Packers Preview: Defensive Line
The 3-4 defense is built from trenches. The defensive line has one responsibility, contain the offensive line and let the linebackers run in space. Green Bay needs big players who can hold the point of attack and swallow up offensive guards looking to penetrate to the second level. In a perfect world, these mammoths would also be able to break down the line and pressure the quarterback in passing situations.
Obviously, these types of athletes are a rare breed. The Packers may have drafted a one-of-a-kind player in B.J. Raji. He has the size of a huge NT with the speed and quickness of a defensive end. Raji will make an impact immediately somewhere on the line. Ryan Pickett (6-2, 330) is the starting nose tackle heading into the season. I like that. He has the size to take up a lot of space in the middle, which is exactly what Green Bay needs from Pickett.
B.J. Raji, 6'3" 337 lbs NT/DE
Raji has been working out at both NT and DE, and will likely see a lot of playing time at both positions. I predict Raji will start at defensive end on first and second down, and will slide inside on third down situations as well as whenever Pickett needs a breather. Ryan Pickett is getting old but has been solid for the Packers, and he will need to stay healthy if the Packers hope to make a run down the stretch.
Last season Cullen Jenkins (6-2, 305) suffered a season ending injury week 2 at Minnesota. Two years ago, Jenkins was really starting to come along as a big, versatile defensive lineman. He should fit in nicely as a defensive end in Dom Capers new system. Cullen has good size and speed to have a solid season this year. He also has the ability to play defensive tackle in nickle and dime situations.
Johnny Jolly(6-3, 320) is a player that will need to make a quick adjustment to his new role, as he could be extremely valuable in the defensive front. He had been coming along as a defensive tackle in the old scheme, and has the size to play the run stopping defensive end role.
Justin Harrell(6-4, 320), one of my favorite Ted Thompson picks (not). Thompson made the extremely questionable call to draft Harrell in the first round in 2007, even with a stable of defensive tackles on the roster and the Tennessee star was coming off a severe injury that ended his senior season. Injuries have plagued Justin’s career thus far, but if he can remain healthy he may have what it takes to make an impact for the Packers defense.
With the change to the 3-4, there are some new faces added to help add size and depth to watch along the line like Dean Muhtadi (6-3 295), Alfred Malone (6-4, 312), Brian Soi (6-3, 334) and rookie Jarius Wynn (6-3, 277) who will need to add some bulk to play defensive end.
This line had been built for the 4-3, but these players have the size and athleticism to make the switch. Dom Capers is one of the most highly regarded defensive coaches in the game today, but with a major switch can come major headache. I believe Dom Capers, the rest of the defensive staff, and the defensive players can make a smooth transition, they will have to.
My depth chart:
LDE: Cullen Jenkins, Johnny Jolly
NT: Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji
RDE: B.J. Raji, Justin Harrell
