Packer Defensive Line - Defensive Tackles 2015

As I mentioned in yesterdays blog, the Packers defensive tackles & ends is a blurred "line"!  One thing all good defensive lines need are run stoppers!  And usually, these players are just BIGGER!  The magic on good defenses is your line cannot be moved, but your line needs some speed!

Packer Defensive Tackles:
Josh Boyd
Mike Daniels
Bruce Gaston
Letroy Guion
Mike Pennel
BJ Raji
Luther Robinson
Khyri Thorton

So, as mentioned, 3 of these players Mike Daniels, Josh Boyd, & Bruce Gaston were also considered defensive ends and discussed.  The Packer defensive theme is versatility! The same goes for our linemen!  For years I complained that our d-line was too fat!  Now we have gone the other way!  Here our our height and weights:

Josh Boyd - 6'3" - 310
Mike Daniels - 6'0" - 305
Bruce Gaston - 6'2" - 310
Letroy Guion - 6'4" - 315
Mike Pennel - 6'4" - 332
BJ Raji - 6'2" - 337
Luther Robinson - 6'3" - 301
Khyri Thorton - 6'3" - 304

By todays standards, not a lot of beef!
According to the NFL website:

A 3-4 nose tackle is asked to command double teams and prevent guards and centers from getting to second-tier blocking at the linebacker level. A 4-3 nose tackle is required to penetrate the inside "A" gap and often loop around and be responsible for containing the "C" gap. Then there are 3-4 defensive ends who really aren't ends, but instead work down into the "B" gap to defending power running plays. Then there is the hard-to-find, 4-3 three-technique tackle who is asked to penetrate and be disruptive.

Do we have that person?  Close.

Letroy Guion - After a slow start, Guion came on strong.  For the price & ability, Letroy was a pleasant surprise!  Also, he fit in well with the team and brought a great attitude to blend in with Mike Daniels leadership!  At the right price, we should resign him!

BJ Raji - Wow!  A tough decision!  The BJ we had the first 2-3 years YES!  The BJ the last few years - NO!  I would only bring him back at the right price!

Khyri Thorton - a rookie who missed the entire year!  We need another look!  Let's see what he has next pre-season!

Luther Robinson & Mike Pennel - not much to go on, mostly practice squad guys, so we need another look!!

This is a need!  Free Agent or draft.  We need a run stopper & someone to protect our linebackers!