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Green Bay Packers: Projecting the roster ahead of training camp

By Jacob Schyvinck

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 20: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass during the first half against the Oakland Raiders in the game at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 20: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass during the first half against the Oakland Raiders in the game at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 29: Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a sack late in the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Green Bay defeated Detroit 23-20. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 29: Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a sack late in the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Green Bay defeated Detroit 23-20. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line: 10 (40/53)

Za’Darius Smith

Preston Smith

Kenny Clark

Dean Lowry

Rashan Gary

Kingsley Keke

Tyler Lancaster

Jonathan Garvin

Gerald Willis

Tim Williams

What a year it was for the Green Bay Packers defensive line. The additions of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith invigorated the group as a whole, as the pair finished with 25.5 total sacks and 28 total tackles for loss. Both made plays all season long, and are huge parts of the defense heading into 2020.

The same goes for Kenny Clark, who is very much due for an extension. His ability to deconstruct blocks and make plays in the backfield is impressive, and he remains one of the best first-round picks the Packers have had in recent memory.

As for who lines up next to Clark, that remains a mystery. Dean Lowry is the favorite in the clubhouse, having logged the most snaps of any the last few seasons at the position. Kingsley Keke, a 2019 fifth-round pick, could make some noise though. Look for Tyler Lancaster and Gerald Willis to also compete for roster spots and rotational snaps.

This could be a big year for Rashan Gary, who didn’t get as many reps last year as many expected. He created pressure from multiple alignments last season, something that Green Bay Packers fans liked to see, especially from a player of his athleticism. Jonathan Garvin could provide some depth as a speed rusher, and Tim Williams earns the last spot in these predictions.

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