Green Bay Packers: Top 5 Free Agent Defensive Linemen Remaining in 2020

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 14: Defensive end Mike Daniels #76 of the Green Bay Packers reacts during the NFL game against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field on September 14, 2014 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Jets 31-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 14: Defensive end Mike Daniels #76 of the Green Bay Packers reacts during the NFL game against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field on September 14, 2014 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Jets 31-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Green Bay Packers could use an extra punch on their defensive line by taking a look at these five remaining free agents.

The Green Bay Packers struggled mightily to stop the run last season, in large part, because of their underperformers on the defensive line. Kenny Clark was his normal dominant self for most of the season, but even he can’t do it alone.

Green Bay didn’t get quite the production they expected from the likes of Dean Lowry, Kinglsey Keke and Montravius Adams–all of whom had down seasons in 2019. They hope the addition of inside linebacker Christian Kirksey will help solve some of the issues, but the lone selection of seventh round draft pick Jonathan Garvin at defensive end won’t move the needle for 2020.

If the Packers truly want to address their woes behind Clark on the line, they could take a look at these five remaining players who are still available on the free agent market.

5. Johnathan Hankins, DT

At 6-foot-3 and 340 pounds, Johnathan Hankins is a massive human being and one of the better run stuffers in the NFL. He spent the last two seasons with the Raiders plugging holes and taking on blockers for the linebackers behind him. He’s not nearly the pass-rusher he once was, but that’s okay for the Packers who still have the dynamic duo of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith to harass signal-callers.

4. Xavier Williams, DT

If the Packers are looking for a bargain, they should be able to get one with Xavier Williams who had a down 2019 season due to an ankle injury. He’s normally just as stout against the runs as Hankins, but the fact teams can’t do medical examinations on players right now might have something to do with why he’s a free agent. When life opens back up again, Green Bay should call Williams right away.

3. Mike Daniels, DE/DT

Now here’s a familiar face! After spending his first seven seasons in Green Bay, Mike Daniels was suddenly cut before the beginning of the 2019 campaign and spent last year with the Detroit Lions. At 31-years-old, he’s clearly a shell of his former self. However, if he’d come back to the Pack on a discount, he would certainly provide some more energy and passion, if nothing else.

2. Snacks Harrison, NT

Packers fans have been hoping for a Snacks sighting since he was released by the Lions in February. Once one of the better defensive linemen in the league during his time in New York, Harrison has declined over the last couple of years. He’ll be 32 in November, but could still have enough left in the tank to contribute to the Packers’ less than impressive line.

Next. Packers: 3 Areas They Can Improve Offense in 2020. dark

1. Christian Covington, DE/DT

The best interior defensive linemen remaining, Christian Covington can move all over the place–certainly an attractive attribute for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. At 26-years-old, he’s the youngest player on this list and can still get better. He’s not a pass rusher by any means, but is a demon in the run game. That’s exactly what the doctor ordered.