Obviously, Jordan Love's takeover as the Green Bay Packers' starting signal-caller is the biggest storyline heading into training camp. But for variety's sake, we are going to omit that for this specific topic.

The Packers run defense has been abysmal since Joe Barry took over as defensive coordinator in 2021. Per Football Outsiders, the unit finished Barry's first season as the fifth-worst run defense DVOA and it got even worse in 2022 after it sank to 31st. 

A big part of the problem is the Packers front seven. On the surface, it seems like the Packers have a solid core consisting of De'Vondre Campbell, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, Devonte Wyatt, and Quay Walker, but the latter two didn't make a big impact during their rookie years and Gary was obviously lost for the season after Week 9. Campbell had a solid year in 2022, but missed four games and that also affected things.

The Packers really need Walker and Wyatt to step up in 2023. Those two are integral pieces on defense and frankly, we won't see much improvement in the run game if they don't evolve, to some extent.

Gary is still recovering from his torn ACL, so it's going to be up to Justin Hollins, Kingsley Enagbare, or rookie first-rounder Lukas Van Ness to step up in case Gary isn't ready to go by Week 1. Veteran EDGE Preston Smith is a decent run defender, but the Packers really need someone to help offset Gary's potential absence. 

And then there's the defensive line. The Packers drafted two defensive linemen in Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks and both players have a ton of potential. But in terms of down-in, down-out run defenders – it remains to be seen how effective they can be, especially in Year 1. Both players are considered as versatile-type guys who can create interior mismatches on passing downs. It'll be interesting to see how the Packers and the two rookies adjust in 2023. 

T.J. Slaton is a promising option at nose, but he's still unproven. Ultimately, the d-line's success will be placed on Kenny Clark's shoulders. He's certainly used to that, however, it's time for the Packers to find someone who can constantly take the heat off of him. That's supposed to be Wyatt, eventually, but it's largely unknown when things will start to consistently click for the former Bulldog.

Overall, it's fair to question if the Packers did enough to improve their run defense. Sure, they drafted a couple of guys, but those guys aren't run-stuffers at heart. They also didn't make any major moves in free agency -whether it was for cap reasons or not- so much is unsettled heading into camp.

And frankly, it's 100% fair to think that Barry's scheme is the problem, at this point. Just take a look at how his run defenses have performed when he was the defensive coordinator for the then-Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions:

Team (year)	DVOA (ranking)
Detroit Lions (2007)	2.8% (29th)
Detroit Lions (2008)	15.5% (32nd)
Washington Redskins (2015)	-9.3% (20th)
Washington Redskins (2016)	-5.4% (24th)

If the Packers can't fix the run defense, then it won't matter if the unit gets off to a fast start or not – we'll still see the below-average defense we've seen the last two years under Barry. And that could easily sink a young team looking to get back into the postseason.

Packers Training Camp Battle: Slot Receiver

The Packers utilize the slot position a lot, so this battle is a very important one to monitor as training camp progresses.

Featured image via Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports