Kenny Clark, the Green Bay Packers' talented defensive tackle, faced a challenging season in 2024, marred by injuries that significantly impacted his performance. As a result, he has fallen out of ESPN's top 10 defensive tackle rankings for the upcoming 2025 season, after previously being ranked 9th. This notable shift comes despite receiving votes from coaches, executives, and scouts. Clark, now 29, underwent foot surgery in January after sustaining an injury during the Packers' opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and his absence from the field has raised concerns about his future performance.

The Green Bay Packers have seen a number of players achieve elite defensive grades, particularly since 2006, as evaluated by Pro Football Focus. An elite grade is defined as 90.0 or higher, and the Packers have had a diverse group of defenders reach this level over the years. Among these standouts, Jaire Alexander topped the charts in 2020, earning a grade of 90.7, making him the highest-rated cornerback, while Kenny Clark followed closely with a grade of 90.2 in 2018. Alexander's remarkable performance included allowing only 37 catches and 353 yards on 76 targets, solidifying his status as a lockdown cornerback.

Kenny Clark's impactful presence on the defensive line was also noteworthy, with 46 pressures and three batted passes to his credit. The trend illustrates that while the offensive side of the ball often relies on a few key players for elite performance, the Packers' defense has been a collaborative effort, showcasing talent from various positions that contribute to the team's overall success.

The Green Bay Packers face significant challenges heading into the next NFL season despite recent playoff appearances. The team struggles with depth and durability, particularly highlighted by Jordan Love's injury woes and a severely depleted receiving corps. With key players like Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander missing time, the Packers barely made the playoffs as the seventh seed. General Manager Brian Gutekunst recognized the need to bolster the roster, using early draft picks to enhance the receiving group.

However, concerns remain regarding the defense, especially after finishing 26th in pass rush efficiency last season. The need for a stronger edge rusher and better injury management is critical for the Packers to compete seriously for a Super Bowl. The team must hope for better luck on the injury front as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.

The Green Bay Packers' pass rush faces heightened expectations as they enter the 2025 season, equipped with a new defensive system and a roster featuring four former first-round picks. Last season, their pass rush ranked 27th in win rate despite recording 45 sacks, with a concerning trend of 20 sacks occurring in just three games. This inconsistency raised eyebrows, given the substantial investments made by general manager Brian Gutekunst in key defensive players like Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark.

As they aim for a resurgence, Rashan Gary stands out as a player under scrutiny, particularly as he approaches 2026 with the Packers potentially saving significant salary cap space by releasing him. Thus, all eyes will be on the pass rush unit to deliver improved results and justify the franchise's investment as the team strives for a successful season.

The Green Bay Packers are focusing on enhancing their pass rush heading into the 2025 season, particularly against play-action plays. Despite tying for eighth in the NFL with 48 sacks last season, the team’s pass rush lacked consistency and impact throughout the year. Players Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary highlighted this area as needing improvement, indicating that the coaching staff is emphasizing the importance of rushing the passer effectively against play action.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has utilized creative playcalling to create disruption, but the Packers have struggled to generate pressure with just their defensive line. The team believes it can improve, especially since they have retained a core group of seven defensive linemen for the upcoming season, including Clark and Gary. The focus will be on creating pressure in various situations to disrupt opposing quarterbacks more effectively.