Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions for 2019 season

By Joe Kipp | Sep 4, 2019

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Running back Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers looks back as he steps into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 15: Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field after a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

4. Za’Darius Smith posts double-digit sacks, leads team

Although he’s a newcomer in 2019, it shouldn’t be long before casual fans come to familiarize themselves with outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith. The Packers’ big marquee free-agent signee is set to be one of the team’s highest-paid players in 2019 after signing a four-year, $66 million contract back in March.

Coming off the best season of his short, four-year career, Smith was mightily impressive for much of training camp. Smith finished 2018 with 60 total pressures, 25 quarterback hits and 8.5 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens.

After leading the Ravens in sacks in 2018 with just 8.5, Smith may have to reach double-digits to lead Green Bay in 2019. Kyler Fackrell, who’s been a rotational pass rusher nearly his entire career, led the Packers with 10.5 sacks last season. Smith should easily eclipse that number if he performs like he did in training camp and preseason.

The Packers are banking on Smith to be an ascending player. His career arc thus far suggests he hasn’t yet reached his peak, so hopefully for the Packers’ sake, he breaks out in a big way. Nearly unblockable for much of training camp, Smith showed he has what it takes to lead Green Bay’s defense in sacks this season.

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