Packers rookie receiving major boost from Pro Bowl DL Kenny Clark
Right now, the theme of the Green Bay Packers offseason is all about cohesion and teamwork. It's been echoed multiple times by both coaches and players over the last few weeks. One area that needs to build a lot of chemistry and cohesion is the defensive line. It's a very young unit anchored by two-time […]
Right now, the theme of the Green Bay Packers offseason is all about cohesion and teamwork.
It's been echoed multiple times by both coaches and players over the last few weeks.
One area that needs to build a lot of chemistry and cohesion is the defensive line. It's a very young unit anchored by two-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark. The eighth-year pro is easily one of the best defensive tackles in the game, but he can't do it all and he's going to need the young guys to step up if the defense wants to pick up where it left off in 2022.
One of the youngsters is rookie fifth-rounder, Karl Brooks. The former Falcon is expected to compete for a depth role behind Clark and last year's first-round pick, Devonte Wyatt.
Based off Brooks' skillset, he could easily find himself playing a big role in 2023. He's a very quick, athletic player who can be a big mismatch for guards and centers on the interior defensive line. If Brooks can get to where he needs to be, there's certainly a world in which he can be a key part of the pass rush rotation on obvious passing downs/in subpackages.
So far, Clark -as well as many others- are helping Brooks get to that point. And in a big way.
"There's so many things I've learned from Kenny," Brooks told reporters Wednesday. "I'd say the main thing is just the attention to detail and everything he does and everything he tells me is to be super-detailed. I'd say it's a lot…
"… Pretty much the whole d-line… They give me a lot of tips and pointers to keep me on my game."
If there's anyone to learn from, it's certainly Clark. His willingness to be one of the Packers' leaders is already a great development in its own right. So it's obviously even better that he's following through with his actions.
“I feel like, start of the year, I've been more vocal, definitely to start the year,” Clark said back in May. “Just looking inward at myself, I definitely need to be more vocal. Guys want to hear me talk and they respect what I say.
"So I definitely have to be more of a vocal leader for the team. But as far as just my approach, I'm coming in every day and working – being the same guy every day. I definitely need to step up that part of my game, as far as being vocal.”
With Clark leading the way, the defensive line is in good hands.
And the eventual payoff -especially for Brooks- should be massive.
Featured image via Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK
