The Green Bay Packers’ defensive line was a major point of weakness last season. During a few games, the position group was dominated by opposing offensive lines. Of course, every Packer fan remembers when Green Bay got run over by the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. But struggling to stop the run wasn’t an aberration for the Packers in 2019. Green Bay gave up 128.7 yards per game last season, which ranked 26th in the NFL. If the Packers are to defend their 2019 NFC North championship and make another playoff run, the defensive line will need to improve.
Packers Wire predicts Green Bay’s depth chart at defensive line for the 2020 season:
DL1: Kenny Clark
Clark is one of Green Bay’s best players, regardless of position. Despite facing consistent double teams last season, he was still able to accumulate six sacks and 31 solo tackles. Pro Football Focus gave the UCLA product a 79.9 overall grade in 2019. This 2020 season will be pivotal for the 24-year-old defensive tackle. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign. If Clark has another productive season, he will likely be in line for a sizable payday.
DL2: Dean Lowry
Lowry isn’t the flashiest player on Green Bay’s defensive line, but he does get the job done. In his fourth year in the NFL, the former Northwestern standout tallied 23 solo tackles and two tackles for loss. According to Pro Football Focus, Lowry recorded 27 run stops in 2019. In the 2020 season, Lowry will be a key piece on the Packers’ D-line. He won’t be expected to be a star, but the 26-year-old will need to stay consistent and reliable.
DL3: Tyler Lancaster
Lancaster has been a pleasant surprise for the Packers on the defensive line. The former undrafted free agent has started 15 games and tallied 47 total tackles for the Packers in two years. He may be limited as a pass rusher, but Lancaster has proven himself to be a great run stopper. In 2020, the former Northwestern defensive lineman will likely be a vital role player for Green Bay.
DL4: Kingsley Keke
Keke is a player that the Packers need to make major improvements. In his rookie season, the 6-foot-3 defensive lineman didn’t get a ton of playing time, but he did show promise. “He had a long way to go as a very raw player, we saw the talent coming out of Texas A&M, but he was just very raw,” said Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. “Had a pretty good knack as a pass rusher, had some natural ability there. Just as far as his run technique, pad level, playing with his hands and having a good understanding of all the information we gather pre-snap.” If Keke is able to make the leap from role player to consistently productive player, it would be a huge shot in the arm for Green Bay’s defense.
DL5: Montravius Adams
Even before Adams was charged with three different misdemeanor charges, there was a chance that the former third-round draft pick wouldn’t make Green Bay’s roster. Now, the Auburn product’s short term future with the Packers is in question. In his three years in the NFL, Adams just hasn’t developed into the player that the Packers hoped he could be. The 2020 season will be Adams’ last chance to prove his worth.
DL6: Treyvon Hester
Hester will have to work his way up the Packers depth chart, but he will have the opportunity to contribute. The former Toledo Rocket has spent three seasons in the NFL, each with a different team. In his three seasons, Hester has played in 41 games and registered 40 tackles. In Green Bay, the 27-year-old will likely find himself in a backup role.
DL 7: Gerald Willis
An All-American at Miami, Willis went undrafted but signed with the Baltimore Ravens and eventually played in regular season games in 2019 with the Miami Dolphins. The former Hurricane has some athleticism at 300 pounds. He will need to have a big training camp to win a roster spot.
DL8: Willington Previlon
After having a great college career at Rutgers, Previlon was signed by the Packers as an undrafted free agent. At Rutgers, the 6-foot-5 defensive lineman played in 36 games, recording 71 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks. In training camp, Previlon will have a shot to impress and make his way up the depth chart.