we can get that by going after Willie Gay-Chiefs or Blake Cashman-Texans for way less than Devondre Campbell gets. Or what Patrick Queen will get.
I had actually researched and found 3 DTs that would have been available late in the draft that would have filled a run-stuffer role. But all 3 decided to stay for another year. They were Jason Jones-Auburn 6'6 338lbs, Elijah Simmons-Tenn. 6'2 340lbs, and Keeshawn Silver-Kentucky 6'4 330lbs. Maybe they will opt for the draft next year.
Bottom line no wasted pick this year.
LLCHESTY
February 23, 2024 at 12:16 pm
I seriously doubt he'll be there at 25 but if he is I wouldn't mind them taking Murphy at all. Then you look at the future, this could be Clark's last year and Slaton doesn't really fit this new penetrating system. You have to have 4 guys that can really get after the QB on the field 85% of the time and Slaton has 8 pressures in three years. I think his snaps really decrease this year.
Kris Jenkins is considered the best DT vs the run this year and he's 305 lbs. I think people should get used to them looking for lighter guys that can penetrate and stop the run while also being able to rush the passer.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 01:56 pm
Clark is here for at least the next 3 years after they extend his contract. I think there is zero chance GB wastes the # 25 pick on a DT. We don't need one. The DT group is weak and there is very little to even take a late round flyer on.
2025 will be the year for DT and Edge to be needs.
jannesbjornson
February 23, 2024 at 12:22 pm
They drafted Wyatt with the #28 pick to be the three-tech. He pulled in 5.5 sacks playing with limited reps in the Barry, ' Read'em and Weep" defense. They need the run plugger and inside intimidator, T Sweat, especially for the Goal line stand.
LLCHESTY
February 23, 2024 at 12:26 pm
3-4 teams will have more interest in Sweat than the Packers. New day, new scheme and new need.
jannesbjornson
February 23, 2024 at 12:37 pm
4-3 and Gilbert Brown. It's as basic as apple pie. Barry was supposed to have a gap attacking defense that was pushed all over the place when it was time to kill the run in the fourth quarter. Sweat occupies two O linemen to free up the gap crashers. Kenny Clark is tired of being doubled up.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 01:59 pm
Thank you, LL. Sweat is a 2 down player as well.
jannesbjornson
February 23, 2024 at 04:26 pm
He played all three downs at Texas, knocking down passes and getting the Interior Push on the pass rush. Watch him knock the Washington O line on their asses in the college playoff. This is not going to be Barry's defense giving up 13 yards runs on 3rd and 10. He will need to come in at 340lbs and get serious about the Pro Game. Compares to Dexter Lawrence. The only whiffs from the Outland Trophy list seem to be the boat anchor, RTs from Alabama and Carimi.
LeotisHarris
February 23, 2024 at 08:39 am
"I would have included Ruke Orhorhoro on that list."
Regardless of the list, Ruke Orhorhoro deserves to be included on it. I've added it to my grocery list. What a great name!
LLCHESTY
February 23, 2024 at 12:27 pm
I only had to look up how to spell it once. Or hor hor o. Alright then.
LambeauPlain
February 23, 2024 at 08:17 am
I listened to Hafley's presser...wow...30 minutes of impressive communication skills, clear answers and an assertiveness that tells me the Defense is going to look very, very different this year. Barry Ball is buried.
I don't want to get too carried away with one press conference. But I will say Hafley's first impression was one of best of any Packer coach I can recall. Very straightforward and to the point. Lots of energy. Great vision.
It seems clear he and his staff will coach his players hard...saying "we will be demanding, but not demeaning".
And he seems a good listener. Haf said D. Revis taught him as much about how to play press CB as any coach he has been around, saying "of course we will listen to our players...how else can we expect them to listen to us?"
What was exciting to hear was how his staff would develop players to make their strengths even stronger and then build the defense around those collective strengths...not so much X's and O's (scheme dependent), but as a team, what do they do the best synergistically?
He was asked, for example, if Quay Walker would be his MLB. Hafley said Quay is a tremendous talent and his staff would have him play wherever those talents were best deployed...just doesn't have to be in the middle if the coaches can make him more successful elsewhere.
And the "post safety" is going to be his QB of the D. DeJean (IA) would be an enticing prospect for the role. (Hafley's job description for post safety seemed like he was reading DeJean's resume!)
LLCHESTY
February 23, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Well except the fact that DeJean played ONE snap at FS in his last three years at Iowa.
