Green Bay Packers: 5 Non-Stars Who Can Make Lasting Impact in 2021
By Paul Bretl
Kingsley Keke
From 2019 to 2020, Kingsley Keke saw his snap count jump from just 107 to 414 total snaps, and with that, he recorded 22 pressures, which was the fifth most on the team, along with four sacks, according to PFF ($$). With improved interior defensive line play next to Kenny Clark, not only will that help Clark — which is always a good thing — and the run game, but also the Green Bay edge rushers and linebackers as well.
In a recent interview with Olivia Reiner of Packers News, Keke mentioned that he was up to 301 pounds from 288 when he entered the NFL. All of the weight he put on was muscle to maintain that quickness as a pass-rusher, but he wanted to bulk up to be more stout against the run as well.
If Keke can take another step forward in Year 3, he’s going to provide Clark with a running mate that he hasn’t had in recent years. And Green Bay Packers defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery believes that Keke is poised to take that “drastic step” this season:
"“Year 1 to Year 2 was a huge step,” said Packers defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery to the Green Bay media. “Year 3 should be another drastic step for him. Obviously affecting the quarterback, being more consistent in the run game, and just building his brand. That comes with all the hard work that he’s put in during the offseason and that we’re doing right now, and once fall camp comes. He’s working and trending in the right direction. But definitely, I expect him to take a drastic step again this year.”"