Which Packers could follow Nathaniel Hackett to Denver?
By Jon Beare
Za’Darius Smith, Edge Defender
Effecting the quarterback’s play is one of the most important things a team needs to accomplish to have a successful season.
When the Broncos traded Von Miller, a giant hole was left to fill. While players like Jonathon Cooper and Malik Reed played admirably at times, it still wasn’t enough to generate the pressure needed to sustain success off the edge. With Shelby Harris and stud lineman Dre’Mont Jones operating in the interior, the Broncos need to add some more pass rush.
Enter Za’Darius Smith, who could end up being a potential victim of the Green Bay Packers’ dire salary cap situation. Smith could give the Broncos a plug-and-play veteran that has had plenty of success in Green Bay. Smith posted 13.5 sacks with 37 QB hits in 2019, and 12.5 sacks with 23 QB hits in 2020.
Although Smith is coming off an injury this season, he returned to the lineup in the NFC Divisional playoffs against the San Fransisco 49ers and looks to be healthy for this upcoming season. The Broncos could indeed take a swing on the versatile pass rusher, especially with Bradley Chubb’s health once again in question.