After another sad and pathetic defensive campaign in 2017, general manager Gutekunst absolutely must go out and find some defensive staples in free agency. Green Bay could really use any help they can get on that side of the ball.

There's obviously some positions that need more attention than others but at this point anyone that's talented and willing to come to Green Bay, they should entertain. However, there's two positions on the Packers defensive squad that can be built on going forward and don't need upgrading.

Defensive tackles/end Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark continued to create havoc in the trenches for opposing offensive lines this season. Daniels finished with 49 tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble in 14 starts this season. Clark finished the season with 55 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 15 games.

Daniels and Clark are worth much more than just their statistical numbers. Their combination of strength/finess gives them the ability to bullrush offensive lineman up the middle and attract double teams to create opportunities for others off the edge. Shutting down the middle trenches shouldn't be hard for the Packers next season.

The other key building block will be inside linebacker Blake Martinez who ended up in a three way tie for most tackles in the NFL with 144. Martinez also finished with a forced fumble and an interception in 16 games.

Despite leading the NFL in tackles, Blake Martinez still really needs to improve in pass coverage to be considered great. There were too many times Green Bay gave up passes down the middle on his watch.

The one thing that will definitely stay the same next year though.. The guy was a one man tackling machine, no matter where the ball went and you just can't coach that. It's just pure effort and passion on Martinez's part.

 


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