Green Bay Hopes Out With The Old And In With The New, Is The Key To Turning Around Their Defense This Season.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this article taking a look at the Green Bay Packers. I will be identifying players that I would consider adding ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire these players.
Kenny Clark, Defensive Tackle:
Kenny Clark, 23, has started 28 of 32 games for the Green Bay Packers defense, over the last two seasons. He ended 2018 with 36 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, and six sacks. So, with Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine back for another season, I’m expecting Clark to be a starter for 2019. If Kenny can stay healthy for a full season, then his production should only increase, making him someone I’d want to own.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Due to Kenny Clark’s inability to start a full 16 games the last two seasons, this is a perfect time to buy-low on him for this upcoming season. Even though he finished just outside of the top 5 in scoring, among defensive tackles in 2018, there is a chance he could be had for a mid round pick or at most a late early round pick.
Honorable Mention: Za’Darius Smith, Linebacker, however I’m expecting him to switch to a defensive end this season.
Kyler Fackrell, Outside Linebacker:
Kyler Fackrell, 27, had a fairly quiet 2018 season outside of two big games. His first was in week 4 against the Buffalo Bills and his second was in week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks. Fackrell’s final line was 29 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, and 10 and a half sacks. Out of the 16 games he played, he got seven starts. I’m expecting Kyler to start, this season, for the recently released Nick Perry.
Fantasy Recommendation:
If he’s on your wavier wire, he’s a must add. If not, then I’m going to his current owner and offering a mid round pick and seeing if that gets the job done.
Honorable Mention: Preston Smith, Outside Linebacker.
Josh Jones, Safety:
Josh Jones, 24, took a step back in 2018, playing in and starting in less games then he did in 2017. Last season, he finished with 40 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack. Even with all of that said, I expect him to be a starter this season, turning that into increased production. That makes him a great buy-low candidate for me, given the type of offenses that are in the NFC North.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He should be available on your wavier wire, but if not it shouldn’t cost more than a late round pick.
Honorable Mention: Kevin King, Cornerback.
Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers lost names like Nick Perry, Clay Mathews, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix on defense, this off-season. In order for the Packers to get back to the playoffs, they’ll need their new additions and young guys to step up, this season. Ranking these buy lows in order of priority, it would be Kyler Fackrell, Kenny Clark, and Josh Jones. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Houston Texans.
Follow me on Twitter @MorganMcLane and follow the show @IDPGuys Defense does win Championships!
