This is a key season for Dean Lowry in Green Bay

There is no question that the Green Bay Packers have invested in their defensive line this offseason. To help two-time Pro Bowl DT Kenny Clark, the team signed veteran Jarran Reed to a one-year deal and drafted an extremely talented prospect in DT Devonte Wyatt. The depth chart appears to look something like Clark, Reed, Wyatt, soon-to-be seven-year veteran Dean Lowry and second-year DT T.J. Slaton. This is going to be an especially important season for Lowry. The reason the team added more help and talent in the interior is because Kenny Clark can't do it alone. Lowry has played in Green Bay for six seasons and has performed just well enough over the years to solidify his roster spot. But he really needs a big season in 2022.

The former Northwestern Wildcat has been extremely durable during his career in Green Bay. He has only missed one game throughout his six seasons. He is also coming off a career-high season in terms of sacks (5), QB hits (9), passes defensed (4), QB pressures (16) and QB knockdowns (4). But those aren't game-breaking numbers. They are very mediocre, which isn't to say that he doesn't have much of an effect on the game. He will make splash plays from time to time. Remember, it is very tough to beef up those stats when you play on the interior. You are more likely to find double-teams and not very much room to breathe. Regardless, Lowry needs to find more consistency, for his team's sake and his own. With the Packers adding a former 10.5-sack man in Reed, an elite run-stuffer in Wyatt and with the hopeful growth in 2022 from 330-lb T.J. Slaton, Lowry needs to produce this season. If he makes it out of training camp, this is the final year of his contract. He has to play well.

Regardless of Lowry's situation, this is the deepest defensive line that Green Bay has had in some time. They have experience, youth, speed and talent on their side. They go five deep. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has even more to work with going into his second season, especially along the interior of the defensive line. If Lowry kicks his production up a notch, Green Bay will be demolishing opposing offenses left and right.