Packer 2014 Roster Analysis Continues - Defense

Time to Analyze the Packer 2014 Defense!  To me, a humble Packer Fan, this is the KEY to 2014!  A few points before the analysis begins:

Point 1 - Stay healthy!  Clay Matthews! And others….
Point 2 - Turnover Ratio - MUST win this battle!
Point 3 - Mike Daniels - you pre-season "TOUGH ATTITUDE" must take hold!

Now, the Packer Defense

Defensive Line - (5) - Datone Jones, Mike Daniels, Letroy Guion, Josh Boyd, & Mike Pennel

First, we will miss BJ Raji!  I really feel Capers did not use Raji at the correct place the past 2-3 years, he is a VERY good nose guard and NOT a defensive end!  Second, the key is the you guys and Mike Daniels.  I LOVE the attitude Daniels is taking!  He is taking a leadership position and a "chip on the shoulder" attitude!  If the defense is going to be better this year, it will begin with the D-line!
Grade for the D-line - INCOMPLETE!

Linebackers - (11) - Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers, AJ Hawk, Brad Jones, Nick Perry, Mike Neal, Jamarii Lattimore, Sam Barrington, Andy Mulumba, Jayrone Elliot, & Carl Bradford.

We have numbers!  And Neal & Peppers will play some DE in the Capers scheme.  This group must create chaos, BUT remain disciplined!  Does Peppers have anything left in the tank to complement Matthews?  If so, LOOK OUT!  Does AJ Hawk have another season left in him?  Will Lattimore beat out Brad Jones for the starting job along side Hawk?  Stop the run - Hawk & Jones!  Create chaos Peppers & Matthews!  And we have depth!   We need 3-4 sacks a game from this bunch!
Grade for Linebackers - B+

Cornerbacks - (6) - Sam Shields, Tramon Williams, Casey Hayward, Davon House, Jarrett Bush, & Demetri Goodson.

There is talent here!  Will they figure out what the officials are calling?  How about some BIG plays!  Shields & Williams are good, not very good.  Hayward is a playmaker.  And House & Bush are experienced & better than average back-ups!  If the D-line is bad, the corners are in for a long year!  We have depth, and they are better than average, so, back to the D-line!
Grade for Cornerbacks - B+

Safeties - Morgan Burnett, Micah Hyde, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, & Sean Richardson.

Will the youth prevail?  We NEED Clinton-Dix & Hyde to grow up fast!!!  My gut feeling!  By the end of this year Clinton-Dix & Hyde will be the starters & Burnett the back-up.  Burnett just has never seemed to make the big play or stop the BIG play from hurting the Pack!  The key, sorry to say it again, the D-line.
Grade for safeties - C+

So, did you get it, the D-line is the key!  And Mike Daniels & Datone Jones lead the way!  So far, the Pack brain trust has not provided a D-line difference maker!  WE NEED ONE!

Next - Special Teams!