Why Free Agent DE Muhammad Wilkerson could make an already impressive Green Bay front seven even better
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst made it clear during last week’s NFL scouting combine that being “aggressive” in free agency doesn’t necessarily mean Green Bay will sign a ton of players right off the bat. Instead, the first-year general manager simply wants to be in more conversations than the team was under his predecessor and mentor, Ted Thompson. Whether this means that they sign more veteran leadership or players at key positions of need remains to be seen as free agency doesn’t start officially until March 14th.
The Packers might be the ideal destination for Wilkerson given all that has transpired so far in the offseason. New Green Bay defensive coordinator Mike Pettine was one of the driving forces behind the Jets’ decision to draft him with the 30th overall pick in the 2011 draft. He showed an upside in his first two seasons under Mike Pettine’s defense, so there’s a comfort level with the scheme. Since 2011, however, his stats have taken a dive. In the last 28 games (27 starts), he’s compiled only 8 sacks along with 59 total tackles. Wilkerson had 10.5 sacks in 2013 and 12 sacks in 2015, his two most productive seasons.
Green Bay was one of the worst defensive units at constantly getting pressure on the QB. They only compiled 37 total sacks, 14 forced fumbles, and 54 interceptions. Wilkerson could end up being the difference maker up front on defense that the Packers need. Current Green Bay defensive end Mike Daniels has been adamantly trying to recruit defensive talent to come play in Green Bay along with offensive tackle David Bakhtiari. Let’s hope the recruiting tactics end up working out in Green Bay’s favor.
The trio up front of Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark, & Muhammad Wilkerson could possibly end up wreaking havoc on opposing QBs. It would certainly provide a boost up front that Green Bay’s defense desperately needs. I would think that Wilkerson had Green Bay first up on his list for organizational visits for a reason. He would most definitely be a welcome & needed addition & would certainly make a positive impact on a rather negative defense. GM Brian Gutekunst was quoted at the NFL combine last week in regards to free agency saying: “Our big thing is, let’s be exceptionally prepared to pull the trigger if the right opportunity presents itself.” Green Bay has the right defensive staff for Wilkerson & a championship mindset. The right opportunity seems to be here, time to pull the trigger.
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