Packers’ projected starting defense following minicamp
The Green Bay Packers wrapped up minicamp last week and won’t return in an organized fashion until they’re due to report for training camp on July 21.
Minicamp gave us another chance to glimpse the work they’ve been putting in, as the media was allowed to attend and report what they saw. That peek behind the curtains helped identify what their starting defense could look like next season.
Following the Green Bay Packers’ minicamp, here is a projection of their starting defense next season.
Defensive lineman: Kenny Clark
Defensive lineman: TJ Slaton
It was a surprise to see Slaton lined up in the starting nickel unit while 2022 first-rounder Devonte Wyatt stood on the sidelines. Slaton will be asked to play a significant role in 2023, as Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry departed in free agency. Slaton seems up to the task so far and ready to prove himself. Side note: Wyatt started when Green Bay went to their base 3-4 defense.
Outside linebacker: Justin Hollins
This will be Rashan Gary’s starting spot when he returns, but it’s unclear if he’ll be ready for the start of the season. If that’s the case, they’ll be an intense battle for the starting outside linebacker spot opposite Preston Smith. Hollins, a mid-season pickup, started there during minicamp while Kingsley Enagbare ran with the twos, and 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness lined up with the third unit. This battle is far from over, but Hollins is now the lead dog.
Outside linebacker: Preston Smith
Inside linebacker: De’Vondre Campbell
Inside linebacker: Quay Walker
Slot cornerback: Keisean Nixon
Last year, Green Bay went with Rasul Douglas in the starting slot and Eric Stokes and Jaire Alexander on the outside. When Stokes got hurt, however, Douglas moved outside where it seems he’s staying. Stokes’ timetable for a return is unclear, leaving Nixon as the starter at this juncture. Stokes will likely remain outside upon his return, but Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine were impressive in the slot during OTAs and minicamp.
Outside cornerback: Jaire Alexander
Outside cornerback: Rasul Douglas
Safety: Darnell Savage
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Safety: Rudy Ford
The Packers have a plethora of safeties vying for the starting spot and playing time this season. Savage and Ford ended minicamp as the starting duo and are the leaders for that spot. Ford started a few games last year when Savage was benched, but he hasn’t proven he can be a consistent player. Jonathan Owens also got some time with the ones in minicamp, and Tarvarius Moore is also lurking.