The Green Bay Packers are excited about the amount of talent and experience they have built on defense – both at edge and tackle – heading into the 2024 season.
“Just like our receiving group, we feel really good about our offense,” coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday during his response to Lukas Van Ness.
After explaining how excited he was about Van Ness’ potential Class 2 jump, LaFleur then mentioned Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Kingsley Enagbare, Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wood and TJ Slaton, who all expected to be major contributors to the Packers defense in 2024.
“We feel very good as a collective team and I think each of these players will have more one-on-one opportunities along the way because it’s hard to focus on one player,” LaFleur said.
The Packers believe they have at least two depth on defense and both defensive tackles on offense with a 4-3 record. Case in point: Even as a first-round pick in his second season, Van Ness will likely still be a rotation player behind Gary and Smith, following the development path that Gary once took to stardom.
LaFleur said Van Ness has put in “a ton of work” and his body “looks great” in season two.
“He’s definitely someone we’re excited about,” LaFleur said.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has spent a lot of resources rebuilding a front seven that now includes free agent Xavier McKinney and second-round picks Edgerrin Cooper and Javon Bullard. However, every great defense starts with an offense, and the Packers have a great mix of established veterans and up-and-coming players selected in the recent draft.
Gary, Smith and Clark have seen it all. Van Ness can make a huge jump. Enagbare avoided knee surgery and will get the chance to build on his two years of experience as a rotation player. Wyatt has established himself as a disruptive forward in 2023. Brooks was one of the most productive sixth-round picks last year. Wooden added weight and strength in the offseason to improve as an inside player. Slaton isn’t flashy, but he’s demanding to move and generally reliable on the run.
The Packers certainly need McKinney to provide a huge boost at the safety position and Jaire Alexander to stay fit and get back to his dominant coverage form. Two second-round picks have a chance to contribute immediately. However, Jeff Hafley’s defense will only be as good as the front, and heading into 2024 is something to be excited about.
