Green Bay Packers Defense year in review and grades

Dec 21, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels (76) reacts after he sacked Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (not pictured) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive line  –  Green Bay has been making a conscious effort to move away from the mountainous Ryan Pickett types, and bring in longer, quicker and more athletic linemen.  This is very much a work in progress, but the results haven’t been encouraging.

The line showed promise later in the season, but their struggles can be traced back to training camp when starting nose tackle B.J. Raji was placed on injured reserve.  Letroy Guion shook off the rust by midseason, but his recent arrest could end his short stint in Green Bay.  Josh Boyd was barely serviceable while second-year man Datone Jones failed to take the next step that the Packers were hoping for, recording just 1.5 sacks.

This unit isn’t without a bright spot, though, and that comes in the rising star Mike Daniels.  The former fourth-round pick in 2012 posted 5.5 sacks, and used his all-motor, all the time playing style to move blockers at will.

Heading into this offseason, expect the Packers to continue pouring depth into their line.  The NFL Draft is Ted Thompson‘s usual hunting ground, and along with inside linebacker, the nose tackle position could be one of their first positions addressed.  B.J. Raji‘s return is uncertain, but at a position with such limited top-end starters, the Packers may be in tough.  For better or for worse, expect some fresh faces up front next September.

2014 Grade:  D+

Next: Inconsistencies in the linebacking corps