Monday, July 27, 2015

Pre-Camp Breakdown: Introducing the Packers Defensive Linemen

I am predicting the Packers will carry 7 “D” linemen, given the need for big bodies up front, until Letroy Guion and Datone Jones return.  Guion will serve a 3 game suspension and Jones a 1 game suspension, respectively.  Worth Noting: The Packers carried 5 “D” linemen last season.  So to start the season I am predicting the Packers will go with these players.
Starters: Josh Boyd, B.J. Raji, Mike Daniels
#93 Josh Boyd
Josh Boyd is only the week 1 starter here, because he will prove that during the preseason.  However, as soon as Datone Jones returns, he will become the other starting “D” End opposite Mike Daniels.  Datone Jones needs to crank it up big time!  Jones has 5 career sacks in 2 seasons. 1.5 sacks last year.  Datone was drafted in the first round out of UCLA by Green Bay in 2013, and needs to significantly increase his production, if the Packers want to head to SB 50 and win it! 
#90 B.J. Raji
 BJ Raji will start at NT in week 1 against the Bears.  Raji must get back to his old form of 2010.  It’s that simple.  The 1st round pick, 9th overall has to apply pressure up the middle, if the Packers defense is to have a chance at sacking the quarterback.  He has not recorded a sack since 2011. His experience will be needed in order to stop Matt Forte.
#76 Mike Daniels
Mike Daniels, barring injury, will be a Pro Bowl player this year, but will not be able to play in the game due to a previous engagement.  What else is there to say?  

Backups: Christian Ringo, Mike Pennel

Christian Ringo was drafted in the 6th round with pick #210 out of Louisiana-Lafayette.  He is a 6’-1” - 300 lb tackling machine.  It remains to be seen how well he can perform on the field.  However, it is unlikely he gets cut, given his draft status.

#77 Christian Ringo

Mike Pennel made a splash last year at the Packers Family Night practice.  He followed up that performance during the preseason as well.  However, this year is an uphill battle for him, but in the end I think he beats out some of the others by the narrowest of margins.

#64 Mike Pennel

 Suspended: Letroy Guion, Datone Jones

Letroy Guion got the job done last year in BJ’s absence.  This year BJ Raji has to get it done.  When Guion returns in week 4, the two together are going to be one heck of a goal line defense…not that I want to see that package much.  The point, when Guion does return, the Packers will have a nice one-two punch up the gut.  They will end up splitting time guaranteed.

#98 Letroy Guion
Datone Jones has 5 career sacks in 2 seasons. 1.5 sacks last year. Datone was drafted in the first round out of UCLA by Green Bay in 2013, and needs to significantly increase his production, if the Packers want to head to SB 50 and win it!  Personally speaking, I expect more out of a 1st round pick!
#95 Datone Jones

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