Have the Packers Finally Found Help for Kenny Clark?
Did the Packers finally get enough help for defensive tackle Kenny Clark?
For the last few years, the Green Bay Packers have needed another impactful interior defensive lineman to pair with Kenny Clark. However, despite multiple tries, they have been unable to hit on any prospects since Clark’s selection in 2016.
In the last five drafts, the Packers have selected three players who they hoped would assist Clark on the interior. Unfortunately, none of them have panned out, pushing the team to try again this year with fifth-round nose tackle TJ Slaton. But for Slaton to be the answer, he must surpass the team’s previous three attempts.
Montravious Adams was their first try, but injuries and lack of development made it hard for him to carve out even a rotational role. After appearing in 45 games over the last four seasons, he is no longer with the team and currently a member of the New England Patriots. As a former third-round pick, Adams’ selection quickly became a disappointment. He failed to consistently stay on the field and muster decent production. In four years, Adams totaled 44 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Next came James Looney, who was taken as a late-round flier for depth purposes back in 2018. Except, Looney spent more time trying to switch to tight end than he did trying to pan out as an NFL defensive lineman. The expectations for Looney were low, but his time in Green Bay was somehow still a disappointment. For a short while, his storyline was intriguing, if not for the simple fact that virtually no seventh-round defensive linemen make the switch to offense. Unfortunately, Looney couldn’t stick around at tight end, either, and remains a free agent without a position.
Kingsley Keke is the latest example, but he’s an experiment that still has a glimmer of hope. Keke has two years left on his rookie contract, but Slaton’s selection has definitely lit a fire under his locker room stool. The Packers basically started the same process from when Keke was taken two years after Adams.
Keke is a fifth-round pick that has shown flashes, but it clearly wasn’t enough to deter the team from seeking additional help. There’s an argument to be made that it’s impossible to have too many defensive linemen, but Green Bay is clearly hoping Slaton will be better than the guys before him.
That said, Keke and Slaton possess differentiating skill sets, which gives the defense flexibility. Keke is more of a pass rusher, while Slaton is a beefy run stopper. Last season, Keke made four sacks even though he played only 40 percent of the defensive snaps. There’s a chance the two could rotate between run and passing downs, but one will be ahead of the other on the depth chart.
After numerous failed attempts, the Packers are hoping that between Keke and Slaton, they have someone who can emerge as a formidable presence next to Clark.
Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.
Comments (65)
LambeauPlain
May 19, 2021 at 12:28 pm
With Barry probably playing more 5 man fronts, that opens up snaps for both Keke and perhaps Slaton along with Kenny, Z, and P. Smith or Gary on early downs...Keke, Clark with, Z or Gary on the line in passing downs with with one of them on Edge with Preston.
Lowry and Lancaster probably more rotational backups if Keke steps up and Slaton show he can get it done against the run. Slaton's rub was he gassed out after a few plays...but that was when he weighed 350+. He wants to play at 320 but will need a weight watchers coach.
Reading about Keke's focus to gain muscle weight, especially in his lower body was promising. Kid is already quick.
Alberta_Packer
May 19, 2021 at 12:57 pm
Anything but 3-man fronts! Personally, I think that Preston Smith would be better as a DE than OLB. And the less that Lancaster and Lowry plays - the better for the team. So I foresee a D-line consisting of different combinations of Clark, Slaton, Keke - P.Smith, R.Gary, Z.Smith - (depth) Lancaster, Heflin, Lowry, And Gutekunst may want to add a veteran d-lineman from the discount bin (as Lowry's replacement).
NorCalPacker685
May 19, 2021 at 01:03 pm
I’m with you... it boggles my mind that Dean is still on the team and i think he’s somewhere close to a top 10 salary. He’s such a waste.
Alberta_Packer
May 19, 2021 at 04:53 pm
It seems to me that once Lowry signed his big contract, he immediately became afflicted with coast-itis. I've seen it before - often in Russian hockey players (save Ovechkin) - who sign a large, long-term contract - then put their feet (skates) on the table - waiting for their guaranteed cheques to roll in - thus becoming their primary occupation.
dobber
May 19, 2021 at 03:59 pm
Lowry was exposed when Mike Daniels was no longer playing on the other side of the line.