Guam
February 23, 2024 at 08:42 am
The podcast with Andy Herman and Justis Mosqueda went to some lengths in explaining that Hafley's defense relies on a strong pass rush and that all four DL would likely be much more pass rushers than run stuffers. Hafley's defense relies on the linebackers and a box safety to contain the run. Now this author is advocating drafting a run stuffing DL. Hmmm.....
For the two cents my opinion is worth, I think the Packers have much greater needs at safety, linebacker, O-line and RB to invest much draft capital in a defensive lineman. I think they will play with what they have on the DL this coming season and let Hafley evaluate them.
dobber
February 23, 2024 at 08:59 am
The Packers have had a "type" over recent years in drafting for the 3-4...6'3", 300-315 lb, almost like they were drafting DT for an even front...hmm. Slaton was an outlier as a higher pick--a big guy who I think they envisioned as a true 0-tech. Wooden is more of an even-front DE at 6'3", 275, which raised some eyebrows when he was picked. Maybe they see Jonathan Ford as being their first crack as a run-clogger/pile-stopper? A new flavor on defense could be his ticket to the 53. I think Vic Ketchman used to say that NTs are made more than they're found.
Gute's history shows him as being someone who tries to beat roster holes with sheer numbers. With the needs on the OL, LB, and DB, I could see the Packers foregoing a DL in the first two days of this draft...and maybe even not selecting a DL at all.
Guam
February 23, 2024 at 09:43 am
I think Slaton is probably then one run stuffer they will keep on the roster although I expect his snaps to diminish. I think Ford may be a goner or he replaces Slaton. I think they have enough defensive linemen with combining the DL and OLB personnel on the roster.
Cheezehead72
February 23, 2024 at 09:48 am
Hafley's defense might rely on the DL to rush the QB but all I can say if that is all they are doing then the Packers will have a bottom of the barrel defense again.
The key to modern football is versatility. We have that on offense and now we need that on defense.
We need a run stuffing DL that can also get up the field and collapse the pocket. That is one of the reasons they rotate those big guys especially when the offense changes packages.
Yes our greater needs are S, CB, LB, OL, and RB but I hope Gute does not pass up the other positions (except QB) if that is the BAP on the board. If the BAP on the board is a DL snag him because you can never have too many big guys.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 11:04 am
Vert few teams have the luxury of D-line players that can do what you are describing, a run stuffing push the pocket guy. There are maybe 5 really good ones in the NFL starting with Aaron Donald and Chris Jones. Kenny Clark is in that category. I don't put Tvondre Sweat anywhere near that level of player or worthy of a 1st round pick. Sweat benefited greatly by having Byron Murphy, an even better DT, next to him on the line so we really don't know how good he really is.
DT is not even close to being one of our needs and there isn't a spot available for one because our group is already strong. Give me a really fast, playmaking LB who can tackle and we will have a much stronger run defense, Willie Gay-Chiefs should be the #1 target.
LLCHESTY
February 23, 2024 at 12:35 pm
"DT is not even close to being one of our needs"
I'm not sure that's true. There's a good chance this is Clark's last year and Slaton is an inconsistent vs the run and non existent vs the pass. The maxim don't settle for good when you can be great certainly works when it comes to who is going to be Clark's backup.
golfpacker1
February 24, 2024 at 11:58 am
There is a way better chance that Preston Smith is gone than Kenny Clark after this year. All the chatter with Clark has been contract extension to save us $$$ on the cap.
In 2 years, I could see Clark and Alexander dangled as trade bait as they both have or will have huge cap hits going forward and could really save on the cap. Plus, if they both keep playing well, they could bring premium picks back to us to replace them. We will have a bunch of young players needing new contracts.
Leatherhead
February 23, 2024 at 01:41 pm
'''''DT is not even close to being one of our needs '''''
I'm not sure . Who would you envision our DTs being? Clark, Slaton, Wyatt, Brooks? Because I can live with that group. And that would leave Van Ness, Wooden, PSmith, and Gary as our DEs?
It's a good point that Clark isn't getting any younger, but considering we've got all these guys on rookie deals already makes me wonder if we're fine for this season.
A Corner, two blockers, an RB, and a Safety.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 02:15 pm
This is scary Leather, but we are on the same page. We have a good group already and they will be better with our new DC.
There has been ZERO talk about Clark being a casualty this year. In fact all Clark talk has been about extending his contract because of the excellent year he had.
We don't need a run stuffing DT to make our defense better. What we need is better LB play. Either a tackling machine, like Bobby Wagner for 2 years, Or better yet a fast offense wrecking LB like Willie Gay, Devin White, or Blake Cashman. Any of the 3 would make our run D better and the cost would be minimal.
