The Green Bay Packers are poised to take the next step in their quest to return to the top of the NFC North and to compete for a Super Bowl title. Jordan Love and his young group of pass catchers are entering their second season together after a successful first season that saw them grow and mature in real time on the field. Additionally, the offense was revamped with the signing of running back Josh Jacobs and the drafting of three offensive lineman, including first round pick Jordan Morgan.
The defense, too, is ready to take its next step under a new regime. Embattled defensive coordinator Joe Barry was fired after the 2023 NFL season and replaced with Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley. The new defensive staff is switching the Packers’ scheme from a 3-4 to 4-3 defense that is going to emphasize better play from the line and linebackers.
Green Bay Packers Coaches Expect Big Things from the Defense’s Front Seven
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Last season, the Packers’ defense finished with the firth-worst rushing defense in the NFL. They allowed 128.8 rushing yards per game with just the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals finishing with worse marks.
They also finished with just sacks, which ranked 16th in the league (and first in the NFC North). However, with the amount of money they have poured into their defense, those numbers should be considered far too low.
While the regular season has yet to be played, there is every indication that the front seven, and especially the defensive line, will play better in 2024. Defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich was recently quoted as saying:
“It’s about [tackles for loss] and sacks. We’re gonna look to create havoc in the backfield.
“I’m not trying to correlate football with war or anything like that, but we’re the Navy SEALS. We’re the first line of defense. The rest of the guys are going to sit back there and do what they need to do.”
Of course, the Packers boast three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark on their roster. He is followed by young players such as TJ Slaton, Devonte Wyatt, and 2023 sixth round pick Karl Brooks, who many have high expectations for in 2024.
However, due to the overall youth at the position, and given the fact that all of these players were on the underperforming defense last year, some analysts believe Green Bay should trade for another multi-time Pro Bowler.
The Green Bay Packers Are Encouraged to Trade for Washington Commanders Defensive Lineman Jonathan Allen
In an article that detailed every NFL team’s needs after the draft, Bleacher Report‘s scouting department identified defensive line as a remaining need for the Packers. Since the free agent market is dry at this position, they encouraged Green Bay to trade for two-time Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen:
“After ranking just 23rd in rushing yards allowed last season, the Packers should look to strengthen their defensive front. Few quality defensive tackles remain unsigned, so making a trade offer for Washington’s Jonathan Allen could be Green Bay’s best option.”
The question, though, is Allen really an improvement for the Packers?
Jonathan Allen Would Be a Typical Green Bay Packers Defensive Lineman
According to PFF, Allen had an overall defensive grade last season of 59.7, as well as run defense grades of 37.9 and a tackling grade of 46.5. All of these grades are comparable the grades of Green Bay’s top four defensive linemen:
| Player | Defense | Run Defense | Pressure Grade | Tackling | Pressures |
| Jonathan Allen | 59.7 | 37.9 | 77.6 | 46.5 | 49 |
| Kenny Clark | 70.4 | 61.4 | 76.0 | 42.0 | 66 |
| Karl Brooks | 69.8 | 46.8 | 70.0 | 52.7 | 30 |
| TJ Slaton | 62.3 | 59.5 | 61.5 | 50.5 | 16 |
| Devonte Wyatt | 59.6 | 44.7 | 76.7 | 26.7 | 48 |
The question is whether or not the Packers would be willing to give up the draft capital in order to acquire Allen. After having double-digit picks in the last two drafts, Green Bay is scheduled to only have eight next year.
If anything, they will be working to acquire more picks instead of trading them away.
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