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Green Bay Packers: Defense is finally on the mend

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after blocking a field goal against Mike Badgley #4 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after blocking a field goal against Mike Badgley #4 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

OLB Za’Darius Smith (from Baltimore Ravens)

The Green Bay Packers are hoping that a talented performer who is coming off a career year can make a huge impact in his first season with his new team.

In four years with the Baltimore Ravens, outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith racked up 18.5 sacks in 58 regular-season games. This past season, the 2015 fourth-round selection from the University of Kentucky played in all 16 games and made a career-best eight starts. He finished with 45 tackles and a team-high and personal-best 8.5 sacks. All told, 10 of his 45 stops were for losses and he paced the Ravens with 25 quarterback hits. He also knocked down two passes and forced one fumble.

You get the sense that the four-year pro is still a work in progress but is a player with enormous potential. This past season, outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell totaled 10.5 of the club’s 44 quarterback traps. The 6-4, 272-pound newcomer could spell the team leader in sacks on occasion and may line up anywhere on coordinator Mike Pettine’s unit.

In 2018, the Packers were 18th in the league in total defense, including 22nd vs. the run and 12th vs. the pass. The club surrendered 30 touchdown passes and a total of 45 offensive touchdowns. Paired with fellow free-agent addition Preston Smith, it will be interesting to see how this new-look set of bookends will fare this season.

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