Alberta_Packer
May 19, 2021 at 04:51 pm
Good scouting. Obviously not seen by management.
10ve 💚
May 19, 2021 at 01:09 pm
Discount bin... LOL!!!
Tundraboy
May 20, 2021 at 09:16 am
Yes! 5 man fronts will be welcome
Oppy
May 19, 2021 at 01:20 pm
Is anyone positive that Barry's "five man fronts" aren't just like our typical 3-4 base alignment? The OLBs playing from a two point stance are still typically right on the LOS. I don't necessarily know that Barry is going to have them with a hand in the dirt, or if that would make much difference.
I'm not sure, but I think people might be mistaking semantic differences for wholesale scheme changes.
Alberta_Packer
May 19, 2021 at 04:58 pm
You're probably correct. However, I'll accept any front that does not have Kenny C. alone with Lowry and Lancaster.
CoachDino
May 19, 2021 at 05:20 pm
I might not know much but what I do know is Barry won't have Donald so he won't be playing the same thing (to a point). yes a 5 man from is a 3-4 with the OLB playing on the line. Same thing Petinne used. IMO it was never the issue.
IMO the only way that the Packers or any 3-4 team keeps 3 Dlineman on the field more is if they can generate a rush from those guys. Lancaster and lowery weren't the issue against the run. the grade out with Lancaster ahead of KC even against the run lowery not so much.
MA was supposed to be that, now Keke- who has flashed it and personally I'm optimistic.
You can not leave a 3 man DL out there much that can't supply a pass rush. With studs like Z and gary they can get home IF the DL plays its part, as KC does, but simple 1vs1 is all it takes on DL & TL to keep them from even pushing the pocket.
IF, you can have KC and KK play 5Tech or even cheat in and have 1 play a 3tech and TS can generate a push up the middle w/o try to shoot gaps but to suck up OLman you can keep the beef on the field and just rotate in Lancaster at NT and lowery at a 5 tech. If not than You have to sub out a DL in favor of a coverage or Pass rusher.
It all comes down to down/distance/scenario (time/score) but if you can play your 3 DL 20% more than the 50% you do now thats 60% of the time the big boys are out there and that will impact the run, while not risking the more dangerous weapon - The Pass.
thats my take and what I have seen with some tape analysis on YTUBE. Im just hoping to see what others think as well as I really do believe that its the lack of pass rush thats holding back playing 3 DL more.
greengold
May 19, 2021 at 05:59 pm
Yeah, I’m ... for lack of a better term, HOPING TJ Slaton can be that guy we drafted him to be. Pass rush is likely what pushed him over some other picks - and it was more based on potential.
He didn’t blow the doors off. Menial numbers, really, but he started putting it together late. It will be fun to see what they do with him. That dude is a load, and I’m sure KC will help him a ton.
Hoping if GB makes a trade and free up some cash that they sign Sheldon Richardson. That one guy would cure a lot. Add Bradley Chubb?
Wow.
CoachDino
May 19, 2021 at 07:12 pm
Can you imagine a defense that has Keke, Sheldon (too expensive cap wise but ya stud) KC. The rush alone from them would be impressive. Then add Gary, Preston & Z to the equation. The QB will have no time and really allow the DBs to thrive (Plus just 5 DBs on the field). The speed to power with those 6 mentioned is incredible. The only thing I see are fans freaking out when the OLBs drop in coverage (which they do as do these type of guys around the league). Its just manning a zone/lane or possible a outlet TE. Then they could have savage,JA, Stokes or another 4.2/4.3 guy blitz unexpectedly. Barry would be in his glory. I always felt Petinne didn't have the players to do some of the things needed. Barry, I wouldn't say confirmed that, spoke to that about not being able to run #1 CB with #1WR unless all the CBs can play slot and outside. It also means having zone and man ability. You can't disguise much when KK can't play slot and Chandon can't play outside, plus KK's and others ability to play press man. They know what your doing just by seeing who's out there. When savage and Amos started playing more coverage/Box opposed to just deep zone or help coverage they both upped their game.
TS doesn't have to be a superstar if he can just command or force Double teams and Barry can utilize KC elsewhere good things will happen.
