This Packers player will be a first-time Pro Bowler in 2020

Look for linebacker Preston Smith to impress in his second year in Green Bay.

You can keep Mr. and Mrs. Smith. It was a cute movie that hearkens back to a simpler time, but is ultimately the kind of empty calories that belong in a Totino’s box. No, give me “Mr. and Mr. Smith” any day: Preston and Za’Darius.

The Green Bay Packers knocked their 2019 offseason out of the park on the defensive side of the ball, adding the Smith boys into the fold at outside linebacker and reaping the benefits from the jump. Za’Darius was a one-man plague for opposing quarterbacks, logging 13.5 sacks and earning his first career Pro Bowl nod. Despite sacking QBs 12 times himself (not including two in the postseason), Preston Smith was not similarly honored.

That changes in 2020.

Bet on Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith to follow up his terrific first year at Lambeau with a Pro Bowl campaign this season

As an everyday starter for the Redskins, Preston was a solid presence in his four seasons preceding the move to Green Bay. After he relocated in free agency on a four-year deal, however, his career took off. His sack total was 50% higher than his previous career high, he tied his personal best for passes defended, and set new single-season marks for total tackles, solo tackles, and quarterback hits.

And at age 28, you’ve got to think that the best is yet to come from this beastly former Mississippi State Bulldog.

Durable pass rushers who stand 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds don’t exactly grow on trees. And while Za’Darius Smith and Kenny Clark justifiably receive the larger share of the praise when it comes to Packer defenders, the “other” Mr. Smith has every opportunity to take his exciting 2019 performance and ratchet it up into something deep playoff runs are built on.