Packer's Defensive Line - Are They Ready To Step Up In 2014?

The battle of the trenches! I still think that this is what wins championships in the NFL!  Do the Packers have what it takes?  I have already discussed the offensive line.  Except for the center position, this young group of BIGGIES may develop into one of the NFL's best (STAY HEALTHY!)  The defensive line?

Defense End (some of these players will also play outside linebacker or tackle)
Mike Daniels - Year 3 - 6' - 300 lbs - Iowa
Datone Jones - Year 2 - 6'4 - 285 lbs - UCLA
Josh Boyd - Year 2 - 6'3 - 310 lbs - Mississippi State
Jerel Worthy - Year 3 - 6'2 - 304 lbs - Michigan State
Julius Peppers - Year 13 - 6'7 - 337 lbs - North Carolina
Mike Neal - Year 5 - 6'3 - 285 lbs - Purdue
Luther Robinson - Rookie - 6'3 - 301 lbs - Miami
Khyri Thorton - Rookie - 6'3 - 304 lbs - Southern Miss
Carlos Gray - Rookie - 6'2 - 310 lbs - NC State

Defensive Tackle
BJ Raji - Year 6 - 6'2 - 337 lbs - Boston College
Letroy Guion - Year 7 - 6'4 - 315 lbs - Florida State
Mike Pennel  - Rookie - 6'4" - 332 lbs - Colorado State

Let's begin with possible nose tackles:
BJ Raji - Year 6 - 6'2 - 337 lbs - Boston College
First few years, BJ looked great on or of the center.  The last couple of years the Pack have tried him at some defensive end.  To my eyes, that was a failure!  He seems more effective on top of the center or in the guard center gap.  Plus, the speed and mobility is either deteriorating or playing outside was just a crazy idea!  The Pack seems to be keeping BJ inside and probably will play on 1st downs or obvious running situations.  What ever happens, Raji's days seemed to be numbered in Green Bay!

Letroy Guion - Year 7 - 6'4 - 315 lbs - Florida State
One of the few free agent deals, the Pack signing the Vikings tackle!  Letroy started for the past 2 years for the Vikings and should provide some depth at D-tackle.  As a game changer, no.  For now, Letroy should be a quality back-up.

Mike Pennel  - Rookie - 6'4" - 332 lbs - Colorado State
Pennel has the size, but is a long shot.  Not a lot of notoriety in college, so we are hoping for a surprise!

Defense End
Mike Daniels - Year 3 - 6' - 300 lbs - Iowa
Leader?  Enforcer?  Player?  Soon we will see if all the off season talk can be backed up!  Last year Daniels did make some strides - 6 1/2 sacks and played all 16 games - that is a start.  Watching the Pack last year, the defense did not play with a chip on their shoulders - maybe Mike Daniels is the chip!

Datone Jones - Year 2 - 6'4 - 285 lbs - UCLA
Last years #1 pick.  Started year injured, and never really was 100%!  This could be the year for a BIG step.  We need a #1 pick to play like a number one pick!  Datone is athletic and looks great in a uniform!  We will see!  He is a key!

Julius Peppers - Year 13 - 6'7 - 337 lbs - North Carolina
Veteran presence!  A FREAK of an athlete!  Does Peppers have 1-2 years left in the tank?  If so, could be a BIG step to a SUPER BOWL!!!

Mike Neal - Year 5 - 6'3 - 285 lbs - Purdue
Was healthy last year and played a lot of football at defensive end and outside linebacker.  Not flashy, but a steady performer.  May make a big step this year and can play where he is stronger!

Josh Boyd - Year 2 - 6'3 - 310 lbs - Mississippi State
Second year player, will Boyd make a big move or will some of the new players move ahead?  Josh Boyd must prove himself to make this team.

Jerel Worthy - Year 3 - 6'2 - 304 lbs - Michigan State
Thomson traded up to take Worthy in the second round in 2012.  Played some as a rookie but, missed most of last year with an injury.  Jerel is another player that must step up and impress the coaches to make this team!

Luther Robinson - Rookie - 6'3 - 301 lbs - Miami
One of the un-drafted rookies that will need to play like a wild man!  A player that could be a diamond in the rough or an early cut?

Khyri Thorton - Rookie - 6'3 - 304 lbs - Southern Miss
As a drafted rookie, Thorton has the best shot to make the 53 man roster!  Captain of his team.  Played hard on a bad team! Has a intense motor!  Could be a steal in the draft!  And could provide a burst at key moments this season?

Carlos Gray - Rookie - 6'2 - 310 lbs - NC State
Another un-drafted rookie!  Good Luck!

The BEST scenario…..

BJ Raji has an all-pro year at Nose Tackle!
Mike Daniels is a leader and finishes year with 12-15 sacks!
Datone Jones not only looks good in a uniform, but is good - a player and over 10 sacks!
Mike Neal has a great year!
And Julius Peppers - WOW - 12-15 sacks and a play maker & leader!!!

SUPER BOWL - with a DEFENSE!