Chubb would be awesome. Coming up on a contract in a few years, team can decide beforehand the plan. keep Z, Gary and Him let Preston go. Keep gary and Chubb let Z go. Just going to be tough to pay Z, Chubb and Gary. if they trade with denver he would be a great target but I'd look more for even younger guys because I do see a dip for a year or 2 with Love and would like to see everything timed for 2023 and beyond. Then again if the D with Chubb and the latest additions is Top 5 and love just manages a loaded offense it may not be a long wait. Not sure us fans realize the influx in talent available if they lose AR contract (yes, there is some dead cap issues for a couple of years). We all just focus on the negative, which is a big deal to be sure.
greengold
May 20, 2021 at 08:54 am
Love what you're saying here, Dino.
HELL YEAH I can imagine Sheldon Richardson on this Packers team, along with Bradley Chubb. We would have the cap room for it with an AR trade. I just saw terms proposed where DEN would also pay monies towards a Chubb extension with GB... hilarious all the stuff being tossed around out there now on this.
You're right, so many people can only see negatives of AR being traded. Too bad. Because, there are a lot of positives.
"Once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right."
Tundraboy
May 20, 2021 at 09:25 am
We need a load .
KenEllis
May 20, 2021 at 08:41 am
Kenny Clark is now very good and was a first round pick.
Kenny Clark did next to nothing as a rookie ... on a team with Daniels and nothing else on the D line.
Only the fantasy writers at Cheeseheadtv and kool aid drinking Packer loyalists could possibly think that a 2021 defensive line in which Tyler Lancaster, Dean Lowry, and Tedarrel Slaton are being counted on to play a lot of snaps will be any better than the crap we've seen in GB over the past decade.
By the way, when is the annual "Have the Packers finally fixed their Inside Linebacker problem" article due to come out?
Tundraboy
May 20, 2021 at 09:19 am
Fair points I especially am done talking about the ILB position.
CoachDino
May 21, 2021 at 03:34 pm
keep in mind that LAR were considered to have the worst near worst ILB play and yet the best defense. Having a strong Dline helps but then again how "deep" was that Dline when Donald got hurt. The Packers completely exposed it.
greengold
May 20, 2021 at 09:28 am
I'd like to add, Green Bay has not had a serviceable DL since Ryan Pickett, BJ Raji and Cullen Jenkins. Those 3 were superstars. Mike Daniels? Not a superstar.
Kenny Clark is now, and has been a superstar for 3 years. We've had no one else. Only Kenny Clark.
Kingsley Keke dropped into R4.
TJ Slaton was taken R5.
We need more talent there, as much as I like both of those prospects. Keke is entering year 3 and remains a prospect at this moment...
WE NEED A LEGIT DEFENSIVE LINE. STILL!!!!! Two years after being blown off the ball by SF in the NFCC. Ouch.
I'm sorry. I love the TJ Slaton pick, but that is not enough.
Oppy
May 20, 2021 at 10:50 am
The biggest problem Packers fans have with inside line backers is that every time the Packers actually have a solid inside linebacker, Packers fans can't wait to get rid of him (Hawk, Martinez).
greengold
May 21, 2021 at 03:47 pm
Oppy,
If you did a poll, and asked "Was AJ Hawk was overdrafted?" with the answers being:
Yes
No
Fuck Yes!
I bet "Fuck Yes!" would win. In a landslide.
stockholder
May 19, 2021 at 12:55 pm
Green Bay Packers (1998–2011)
Scout
Green Bay Packers (2012–2015)
Director of college scouting
Green Bay Packers (2016–2017)
Director of player personnel
Green Bay Packers (2018-present)
General manager
Yes; this is Gute's history with the Packers. And Gute surely saw TT, try to Upgrade and Find replacements. Why hasn't Gute? Come on; you have to hit on somebody. Even a Free Agent. Just one player who won't take the duration of their contract to help. Nope. The void continues. And so does the wait. I guess hell has to freeze over before Gute gets serious about this Defensive Line. Is there a Plan? Of course there is. Draft and development. Ok that was TTs. But he was replaced. So lets give Gute 10 years to figure this out. Time is a wasting. Thats really the bottom line here. How can a GM not know what it takes to win? Why Is the thinking rotational. Clark isn't! Help? Isn't this like; somethings better then nothing?
