Packers: 4 Defensive Pro Bowl Candidates for 2020
These four members of the Green Bay Packers have a tremendous opportunity to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl in the upcoming season.
While the Green Bay Packers look to take the next step in 2020, they’ll lean heavily on their star players to get the job done. Fortunately, they have a number of good players on defense who can are up to the task and could earn a trip to the Pro Bowl next season.
Most of the Packers’ splash signings in 2019 free agency came on this side of the ball. It included Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Adrian Amos. Those three added to the talent already on the roster and helped the defense take a step forward in their play last season.
Heading into 2020, they’ll need more from their defense than ever before. Can these four players take the lead and make the Pro Bowl next year?
Jaire Alexander
As an ascending talent as there is, Jaire Alexander’s developmental arrow is pointing straight up. He’s entering his third year in the NFL at just 23-years-old and has all the physical tools to stick with wide receivers everywhere. His passion and aggression are also strengths. His only downfall is his height. At 5-foot-10, receivers are able to go over the top and haul in receptions. That doesn’t stop Alexander from competing on every play, and we should expect him to take another step forward and earn his first Pro Bowl selection in 2020.
Preston Smith
After signing a lucrative deal in free agency, Smith’s play was often overshadowed by the Packers’ other big free agent signing. However, he deserves plenty of credit for turning in a career-year and being stout against both the run and the pass. Smith recorded a career-high 12 sacks, 23 quarterback hits, 56 combined tackles and 11 tackles for loss. If he turns in another similar performance, he should get the recognition he deserves.
Kenny Clark
After somewhat of an up-and-down season, at least by his own standards, Kenny Clark made his first Pro Bowl in 2019. He was the lone disruptor on the Packers’ defensive line and often took things into his own hands. He has a great blend of quickness and strength, and is still just 24-years-old. He’s due for a new contract in 2021 and will likely play his heart out like never before.
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Za’Darius Smith
The heart and soul, as well as the face, of the Packers’ defense, Smith surpassed all expectations during his first year in Green Bay. He recorded 13.5 sacks, 37(!) quarterback hits, 55 combined tackles and 17 tackles for loss–ALL career-highs. He was exactly what the doctor ordered. As he’s smack dab in the middle of his prime, don’t expect his terrific play to go anywhere.