{"id":14868,"date":"2024-12-03T15:32:25","date_gmt":"2024-12-03T15:32:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=14868"},"modified":"2024-12-03T15:32:25","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T15:32:25","slug":"green-bay-packers-could-get-new-england-patriots-3-million-defender-in-free-agency-to-boost-run-defense-per-analyst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=14868","title":{"rendered":"Green Bay Packers Could Get New England Patriots’ $3 Million Defender In Free Agency To Boost Run Defense, Per Analyst"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite owning a 9-3 record, the Green Bay Packers still have room to improve and establish themselves as one of the top contenders. Matt LaFleur\u2019s side is in third place in the NFC North, and they are outside of the Top 10 best defenses this season.<\/p>\n

January 19, 2020; Santa Clara, California, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur before the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi\u2019s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Green Bay Packers must improve their defensive interior since they\u2019re 21st in rushing defense. Bleacher Report\u2019s Matt Holder suggests the team should consider adding New England Patriots defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale in free agency to address one of their weaknesses.<\/p>\n

\u201cDefensive tackle has been a sore spot in Green Bay in 2024, and T.J. Slaton is an impending free agent. So, the defense is going to need to add some beef in the middle to plug up gaps against the run,\u201d Holder wrote.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe 6\u20193\u2033 and 310-pound Ekuale could help solve that problem since he has put together a strong campaign in that department this season. PFF credited the 30-year-old who turns 31 in January with 19 defensive stops through Week 12,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

New England Patriots defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale looks on during an NFL game.
\nCredit: Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Daniel Ekuale, who is on a two-year, $3.4 million contract, is in the midst of his most productive NFL campaign. The former Washington State star is a regular starter for New England and has recorded 40 tackles through Week 12, more than double in any other season of his NFL career.<\/p>\n

Green Bay Packers are also urged to take Ole Miss star<\/h2>\n

Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, Matt Holder of Bleacher Report also urged the Green Bay Packers to consider picking Princely Umanmielen to add more beef to their defense.<\/p>\n

Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Preston Smith (91) celebrates following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cAfter trading away Preston Smith, the Cheeseheads could use another edge-rusher to play on the other side of Rashan Gary. Brian Gutekunst likes to draft pass rushers who are high-level athletes and the Florida product fits that profile,\u201d Holder stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cUmanmielen accelerates off the line of scrimmage well to beat offensive tackles with speed around the edge and has a good counter with a nasty inside spin move. Also, he has the change of direction and strength to turn speed to power and has shown solid cross-chop and rip moves as well as decent bend around the edge,\u201d he concluded.<\/span><\/p>\n