10ve 💚
May 19, 2021 at 01:12 pm
"How can a GM not know what it takes to win?"
Yep! Makes a lot of sense. None of the other teams have GMs, so the Packers, as the only team with a GM, should have one that knows what it takes to win.
Yep! Makes a lot of sense ~
packer132
May 20, 2021 at 09:37 am
Pew: Where did you see that Green Bay is the only team with a GM? Wrong. Only a couple of teams do NOT have a GM. There is no one owner, but a board of directors who have a chief executive officer (Mark Murphy) who runs the organization. Under him is the general manager. Try to get a clue.
marpag1
May 20, 2021 at 02:14 am
"How can a GM not know what it takes to win?"
So you show that Gute has a history with the Packers since 1998. Great. Over those 23 season in which Gutey was working for Green Bay, the Packers have gone 229-137-2 for a winning percentage of 62.5%. That is better than every team in the league except for New England and Pittsburgh. (And Pittsburgh has won only ONE game more than Gb since that time). The Packers have won a Superbowl during that time while 19 other teams have not, and 12 teams have not even played in a Superbowl during the last 23 seasons.
Oh yeah, and they've gone 26-6 over the past two seasons, reaching the NFCCG both times.
And you conclude from this history that Gutey doesn't know how to win.
Sorry, that is stupid.
NorCalPacker685
May 19, 2021 at 12:55 pm
Long story short... No
Alberta_Packer
May 19, 2021 at 01:01 pm
Because of my basic optimism - I have to say - "maybe a little."
Leatherhead
May 19, 2021 at 01:26 pm
We’re going to get Chubb in the Rodgers trade.
greengold
May 19, 2021 at 02:44 pm
YES we are, and more.
13TimeChamps
May 19, 2021 at 05:22 pm
That's cool that you were involved in the negotiations. Who else are we getting?
Leatherhead
May 19, 2021 at 06:01 pm
We’re trading you for a dumbass they want to get rid of, Princess.
You really can’t help yourself, can you?
13TimeChamps
May 19, 2021 at 10:20 pm
Geez, I was just trying to thank you for the inside info Leatherface.
Leatherhead
May 20, 2021 at 01:23 am
No you weren’t.
Coach Cleve Steamer
May 20, 2021 at 07:11 am
Cute.
Stroh
May 23, 2021 at 07:21 pm
No we're not getting Chubb. Because Rodgers is NOT being traded.
Zapato
May 19, 2021 at 01:49 pm
Your last line reminded me of a saying we used to have in the Air Force. "Hope, is not a method."
ShooterMcGee
May 19, 2021 at 02:28 pm
The neglect of the DLine and ILB positions borders on insanity. An obvious weakness of our team throughout the last decade it continues to be a low priority for the front office. Throwing late rounders and udfas into the mix hoping for a transformation seems ridiculous. This team is destined for above average regular season results coupled with a playoff collapse.
greengold
May 19, 2021 at 02:59 pm
You're SO RIGHT Zapato.
Kenny Clark = GREAT
Add TJ Slaton, Kingsley Keke, Anthony Rush, Shelby Harris and Bradley Chubb. Bake on PIZZA setting for 10-14 minutes. Serve HOT.
Coldworld
May 19, 2021 at 06:31 pm
Glad to see Rush mentioned. He’s a big guy who Gute picked up last year. Came in to the as a developmental UDFA but with the physical traits to be more than just a stopper. Has been through a few teams, most recently Chicago. Think we might have him at the right time.
greengold
May 19, 2021 at 06:51 pm
Yes. Agree. He’s a MOUNTAIN, I think from UAB. I recall his stats there were what you want to see at NT and ascending. 43 tackles, 11 TFL, 2 FF, 2 sacks 1 PD his last year. (Had to look them up).
I love seeing the hustle stats anywhere, but especially from a NT.
I think he’s 6-5 355... NT with clearly developed run stop. Had 9 TFL the year before plus an INT returned for a TD.
Coldworld
May 20, 2021 at 08:05 am
I think he can play some DE too. He’s much more sudden than Lancaster, able to collapse the pocket not just clog.
murf7777
May 19, 2021 at 03:19 pm
" while Slaton is a beefy run stopper"
From what I read on him he needs work at run stopping and is more efficient at pressuring the passer at this stage of his career. He has the size for that run stuffer and hopefully they can add that to his arsenal through training and the work out room.
