Cheesehead
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
- 2,854
- 0
The one constant has been the defensive line, which remains one of Green Bay’s deepest positions even after Daniels’ exit. A big reason for that is the emergence of Lowry and Clark, whom General Manager Brian Gutekunst heralded as a “dominant player” earlier this week in recognition of the former first-round pick’s career-high six sacks in 13 starts last season.
Lowry came in as the less heralded of the two defensive linemen three years ago, but the former fourth-round pick proved capable of handling an every-down role after Daniels and Muhammad Wilkerson succumbed to season-ending injuries in 2018.
Lowry responded with a career-high 44 tackles, three sacks and three passes defensed. On Tuesday, the 6-foot-6, 296-pound defensive lineman became the first member from that fruitful 2016 draft class to sign an extension.
Lowry said he considered waiting for free agency but made the decision to sign now due to three factors – his love of the area, close proximity to family in Illinois and how he fits in Green Bay’s locker room.
“I think it shows that I’m viewed as one of the core players of the team, and that means a lot,” Lowry said. “There’s a lot of guys that can do different things with the guys we added in free agency and the draft. That’s one of our strengths as a defensive line is we can line up anywhere and attack.”
As much as Clark and Lowry will stand as “the pillars” of Green Bay’s front moving forward, the Packers wouldn’t have moved on from a Pro Bowl defensive lineman like Daniels if they didn’t feel good about the position as a whole.