All my mocks now have 2 O-line, 1 CB, 1 S, and 1 RB with the first 5 picks. And where we have our picks is perfect, we are situated either where the top players of that group will start off the board (like S and RB), or where that group is stronger like OL and CB. We can pick LB later like Knight from UTEP or Wallace-Kentucky or both.
Guam
February 23, 2024 at 12:01 pm
"We need a run stuffing DL that can also get up field and collapse the pocket."
That type of player is RARE. If the Packers can find one at #25, take him. But the far greater likelihood is that the Packers would have to choose between either a run stuffer or a pass rusher, but not someone who is good at both. They already have those guys.
Listen to the Herman - Mosqueda podcast. Hafley's defense uses the DL to rush the passer and the linebackers and a box safety (eight in the box) to handle the run. The Packers may be better at the run next year, but it will be more by scheme (heavy boxes versus light boxes) than by drafting run stuffing DL.
Leatherhead
February 23, 2024 at 01:42 pm
The more you stuff the run, the more you encourage the pass. Passes average about 7 yards per attempt, are involved in the majority of big plays and the majority of points.
So we should encourage teams to pass more against us. That's the plan?
golfpacker1
February 24, 2024 at 05:00 pm
But a couple of new ballhawk D-Backs can exploit those extra pass attempts too. Nubin and Kinchens have got their hands on a lot of passes the last couple years. My favorite is Nubin=better tackler. Hopefully @ #41 if Dejean doesn't fall to #25.
LambeauPlain
February 23, 2024 at 10:21 am
I agree with your analysis! The LBs are going to play very different this year...think enforcers vs preventers. And Hafley's top coaching recruit was (finally) hired to his staff after 3 attempts...Anthony Campanile...will coach them.
The high energy New Jersey native owns an attractive resume for a young man and also interviewed for DC positions but was sold by Hafley to come Titletown and help him and LaFluer win another Lombardi. From what I have read about Anthony he will be easy to find on the practice field.
I am expecting a several new faces in the LB room via the draft and FAs to let Campanile find his attack dogs.
jannesbjornson
February 23, 2024 at 05:23 pm
Walker ain't an enforcer. He will have to go SLB and run with the TE, maybe develop some pass rush moves.
BuckyBadger
February 23, 2024 at 11:24 am
I don't see them going after a LB with what they have invested in the position already. Campbell and Walker have to get it done. Paid well and drafted high.
Guam
February 23, 2024 at 11:52 am
The problem is Hafley's defense uses three linebacker's and the Packers really only have Walker, Campbell and McDuffie right now and many are speculating Campbell will be a cap casualty. The Packers need to add depth at a minimum and potentially replace Campbell.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 02:21 pm
Every thread about players who won't be in GB for 2024 season have either Devondre Campbell or David Bakhtiari as the top 2 cuts. The Packers save $11 million by dumping Campbell and $21 million by cutting Bahk. Neither will be Packers after June 1st.
Hence, we will need a FA LB and we will draft 1 too.
Alberta_Packer
February 23, 2024 at 09:56 am
Thought the list would include Jer Zhan Newton - who is thought to be a Day 1 DT and possibly available at 25. A little undersized for my liking but versatile. As for the others - all are Day 2+ picks. Murphy is often touted as the best in the class but his height moves him down my draft board. Jenkins is good at both pass and run (but not great) - so maybe worth Packers 58th pick? Sweat's size and weight poses some conditioning questions - making him strictly a 2 down D-lineman at this point. Fiske is willing and scrappy but not very disruptive. Taylor has potential but will need to go DT finishing school - which may take a year. Some mentioned Ruke Orhorhoro - who is very athletic. However his best position may be DE rather than DT. All in all, I don't see Gutekunst going for a D-lineman - at the earliest - late 2nd or 3rd round.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 11:19 am
S and Oline are the top needs in this draft followed closely by CB. DT is not even on the list, so a big no to blowing up a really important draft for the Packers by shoving a DT, that won't play much, into the first 5 rounds of our draft. DT will probably be a medium 2025 draft need.
What we need more is to upgrade our LB play and it sounds like we now have a great group of coaches to do it. Starting with free agency by getting a fast, playmaking, good tackling, sideline-to-sideline FA LB on the team. Players like Willie Gay and Blake Cashman should be major targets. Both fit the need and have the bonus of not being expensive like Patrick Queen. Maybe take a shot at Devin White-Tampa Bay. Also cheaply.
The top 4 LBs in the draft are good but not great so I have been passing over them in my mocks and picking an extra O-lineman in our first five picks, a much bigger need filled. 2 LBs that I target later are Tyrice Knight and Trevin Wallace and there isn't much dropoff from the first 4.
Start with a good FA LB and then draft one to develop.