Alberta_Packer
May 19, 2021 at 05:14 pm
I think any rookie coming into the NFL needs to work on everything. What is encouraging about Slaton is that he is a massive ball of clay that does not appear to be one-dimensional - which isn't necessarily the case for a D-line later-rounder. I see him making his way - in Year 1 - primarily as a spot-duty run stopper. Then advancing his skills as a pass-rusher in Year2+. By Year 3 we may see Slaton as a player being all that he can be.
splitpea1
May 19, 2021 at 05:33 pm
Since the two 2019 debacles in SF, Gute has had two drafts to fix the underbelly of this defense. He has devoted a pair of lower 5th picks to a DL and ILB, signed Kirksey, and re-signed Lancaster--not the most serious approach you can take. I do give him credit for signing Barnes, though. So once again we're hoping we can skate by with this approach if we're fortunate enough to make the playoffs again. Maybe Keke will take that big jump and provide the boost we need, and maybe Slaton can contribute. But so far it hasn't worked--unless you're one of those satisfied with falling short of the ultimate goal.
Packers0808
May 19, 2021 at 05:10 pm
Slater, what does he play for Packers? Don't recognize that name.
Stroh
May 23, 2021 at 07:43 pm
The only time a DL worth a damn was available to pick was when he took Gary at #12. Simmons was a DL worth drafting #12. This years draft was exceedingly weak at DL. Gutey values DL but not enough to reach.
ILB is about the least consequential position on a football field. So it's certainly not worth using high value draft capital on it!
splitpea1
May 23, 2021 at 08:35 pm
I don't think the last two teams that beat us in the NFCCG subscribe to your philosophy. When Devin White makes 15 tackles and recovers a fumble, that definitely qualifies as "consequential."
And plenty of other teams have selected DL in the past couple of years before the late fifth round, so that collective wisdom about the classes being weak....should be taken with a grain of salt. I don't know how much Gute values DL, but the one thing for sure is that he likes to splurge on the OL.
Lare
May 19, 2021 at 04:18 pm
Like ILB, I don't think Gutekunst places much emphasis on the DL positions.
Coldworld
May 19, 2021 at 06:35 pm
I don’t think Pettine did. Gute didn’t pick Pettine, MM did. I hope Barry is more interested in the DL and has a different vision for it. Lowry’s continued presence still vexes me, but maybe the summer can change that. The move to more and more mobile bigger men in addition to Clark is welcome.
CoachDino
May 19, 2021 at 04:52 pm
MA situation sucks, you know statistically and PFF grading had him as one of the Packers best D players. Small sample but just the bad luck the Packers have had with him from the beginning. Didn't take long for the best Coach/GM in the league to snatch him up did it. He was a strong prospect coming out of college just due to injuries and something else as I wouldn't think it was all injuries he never made it.
looney was just that a late rd flier, not really a serious effort from the start. I think they hit on Keke. He has once again been hampered by injuries but when he played last year was very productive.
lets face it, its more the media and fans that see a huge need there other than the team. The why has been well documented. Positional Value, Snaps taken limited due to sub packages, league wide shift away from run D focus to Pass D focus, the extreme difficulty in finding a Good to Elite Run stuffing, Pass Rush stud 5 Tech to play in the 3-4 scheme.
IMO - The run D issue has always had much more to do with Gap discipline, Tackling & Efforts (Swarming to the ball) IMO Preston and Z being the main culprits. Add in a banged up KC and there you have it. remember who cares if your giving up the run when ahead by 21 in the 2nd half. It was a strategic decision that some wouldn't come to grips with but worked 26-6 is the proof in the pudding. plus they stopped the run w/omadding anyone from the Tenn game on How? Gap Discipline, improved tackling and swarming to the ball - Its on tape)
Here's the question that never seems to get answered. Is a NT the answer when you have KC one of the best in the game? If so does that mean KC can play 5 Tech? If so what are the ramifications, has he done it before, has he been good at it, does it help the team. Can anyone speak to this? I can't both from tape access, willingness to take the time...lol, and overall Football knowledge.
