Packers rookies providing much-needed 'spark' in key area
Naturally, all eyes will be on Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love and the offense in 2023, but it's the defense that really holds the key to success.The unit now has eight former first-round draft picks, along with bonafide, All-Pro level starters like De'Vondre Campbell and Keisean Nixon. There's also Rasul Douglas, who may not […]
Naturally, all eyes will be on Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love and the offense in 2023, but it's the defense that really holds the key to success.
The unit now has eight former first-round draft picks, along with bonafide, All-Pro level starters like De'Vondre Campbell and Keisean Nixon. There's also Rasul Douglas, who may not have an All-Pro or Pro Bowl under his belt, but his nine interceptions over the last two seasons are second-most among all corners since 2021. Don't forget about Preston Smith, either.
In other words: The Packers defense is loaded and it has all the makings of a top-10 unit, at worst.
The defensive line does have some questions, however. Sure, two-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark is in the mix and Devonte Wyatt looks like he's taking another step in his development. But beyond them things are pretty questionable.
Two factors in the equation are rookie defensive linemen Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks, a fourth- and sixth-round pick, respectively. In terms of depth, they are the next guys up and we all know big guys can't play 100% of defensive snaps. So they're going to see some playing time -and probably a decent chunk of playing time- in 2023.
Both players are matchup nightmares on obvious passing downs. They can use their quickness and athleticism against guards and centers along the interior of the offensive line. That can give the Packers the ever-desired interior push on defense, which is key to disrupting the timing and flow of opposing quarterbacks and offenses.
So far, both players are having a good summer. Especially Brooks, who really showed up during the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"Those guys have done a really nice job, and they gotta continue to stack that," Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters before Thursday's practice. "They're obviously young players, but they've provided a spark in terms of some internal pass rush that we're definitely going to need. I think that's the name of the game in this league in terms of, if you can get teams into those passing situations and get pressure on the quarterback, you have a much better chance of having success, defensively."
Wooden played 33 defensive snaps against the Bengals and recorded two tackles and a pass break-up. Per Pro Football Focus, he played all along the defensive line outside of nose tackle. He even logged two snaps an outside end – meaning, he was lined up outside the 5-tech position.
Brooks played 28 defensive snaps and finished the game with one tackle and two quarterback hits. He got into the Bengals backfield on multiple occasions, flashing that quickness that allowed him to rack up the sacks at Bowling Green. He played all along the defensive line, as well, but he did record some snaps at nose, unlike Wooden. However, Brooks didn't line up as far outside as Wooden did.
That's pretty much how they're going to be used and it should really help a Packers pass rush that finished 2022 with the fifth-fewest sacks (34) and a below-average adjusted sack rate of 6.9%. It will all be predicated upon the down, distance, and personnel employed on the other side of the ball. It's clear the Packers have a vision for these two kids and they'll certainly be making noise on Sundays if they continue their development.
Packers QB Jordan Love keeps progressing vs. Patriots
The Packers QB has looked good against some tough defenses.
Featured image via Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
