4. The Smith duo
There are legitimate questions about how much money the Packers gave both Za’Darius and Preston Smith in free agency. That doesn’t mean they aren’t good players though. Both linebackers should really help add some upside to this defense in 2019.
Za’Darius Smith is the player Packers fans should really be excited about. He flashed Pro Bowl ability with the Ravens, but was stuck behind some terrific players on the edge. Don’t be surprised if he finds a way to blossom into a guy who flirts with 10 sacks this season.
Preston Smith isn’t nearly as dynamic of a player, but he’s just the sort of steady performer that can help elevate the players around him. His job will be to gobble up a ton of tackles for this defense. If he doesn’t finish the year with close to 100 stops, things haven’t gone according to plan for the Packers.
It would be nice if Green Bay had a little more talent on their defensive line to make life easier for their linebackers, but no Super Bowl contender is blessed with a perfect roster. If the Smith duo can help turn this front seven into a menacing unit, it could bring another title to Green Bay.