Great article Paul. I agree that Kingsley Keke could make a major jump this season if you look at the weight gain, additional year's experience and it appears that he has a great attitude. We really need him to make that jump and the DL is probably our biggest weakness outside of possible the ILB's.

I am hoping that we can get some 1st down play out of TJ Slaton this year to help stop the other team's running game. But really, imho we can't expect too much out of him this year and with preseason and a year's experience, hopefully next year will be his time to shine.

All we can do is hope that some of these mid and lower round picks become starters at some point. The improvements on the D-line and ILB have been glacial for this team and have hampered the overall performance of the defense. We need both Kingsley and Slaton to progress just to be able to win in the trenches. If they can play better than league average our 'D' can be very good this year.

Kekely, Gary & Savage make the defensive side of the draft from 3 years ago one of the best in recent GBP history. And Elton Jenkins is a versatile stud on the offensive side of the ball.

Looking forward to AR situation resolving itself one way or the other and getting on with the 2021 team. Let's keep our fingers cross on our DC being just what the defense needs to put it all together.

Keke is the key - to the D-line not sucking this season. Ever since the departure of Daniels, opposing teams have only had to concern themselves with Kenny C. - who has been double-teamed to death. Should Keke provide (anywhere near) Daniels-like disruption and production - the D-line may actually become an asset. Certainly the greatest beneficiary will be Kenny C as he may have more room to operate. And we have all seen what happens when K.C. is given space. But with Keke establishing his presence on the D-line - another player who can benefit will be Dean Lowry. Now I'm not a fan of Lowry's (poor r.o.i.) but it was apparent that his 2 good years was when he played with Daniels. With Daniels departure, he then became exposed as a relatively pedestrian DE. However with KC and KK 'feasting' on an O-line - Lowry only needs to take care of the leftovers - like he did before.

I sure hope Kenny Clark remains healthy and is able to go full bore every single game. He is the heart and sole of our defensive line.

I think you are missing the word "only" after the word "not", to form "not only...", correct?
>>> "....Improved play from the interior defensive line is not going to help against...." <<<<

I like Kingsley Keke, felt he was a bit of a steal in R5 #150, having had an R3-4 grade in the 2019 NFL Draft. That concussion he had, taking him out of our playoff games really hurt, as we had no depth there.

Hopefully, Keke is able to return strong, healthy, and have a great season. Sounds like he added some pounds, and looks good, which is encouraging.

I guess the GB Staff is thinking like you are, that Keke will develop into a 3 down difference maker.

Like every year, it seems GBP is 2 players away from a complete team; and like every year it seems right there: IDL and ILB. Perhaps the year 2 leap happens for the Barnes/Martins/Kekes then....its probably a new chapter for GB Defense.

Seems like Harrison (snacks) might have been worth a consideration. Wondering if Gute waits until August cut-downs, and perhaps can pick up a cheap vet FA on the Interior line, to double down on finally solving this.

Not so fast.- Lowrey and KeKe have a label. " It's not so much." Look at the legs. Their thin. If they both are over 300 pounds, Where are they hiding it? I say don't believe whats in the program. I say this DL is to light. And the smallish size; is what will keep them from being champions. So lets get down to business here. If you want DEs. Thats fine. But not in this 3-4-4. I'll take the Beef up front first. Pickett, raja, and even Daniels pushed 310- 340. Clark needs help. He's the only guy over 310. These guys will get pushed around. And watch them play like Jane. If Chita was here, he would laugh at Boy. Because these boys are not going to stop any blocking, done right. The packers depend on the Smiths to much, because of it. The Packers need a FREAK on this DL. And a big one. Somebody else to take the double team, and shove it right back in the Qbs lap. So after years of trying to straighten out the DL. Gute now says were close to being dominate. And I'm suppose to jump on the KE KE bandwagon and praise Gute. Why? For letting it go on this long. And believing in hype, over achievement. Put Dillions legs on them, and maybe I'll believe you.

God, I hope so! And I hope the coaches put him on the field. Tired of seeing Dean go backwards.

I really don't see any jump from Keke last yr. 2 sacks in each of 2 games isn't very productive at all. Where the heck was he the other 14 games?! Taking the day off it would seem.

You also have to wonder who they were against? Probably just a good day against another poor player. I would love for him to take a huge jump, but I have doubts he even had a jump last year, unless someone can tell me he beat a good NFL starter.

Watch out! Keke comin! This is gonna be his breakout year!