Packers training camp: 5 Players who will turn heads in Green Bay
4. Kingsley Keke, DT
After revamping their edge rushers last offseason by signing Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, the Packers front five got a lot of love last season. Having said that, the three-man defensive front in Mike Pettine’s 3-4 base defense didn’t totally live up to expectations. Kenny Clark was still a stud, as expected, but Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster left a bit to be desired in that regard.
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As of right now, it would seem that Lowry and Lancaster are slated to be the starters alongside Clark once again. At the same time, one player who is gaining steam heading into training camp is 2019 fifth-round pick Kingsley Keke. After playing limited snaps in his rookie season, people are expecting him to make a big jump and possible secure a role as a starter.
Leading into the 2019 NFL Draft, The Draft Network’s Joe Marino praised Keke’s potential as a situational pass-rusher who needed coaching to refine his technique and work on his consistent motor. What’s interesting, though, is that he was a better run defender than pass-rusher in his 107 defensive snaps last season according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
If he’s indeed able to grow after a year of NFL coaching, his blend of athletic tools and length could give the Green Bay defensive line a real spark. Expect him to flash in training camp and likely push Lowry or Lancaster for starting reps on the front. In fact, my safe bet would be for him to win one of those jobs when it’s all said and done.