Alberta_Packer
February 23, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Also If Packers start with a good FA S - it may change, somewhat, their draft strategy - allowing them to maximize their capital relative to the strengths of the draft board. For example, the great majority of the good RBs should be available from the 3rd round on. While their are no Safeties I have a 1st round grade on (sorry Cooper DeJean). However I see that there might be some quality Safeties still in the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds. Likewise LBs. By the way, I think Trevin Wallace is a draft sleeper.
In the first round I see the Packers going for CB/OT (BPA). While in the 2nd - CB/OT/S/LB (BPA).
LLCHESTY
February 23, 2024 at 12:38 pm
Devin White hasn't been good for three years.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 02:33 pm
Devin Whites Career Stats-5 Years
566 Tackles
23 Sacks
6 Forced Fumbles
3 Ints.
8 Fumbles recovered.
2023- 91 Tackles
2022- 124 Tackles
2021- 128 Tackles
2020 -133 Tackles
I would take that kind of production the last 4 years, especially because he is 26 years old. And he is projected to sign a contract for less than $9 million per year.
BuckyBadger
February 23, 2024 at 11:23 am
Hard to say they are strong at the DL until they can stop the run. Packer media is always roses but the fact remains this team doesn't stop the run very well and the defense struggled in many areas. Brooks and Wooden played nicely for what they cost the team but they don't keep OC up at night.
WD
February 23, 2024 at 11:52 am
To say the Packers were "unimpressive" in stopping the run is an understatement. It is their Achilles heel. There is nothing more demoralizing that watching the opposing team on first down consistently run for 4-6 yards per carry. One thing that is puzzling is some people seem to assume drafting O-line or even secondary on defense will help. Stopping the run is the responsibility of the D-line and the LBs. This isn't rocket science. It is well known throughout the league that the way to beat the Packers was through the running game. What was also demoralizing was when far too many teams were successful on the goal line and and 4th and short. Let's face it, on some short yardage plays you just need a wall of beef to form an unbreakable wall. Granted, T'Vondre is at this point a condition issue . This will possibly let him fall into the late second round maybe even third. He then needs to "slim" down to a sleek 340 lbs. Voila! There is your massive in shape run stopper. On film he cuts though double teams like they were Swiss cheese. QB sneaks will not even be attempted against this mountain of a man. I would take him with our third pick. Which they won't, but he would be a steal in the third round.
LLCHESTY
February 23, 2024 at 12:45 pm
No way Sweat makes it out of the 2nd round.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 02:36 pm
And hopefully not picked by GB. Maybe we will draft one next year when its an actual need. Or maybe we find a cheap run stuffer FA who also, like Sweat, only plays a few plays. Next year will be a stronger DT class top to bottom. No reason to reach. Sweat wasn't even the best DT on the Texas team.
NFLfan
February 23, 2024 at 11:53 am
Sounds like Hafley understands Quays strengths and will utilize him more effectively. I like that Ben Fennell feels they need to draft or sign a 'CEO' and free up Quay.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 02:40 pm
This would be a good article if DT was actually a legitimate need this year. I don't think any of the DTs are rated as first rounders this year. Or maybe if the DT class was stronger and had early round options and later ones too. Also sleepers at the position. The fact of the matter is we won't pick any of these guys because we don't need them.
Turophile
February 23, 2024 at 03:21 pm
You are very locked in on what the Packers 'should' pick. In a different post you said:
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Here is the problem with shoving DT to the Top of the Need list. Other than picking the best Safety @ #41, All of our other "Actual Biggest Needs" now get to choose from lesser players at their positions to fill them.
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Shoving ANYTHING to the top of the draft means less heralded players later on - you just try and get good value with whatever you pick. The first round is for players as close as possible to elite in as many ways as possible (obviously this applies a little less further down in round one, but it still applies). The Packers do not draft in a way that takes their top need first and second need second and so on.
The Packers needs this year are at many positions that simply do not have an option in round one.
For example:
the top safeties (barring DeJean who is probably playing CB in the NFL) are in play at #41 and #58, not so much at 25. You also have to decide between a Safety who can play single high and one who can play in the box. Kinchens and Bullock are two that can play single high.
The top ILB should be available in round 2.
Most Interior linemen not named Jackson-Powers are available in round 2.
Slot corner can be had either in round 3 (Sainristil) or round 5 (Jarrian Jones or Renardo Green).
RB can be had through the draft after round 1, even this year, which is a bad one for them.
Are you seeing a pattern here ? THIS is why the Packers will very likely choose a position you are not expecting at #25, a CB, an Edge, a DL, even an OT, classic positions where the best get drafted often and early. Elsewhere I mentioned that I expect 5 CBs and 5 OTs to be drafted before pick 25 - THESE (and QBs) are premium positions.
