Reasons for Hope on Defense 2017 edition

[wist43]

1. Kenny Clark. Everyone sobbing in their Cheerios or trying to hang Thompson with their blankies over not signing a lineman to cover for Guion's coming non-paid vacation has forgotten about the rookie. Outside of Daniels, he was the most effective D lineman at the end of last season and in the playoffs. He even show some pass rush which in vital in the 2-4-5, otherwise known as the base defense.

2. Jon and Ponch. 3rd and 2nd years, if healthy, might give the Packers a functional middle even if Clay isn't moved full time. They looked marvelous together early last season under injuries and Zeke Elliot pulled the rug out from under them.

3. Jayrone Elliot. Even I have my doubts here, but if this Fuckdoggle number from Demovsky is close to true


then Jayrone might make you remember Julius Peppers fondly, rather than with lust in your heart. He got some guaranteed money in his non-tendered agreement, which means the Packers want to see more.

4. Holy Fackrell. If the replacement Spider Monkey gets a little stronger, he might be a better pass rusher than Elliot. If either Fackrell or Elliot can be a 3rd down pass rusher and let Matthews come from wherever, it might have a Woodson effect on the opponents passing game.

5. Kentrell Brice. Hyde is gone but this kid has athletic traits to burn and he likes to hit people. He's the 3rd safety but I would not be surprised if he got some work as a slot guy versus bigger pass catchers. I also think the team might survive the loss of a starter with him out there. More experience and knowledge of the defense might make him effective all game long.

6. Ha-Ha and Burnett. I am not a big fan of Burnett at ILB, but the combo is as good as any center backfield since Collins was playing. Once again I am hopeful communication issues will disappear with those vets back there.

7. House. Yes, kinda an if, but IF he returns close to his 2015 form, its a nice upgrade from anything on the bench at the beginning of last year.

8. Randall and Rollins. If healthy, it cannot be worse than last year. They need one to be ready to start by camp. Only one because either the youngsters behind them or some UDFA from Miami will take a job next year.

The rain on your parade is that most of those guys have low ceilings.

No way should Clark have been a 1st round pick - Datone Jones Part II.

Ryan and Martinez are "try hard" guys, but that's just another way of saying pedestrian.

Fackrell is a heady player and has some measurables, but he's a step slow and lacks explosion.

Randall and Rollins can be okay I think, but certainly not upper echelon material.

Of all the young guys, Ol' Alligator Arms Lowry probably has the most upside.

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Those things said, those guys represent Ted's vision for improving the defense. What does that get us to?? Average??

We were 31st in pass D last year, and the pass rush sucked... I don't hold our run defense in much regard either. In short, our defense sucks big-time, and I just don't see the young guys vaulting us into sort of respectability. TT, and you, and Packerdom, are looking at these guys with rose colored glasses.

[smuggler]

No way should Clark have been a 1st round pick - Datone Jones Part II.

Did you even watch Clark play last year? If he plays as he did in the playoffs last season, he was an excellent late first round pick. He contributed to a playoff run, so he's already a better pick than Datone.

[wist43]

Did you even watch Clark play last year? If he plays as he did in the playoffs last season, he was an excellent late first round pick. He contributed to a playoff run, so he's already a better pick than Datone.

I didn't watch all the games... but tried to tape them and skim thru as best I could. I just don't have the free time I used to have...

That said, from what I did see... Clark can hold his own 1 on 1, but I didn't see him defeat a single double team, he struggles to disengage - in fact he rarely is able to disengage - he never made any play, and he showed exactly zero burst.

He played like a mid-round pick - a rotational body. Certainly didn't show any 1st round skills.

[Pugger]

Did you even watch Clark play last year? If he plays as he did in the playoffs last season, he was an excellent late first round pick. He contributed to a playoff run, so he's already a better pick than Datone.

Agreed. Jones was a mistake. He never was a good fit. Let MN have him and his boneheaded penalties.