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Green Bay Packers: Ranking the 10 best players on the team

By Joe Kipp

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 23: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers scores the game winning touchdown reception past Morris Claiborne #21 of the New York Jets during overtime at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the Jets 44-38. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 23: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers scores the game winning touchdown reception past Morris Claiborne #21 of the New York Jets during overtime at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the Jets 44-38. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after knocking down Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 27-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after knocking down Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 27-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

10. Za’Darius Smith

Even though he’s never played in a regular season game for the Packers, outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith projects as one of their best defenders based on past performance. One of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL last season, Smith was brought in via free agency this offseason to help Green Bay’s pass rushing woes of 2018. He signed a four-year, $66 million deal in March.

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Previously of the Baltimore Ravens, Smith is coming off a career year which saw him produce 8.5 sacks, 25 quarterback hits, 60 total pressures and 10 tackles for losses over 690 total snaps. Last year alone, the Packers’ entire group edge rushers only racked up 113 total pressures. After the departures of Nick Perry and Clay Matthews this offseason, Green Bay will be banking on Smith to produce in a similar fashion in 2019.

Smith figures to be the Packers’ go-to option when it comes to getting pressure on the quarterback in 2019. Like in Baltimore, he’s likely to be used on both the interior and off the edge. His versatility allowed him to be the team’s highest-paid defender at the moment, so it’s time to show it on the field.

Along with Kenny Clark, Mike Daniels and fellow new-comer Preston Smith, the Packers could have one of the best defensive line units in the entire NFL in 2019.

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