Kenny Clark an immediate starter with Green Bay Packers?

The Green Bay Packers decision to move Datone Jones to outside linebacker means Kenny Clark could be an immediate starter.

Datone Jones was drafted to play the 5-techinque on the Packers defensive, but things have change. Jones is now working at outside linebacker where he’s quickly starting to feel right at home.

This move has made the selection of Kenny Clark in the 1st-round of the 2016 NFL Draft more important. Green Bay doesn’t have a ton of depth along the defensive line which means Clark should open the season as a starter.

Clark is a strong run defender who does a good job occupying blockers and holding at the point of attack. However, it’ll take some time to get use to the stronger and more physical offensive linemen in the NFL.

Green Bay’s lack of depth across the defensive line makes the decision to move Jones questionable. They are looking at a starting group of Clark, Letroy Guion and Mike Daniels. The backups are rookie Dean Lowry and a handful of undrafted free agents.

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It’s likely that Green Bay plans on lining up in sub-packages the majority of the time where someone like Jones, Julius Peppers or Nick Perry puts his hand in the dirt. Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers is known for featuring some exotic defensive alignments.

However, the Packers ability to hold up against the run could be an issue. The lack of depth and bulk on the defensive line will make it tougher for the linebackers to flow to the football. It’s important to note that the Packers have Jake Ryan and Sam Barrington penciled in as the starting inside linebackers.

Both have talent but are far from elite players. They aren’t the type of linebackers who excel at taking on blockers and would obviously be more effective with a strong defensive line. It looks like another season where the Packers ask their offense to carry the team.

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