Packers Question of the day - Is Mike Daniels Elite?

The question has been raised amongst some fans and after recent history, it isn't much of a stretch to say that Mike Daniels can be classified as an elite defensive lineman. But rightfully?

Give your assessment below. Has the steady, domineering play from Daniels ranked him among the NFL's best?

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (27)

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Handsback's picture

September 28, 2016 at 09:09 am

If he's dominating the players in front of him.......then you have to say YES!

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Turophile's picture

September 29, 2016 at 12:45 am

The best hard (non-subjective) criteria is how much he is earning. On that basis he is a notch or two below elite (earning $7.7m this year I believe).

However, that cannot answer whether he is outplaying his contract (which puts us back in subjective opinion again). My opinion is that he IS outplaying his contract by several $m, just about enough to slide him up around the elite bracket. Guys like Cobb and Peppers are earning more per year, but I don't think either are currently playing at an elite level, though both are very good players.

It all hinges on "At what point is someone elite, rather than very good ?"

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croatpackfan's picture

September 29, 2016 at 04:48 am

I'm satisfied with player who is not elite in earning, but beats those "elite earning" players like they are small kids...
Yes, Mike Daniels is elite player by several criteria - he almost always win one-on-ones, he play every game 100% and he is true sportsman who is not affraid to take responsibility for admitting others are also great players...

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Since'61's picture

September 28, 2016 at 09:32 am

Prior to 2016 Mike Daniels has been a very good player for the Packers. Through three games this season he has played at an All-Pro level. If he continues to play at this level for the rest of this season, then I think he could be part of a discussion about elite DLs. If he reaches the point where he is taking over a game and wrecking an opponent's game plan consistently then he will be elite. Thanks, Since '61

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Tundraboy's picture

September 29, 2016 at 07:02 am

Totally honest assessment. Couldn't say it any better.

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EdsLaces's picture

September 28, 2016 at 09:24 am

He is such a force. Definitely my next jersey. When he spends more time in the backfield than the RB he is no doubt elite...

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Finwiz's picture

September 28, 2016 at 09:54 am

In past years I would have said, "he isn't living up to the hype". This year he's disruptive and more consistent in his play, particularly against the run. I'd like to see a bit more pass rush penetration to classify him as elite, but he's getting pretty damn close. When you consider they have to double him a lot, it frees up other people. I can tell you this, I don't want to imagine GB football without him!

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MarkinMadison's picture

September 28, 2016 at 10:14 am

Yes. Period. I was slow to warm to him because I have been disappointed in the NFL production of so many Iowa alumni. Through three games this year he is demanding that teams double-team him or pay the price. He is durable. He is accountable. He plays within the scheme and makes things happen. He is already there in my book.

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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

September 28, 2016 at 10:48 am

Yes. Beyond his play on the field, you have to love the intensity and attitude he brings to the D.

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NMPF's picture

September 28, 2016 at 10:55 am

Yes, elite. To the point that Capers should start moving him around more looking for mismatches.

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staffordsneckfat's picture

September 28, 2016 at 11:24 am

The way the Packers 3-4 works doesn't really allow for much "moving" to set up better matchups. The roles of the 3 guys with their hand in the dirt would be a 5-technique lined up over the strong-side tackle, the 3-tech on the outside shoulder of the weak-side guard and a nose tackle, or 1-tech, playing over the center or shaded to either side.

The 3-tech is the bell cow of the defensive line, and requires elite quickness and explosion. These are Daniels' best assets.

Based on the alignment it is very difficult to double team the 3-tech. Since they play on the outside shoulder of the guard, the center can't help. If the tackle comes in for the double team that leaves the edge wide open.

In short, playing Daniels as the 3-tech already puts him in the best possible matchup.

PFF is a wealth of knowledge on this sort of stuff.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/defensive-prototypes-3-technique/

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 28, 2016 at 10:55 am

If not then he is on the cusp. The remaining 13 games will answer this for me.

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Gianich's picture

September 28, 2016 at 11:38 am

They're number one in every single rush defensive category. Pretty much cause he takes on 2-3 guys each snap and dominates them so the answer is a resounding yes!

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SpudRapids's picture

September 28, 2016 at 12:27 pm

Agreed, aside from him being the 4 best pass rusher among 3-4 DE's in 2015 (pro football focus) if you use the eye test thus far this season he is absolutely unblockable. 3-4 lineman are often overlooked because their performances don't translate to the stat sheet but Daniels could the most important defender on any team in the NFC. He is absolutely irreplaceable on this defense.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 29, 2016 at 07:06 am

Irreplaceable is right. He is the heart of our D without question.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 29, 2016 at 07:07 am

Deleted

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RCPackerFan's picture

September 28, 2016 at 12:36 pm

Is Mike Daniels Elite?

Yes!

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 28, 2016 at 01:08 pm

Absolutely

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Lphill's picture

September 28, 2016 at 01:15 pm

I think he is playing too much, we need him fresh in the 4 th Qtr to close out games , this should be the case when Pennel and Guion return.

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

September 28, 2016 at 04:35 pm

He is most definitely not a lite. He weighs well over 300 lbs. He's a heavy.

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SteveCheez's picture

September 28, 2016 at 07:21 pm

clever

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Michael Grunewald's picture

September 28, 2016 at 06:37 pm

He is climbing into that status quickly. He has the skill set to be very disruptive against the run, and IF the secondary could hold their coverage for more than a millisecond, he is more than capable of preventing the QB from stepping up into the pocket uncontested.

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Oppy's picture

September 28, 2016 at 07:07 pm

Whirling Dervish

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tobinrote's picture

September 28, 2016 at 07:44 pm

if he keeps playing all season like he has the first three games then yes, but the question is simply being asked too early. and with his motor he very well could. so far he clearly is the most important man on the D, though who would have thought that Nick Perry is probably the second most important so far.

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packrat's picture

September 29, 2016 at 09:54 pm

We are just arguing semantics.

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packrat's picture

September 29, 2016 at 09:54 pm

We are just arguing semantics.

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holmesmd's picture

September 30, 2016 at 07:36 am

Anyone who answers every question asked of him with: "We just have to hit them in the mouth, it's that simple" is certainly elite in my book!!;) LOL. I love his attitude and he backs it up with his play. He's on his way if he can do it for an entire season and stay healthy? The guy was essentially unblockable the first 2 games! Go Pack!

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