Green Bay Packers 2022 Summer Preview: Defensive Line
With just a couple of weeks remaining until training camp kicks off, we are switching to the defensive side of the ball as we take a position-by-position look at the Green Bay Packers this summer.
The defensive line has undergone an overhaul this offseason after being a weak point on the roster for years. Arguably one of the worst defensive lines in football, they have all the tools to turn it around this year. Let’s dive in to see what they’re all about.
Here is a position-by-position preview of the Green Bay Packers this summer continuing with their defensive line situation.
Currently on Roster: Akial Byers, Kenny Clark, Jonathan Ford, Jack Heflin, Dean Lowry, Hauati Pututau, Jarran Reed, T.J. Slaton, Chris Slaton, Devonte Wyatt
The Packers’ defensive line is clearly separated into two tiers based on the player’s probability to make the team so there shouldn’t be many surprises here in training camp. The only controversy might come in the battle for the sixth and final spot (if Green Bay chooses to keep that many linemen).
Jack Heflin is the favorite for the final roster spot and should earn it if he plays like he did last summer. However, if he slips up, the door is open for Chris Slaton and Jonathan Ford to slide their foot in. The battle between those three could be a doozy if Slaton and Ford prove worthy of an NFL roster spot.
Projected Depth Chart: Starters: Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Dean Lowry. Reserves: Jarran Reed, T.J. Slaton, Jack Heflin
Ultimately, I don’t think there will be much controversy with Heflin earning the final roster spot coming out of the preseason and the Packers going with six defensive linemen this year. Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Dean Lowry, Jarran Reed, and T.J. Slaton are all locks and should form a very good rotation up front.
Big Picture:
This unit took a huge step forward this offseason, at least on paper. Clark finally gets some help in the form of a first-round pick and a veteran free agent signing. Reed has shown he can be dominant in the past and we’ll see if he can get back to that form in Green Bay.
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Overall, this unit should be a positive contributor to a defensive unit that has the potential to wreak havoc in the NFL. If they can not only shut down the line of scrimmage in the running game, but finally get some interior pressure on the quarterback in the passing game, it will be a huge asset for a secondary that looks poised to dominate.