Alberta_Packer
May 19, 2021 at 05:48 pm
I don't think I can definitively provide an answer - rather an opinion beginning with Mike Daniels leaving the team. Since that time (2019) the D-line regressed because an adequate replacement for Daniels has never been found. Also, with Daniels departure it exposed Lowry as a rather pedestrian DE (credit: dobber). So, in short order, 2/3rds of the line was significantly downgraded - allowing opponents to concentrate on K.C (becoming the most double-teamed player in the NFL). So, at the very least, another "Mike Daniels" needs to be found. Is Slaton it? And does it make sense to retain Lowry - given his salary to production ratio?
CoachDino
May 19, 2021 at 07:22 pm
Can't argue any of that. Didn't it look good year 1 then all down hill? not sure. But youre dead on, Once MD left (which was perfect timing as was never the same and soon somewhat out of football) they never found a guy (though I'm hoping its Keke) and all the attention turned to KC.
Coldworld
May 20, 2021 at 08:08 am
Daniels was let go at the right time in retrospect. He left after a down season and continued to decline.
greengold
May 19, 2021 at 06:05 pm
Montravius Adams was a BEAST at Auburn. I really liked the pick. He had all kinds of well developed moves, hands, etc. can’t believe we got so little from him. R3 pick. 2017?
Alberta_Packer
May 19, 2021 at 06:22 pm
Maturity and professional dedication was not among Adam's traits He spent his draft day in the maternity ward and off-seasons driving ill-legally and smokin' the weed.
CoachDino
May 19, 2021 at 07:23 pm
Ya, I know he dealt with injuries but figured there had to be more considering the talent and complete lack of production
Stroh
May 23, 2021 at 07:46 pm
Adams is a superior DUD! He wasn't a very good college DL, cuz he has no heart or hustle. Plenty of athleticism in a $.10 head and mind! He was a wasted pick the day they drafted him!
Roadrunner23
May 19, 2021 at 06:21 pm
They will pick up a vet to complete after June 1, maybe Snacks II? They will create cap room with Rodgers extension and get an ILB and DT.
CoachDino
May 19, 2021 at 07:28 pm
I hear ya about snacks but I'm on this rant about less a NT need and more a 3 down 5 Tech that can play run but excels at pass rush. IMO thats Why Houston went so high in the draft. He could be a 5 tech pass rusher (280lbs, very strong, yet has speed and some bend) Cameron Sample and Bashman also stuck out to me. As did Barmore (possible another MA?) but I mostly understand why the went with the fastest Quality CB in the draft. We will see.
Lphill
May 19, 2021 at 09:36 pm
Is there another team with less depth than the Packers at D line and inside linebacker?
KenEllis
May 20, 2021 at 08:49 am
Another team with less depth at D Line and ILB?
Possibly.
Less talent?
Likely not.
Pro-LifeMatters
May 19, 2021 at 09:37 pm
Kenny Clark was a first round pick, perhaps if they had spent another first round pick on a defensive tackle instead of an endless list of cornerbacks and a third string quarterback, they would have already found the next Kenny Clark?
cms
May 19, 2021 at 09:44 pm
In order for any of that to happen, someone will have to get Lowery off the field. Lancaster too. The Packers LOVE these two guys!!!
Coldworld
May 20, 2021 at 08:13 am
Lancaster is a back up NT, nothing more. Big, strong and actually decent if you want him to absorb the run. That is the only purpose for which he should see the field. Lowry just isn’t starter caliber. He’s overpaid as a result, but that aside, any team giving him a majority of the snaps will have issues. Hopefully Barry sees that. Pettine seemed to adore the man.
Archie
May 20, 2021 at 01:13 pm
June 1 thru June 8 ......
If Rodgers gets traded it probably happens before vets report for mandatory camp and after date that cap hit gets shifted to next year.
Latest I heard is AR12 is playing golf with John Elway during the day and and poker in the evenings. If true, I'd say that portends poorly for the chances of AR12 ever playing in GB again, other than as the QB for a visiting team.
Like I have been saying - Pack stabbed Rodgers in the back on draft day 2020 (at least that is how AR sees it) and he stabbed them in the back one year later to the day. How can they coexist after that? Why would either party want to?