Green Bay Packers: Previewing the Defensive Line

Here is a look at the eight defensive linemen that make up the Green Bay Packers’ 90-man roster heading into Training Camp.

While many were concerned about which receiver the Green Bay Packers were going to add this offseason or if they were going to land Patrick Queen or Kenneth Murray in the draft, in terms of importance, seeing improved play along the interior defensive line may be the most crucial to their success.

We, of course, all still remember the NFC Championship Game where the San Francisco 49ers literally ran all over this Packers’ run defense. However, while that was their worst performance of the season, it unfortunately wasn’t the only one where they were exposed.

Stopping the run, particularly between the tackles, was a major issue all season long and one that must improve if Green Bay hopes to make another Super Bowl push.

Although the Packers would make a few additions this offseason, these players aren’t going to step in and be game-changers. This means the improvement and development of those already on the roster is going to be a must.

So as I continue on with my position by position preview leading up to training camp, here are the eight defensive lineman that are currently on the Green Bay Packers’ 90-man roster.

Kenny Clark

By his lofty standards, the 2019 season may have started slowly for Kenny Clark as he fought off constant double-teams, but over the final months, the production would follow. Over his career, Clark has developed into one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, and he will be looking to be paid like one.

2020 is the final year of Clarks’ deal and shortly after the offseason ended, GM Brian Gutekunst mentioned that getting an extension done this offseason was something that they would be looking into. However, as we all know, nothing has happened as of yet.

Whether it be rushing the passer, slowing the run, or taking on double-teams, Clark does it all for this Packers team inside. Re-signing him is a must and so is giving him some additional help as well.

Dean Lowry

Very rarely will Dean Lowry grab anyone’s attention, but he is a steady contributor on the Green Bay Packers’ defensive front. He isn’t afraid to do the dirty work as he eats up blocks to help free up his teammates and each year that he’s been in the NFL we’ve seen him improve.

As the Packers’ second interior option behind Clark, we saw Lowry make some strides with his run defense last season as he recorded 27 run stops according to Pro Football Focus which ranked 11th among all interior defensive linemen. Now as the No. 2 option once again, we are going to need to see more improvements in 2020 as well.

Montravius Adams

The former 2017 third-round pick just has not developed as the Green Bay Packers had hoped. Over his three year career, Montravius Adams has only three starts and has appeared in 37 games where he’s totaled 33 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In fact, last season he was on the field for less than 18 percent of the Packers’ total defensive snaps.

2020 really is a make or break year for Adams and there is certainly no guarantee that he is even on the 53-man roster come Week 1. He is going to have to prove himself in training camp and the preseason.

Kingsley Keke

Kingsley Keke is one of these players not named Kenny Clark who could give the Green Bay Packers a real boost inside this season. Although his snap count was limited in 2019, when he was on the field we saw flashes from him and he was able to make some noise in the run game as well.

Although he needs to add some muscle to his frame, with his athleticism and skill-set, he certainly has the potential to be the third option along this defensive front at the start of the season and he could very well start taking snaps from Lowry as the season progresses.

Tyler Lancaster

As an undrafted rookie apart of the 2018 draft class, Tyler Lancaster was a huge surprise for this Green Bay Packers team as he came out of nowhere that season and provided them with some help against the run. While we’ve seen flashes from him in the run game, Lancaster still needs to become more consistent overall, not to mention that he is limited as a pass-rusher.

On a snap count and in the right situations, Lancaster can make an impact. However, he needs to continue developing before he can be trusted with more playing time.

Treyvon Hester

Before even taking a snap with the Packers, Treyvon Hester is already a fan favorite here in Green Bay. If you recall the Chicago Bears’ playoff game from the 2018 season which ended with the Cody Parkey double-doink, it was Hester who got is hand on the kick.

During his short career, Hester has bounced around as the Packers will be his fourth team in as many seasons. In 41 games with only two starts, Hester has totaled two sacks, eight quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss. He is another rotational player to add to the mix and someone who will certainly push for a roster spot.

Gerald Willis

Gerald Willis was an undrafted rookie last season and after being cut by the Baltimore Ravens at the end of training camp, he spent a majority of the 2019 season the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. Although he was eventually promoted to the active roster in late-November, Willis rarely saw the field.

After transferring to the University of Miami, Willis had a productive career there and was thought the be a mid-round pick in last year’s draft. However, a late-season injury may have been a big contributor to his fall down draft boards.

As camp unfolds, Willis is certainly a lesser-known name to keep your eyes on as he fights for a rotational spot along the Packers’ defensive front.

Willington Previlon

Willington Previlon is one of the Green Bay Packers’ 15 undrafted free agent (UDFA) signings this offseason. At Rutgers, Previlon would appear in 30 games and total 70 tackles, 11.5 of which were for a loss, while also adding 4.5 sacks and three pass deflections.

As is the case with any UDFA, Previlon is still raw but he has a solid foundation with good length and athleticism. The upside is certainly there and while making the final 53 is a long shot at this point, he will be in consideration for a spot on the practice squad.