Later DLs can be had, of course, but they offer vey different expectations compared to a first rounder. Guys like Murphy (round 1) or Kris Jenkins (round 2) offer a strong blend of run defense and pass rush and if the Packers want to play a more pressure-oriented defense, they need a pass rush that gets home regularly with 4 guys and just occasionally 5. This could also allow Kenny Clark to rest more next season, which would certainly help keep him at his best, as he has been playing way too many snaps for years.
I'm not saying the Packers WILL draft a DL early, I'm just saying it is a position that will receive plenty of consideration in rounds 1 & 2. Same applies to Edge.
golfpacker1
February 24, 2024 at 01:00 pm
My 2024 NFL draft expectations for GB Packer picks are this:
1st & 2nd round picks should be starters and contributors, and I expect that every year. With 3 picks(as of now), I expect 3 starters from our first 3 picks. Since we have big needs @ S, Oline, and CB, those should be addressed first, because those 3 players need to start right away.
This year's 3rd round picks should strengthen the Oline and RB groups with players that should have a chance to contribute, maybe even start depnding on what happens with Aaron Jones. At pick 88 or 91 we should be drafting a 2024 Top 5 RB and I think everyone agrees RB could be a super important pick because we might be down our top 2 RBs from last year.
All our picks after the 2nd round come late in the rounds. Anybody we get for our last 6 picks that pans out is gravy for us. Probably a chance to double down @ S and RB for sure. Maybe a sleeper LB like Trevin Wallace or Tyrice Knight because that's a need.
Yeah while I understand the concept of drafting the BPA, that concept doesn't apply to all teams. Really good, loaded teams can do that. And really bad teams that have a million holes in their roster also can do that. Teams like us, that don't have much FA money to spend to fill holes, or are near contending teams that have 4 or 5 legitimate needs to get over the hump, are not BPA drafting teams.
Because of this, my opinion is I don't see us picking DTs or Edge players with any of our top 5 picks, because they won't play much anyway. We are drafting for immediate starters first and for depth later this year.
2025 will be an interesting draft as we really shouldn't have many huge needs. That could be the draft to look for Clarks, Alexanders, and Preston Smiths replacements as they might be the oldest players on the team. And their cap hits will be really big. BPA should be in play in 2025 and beyond. The Packers have a bright future.
NitschkeFan
February 23, 2024 at 03:38 pm
I love the passion and the comments on this subject. With regards to drafting a "run stuffing" DT with the 1st round pick, I assume those in favor of that were tired of watching the team get gashed by opposing running games.
But was that due to a lack of talent on the D-Line? Or was it more the scheme (ie a light "box" that encouraged teams to run)? Maybe a little of both.
Clark / Wyatt / Slaton / Brooks / Wooden. So if we draft a DT in round 1 I assume you want to dump one (or two) of these guys.
Gary / LVN / Smith / Enagbare (probably out most of the year) will be our "DE" in a 4-3.
If we are using a 1st round pick on DL, it seems to me that more value would be to pick up a defensive End. Of course I could be wrong and maybe the plan is to drop one of them into a LB spot as a 4-3 OLB. That would reinforce the need for another DE over a DT.
I agree with the posters who are looking at our Safeties' room and our LB room and it seems like both of those rooms are nearly empty compared to the DL room.
golfpacker1
February 24, 2024 at 01:28 pm
100% Nitschke. I really think our rush defense weakness issue from last year, will become a strength for us by filling the needs we have @ Safety and LB. It should start with 2 talented FA players who upgrade their positions. And because Safety is the biggest need, we need to pick a top ballhawk, strong tackling player early in the draft. Whether that be we get lucky and Cooper DeJean falls to us @ #25, or we pick from the top 2 draft Safeties @ #41.
We have needed a sideline-to-sideline offense wrecking LB for 20 years in GB. The draft pickings @ LB are not strong or deep for that type of LB. The top guy Cooper is not as good in coverage. The best college 3 down LB, Payton Wilson, has had 3 surgeries on knees and shoulder. You could throw a blanket over the next 6 as they have similar abilities. I like Wallace-Kentucky and Knight-UTEP the best. Those 2 should be around in 4th or 5th rounds.
The FA LBs I think that could change our defense and will be in our best price range are Bobby Wagner-Seahawks. He led the NFL in tackles last year and probably would be a 2-year contract guy. The others are younger, faster, talented, guys that also won't be expensive. They are Willie Gay, Devin White, and Blake Cashman. All 3 are 3down LBs with speed to burn.