Cory's Corner: Kyler Fackrell Has Grown Up

The obvious winner for the Packers’ surprise player of the year is Kyler Fackrell. 

Back in August, we were all wondering how many snaps he was going to get with Clay Matthews and Nick Perry occupying the edge rusher spots. 

Well, thanks to Perry being injured yet again, Fackrell has raised plenty of eyebrows. I think he’s raised so many eyebrows that it’s not hyperbole to say that Fackrell has supplanted Perry as the 2019 starter. (Of course, that’s assuming the Packers will pony up Perry’s dead cap number of $11.1 million and get out from that awful decision.)

The reason this season is such a shock is because Fackrell hasn’t really done much since being a third round draft pick in 2016. Here’s a snippet of how Bob McGinn graded Fackrell following the 2016 season: “He looked lost during more than a few practices in August but in the exhibition games found ways to apply steady pressure. … “He’s an interesting player. Fackrell was drafted in the third round because of his height (6-5) and speed (4.65), and he has a way of slipping past blocks. He’s a gamer.” McGinn gave Fackrell a D-plus because he didn’t show much in his 173 snaps. 

It was the same story in 2017. Jason B. Hirschhorn of Acme Packing Company said, “In two years, Kyler Fackrell has yet to establish himself as anything more than a special-teams contributor. … “The Packers will bring Fackrell back for next season and give him another shot, but don’t feel surprised if he doesn’t make the final cut.” Last year was disappointing because he played 446 snaps, but all he could muster was 28 total tackles and three sacks. He played 130 more passing snaps in 2017 than 2016 but he only tallied one more sack. 

That’s why plenty of people, including myself, were on the fence with what Fackrell would be able to give this team. The Packers wanted and needed more production at the edge rusher position because of Perry’s health and ineptness. 

And suddenly, Fackrell has made a triumphant exit from the phone booth wearing the Superman cape. He leads the team in sacks by three and has more sacks than Matthews, Perry and Mike Daniels combined. Who would’ve thought that was possible at the beginning of the season? 

If you’re still on the fence with Fackrellmania, I’ve got even more perspective. Fackrell has as many sacks as Khalil Mack. You remember him right? He has been the sole reason why Chicago will claim its first division title since 2010. However, Fackrell has played 164 less pass rushing snaps and has been getting better as of late as evidenced by his out-of-this-world three-sack game at Seattle.

Fackrell has grown up from a seldom-used special teams player to a guy that offensive coordinators must be aware of. And the best part is that Fackrell has a cap number of $926,292 next year. The Packers have some time before they talk about long-term numbers. 

For the first time in a long time, the edge rusher position in Green Bay has some juice. Fackrell is relentless and that attitude is infectious for a defense that needs more big plays.  

 

 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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Comments (34)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
TKWorldWide's picture

November 24, 2018 at 06:15 am

Yes, the phoenix has risen from the ashes. Keep on soaring, 51!

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dobber's picture

November 24, 2018 at 06:53 am

Things have sure changed here on Walton's mountain...

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CoryJennerjohn's picture

November 24, 2018 at 04:27 pm

Absolutely perfect description TKstinator.

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TKWorldWide's picture

November 24, 2018 at 04:50 pm

Gracias, CJ!

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Bearmeat's picture

November 24, 2018 at 07:42 am

First of all, I am NOT giving the division to Chicago yet. If we win tomorrow night, all it's going to take is one Chicago slip up and we control our own destiny in the division. Don't forget that CHI still has to play @ LAR.

Second, I was not on the fence about Fackrell. I thought he sucked. He's proven every single one of us wrong since about game 4 this year. He's been a legit pass rusher since then against starting caliber OT's. He is playing faster, with more edge bend, and a higher variety of moves.

Third, if we genuinely found ourselves someone who can pressure from the OLB spot going into next year, that is going to be HUGE for the defense. We'll still need an OLB1, but maybe, just maybe, we can cross OLB2 off the list and cut Perry's ded ass and let CM3 go. I was afraid we'd be stuck with Perry because of the contract and positional need, but to hell with the contract if we have his spot covered.

If Fackrell gets over 25 QB hits and 12 sacks, we definitely have ourselves an OLB2. And we can sign him for cheap this offseason because he has 2019 yet left on his rookie deal.

I'm intrigued bordering on excited but the rest of the year shall tell the tale...

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Jonathan Spader's picture

November 24, 2018 at 07:56 am

I said after Facrkrell's 1st 3 sack game that I'd need to see another to make me a believer. How much is the light bulb coming on and how much of it is Pettine replacing Capers? With Faniels out of the lineup can Fackrell continue to apply pressure in the backfield? Are our bookend OLBers CM3 and Fackrell for the rest of 2018? Adams sacking Russel Wilson was an impressive scramble by a big man hope the light comes on for him as well.

My nickname for Fackrell is CrowEater

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jhalwas611.com's picture

November 24, 2018 at 08:50 am

Does he have a new position coach who may be able to teach methods better? Sometimes that's all it takes, a good teacher.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

November 24, 2018 at 10:53 am

Yes, I believe Fackrell does have a new position coach. I think it's Mr. Miyagi. Facks on, Facks off.

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That’sWhatCheesehead's picture

November 24, 2018 at 09:21 am

Let’s unleash him against the Vikings then! I’d like to see if he can top his three sacks per game!

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Bearmeat's picture

November 24, 2018 at 09:58 am

Minnesota's OTs are very beatable. We're going to have to bring some pressure. I doubt our banged up secondary can hold up all game against their two WRs.

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

November 24, 2018 at 02:38 pm

This is why we hired Petine, to put the players at their best advantage, which is another reason why Capers had to go and why MM has to go for keeping Dom Capers for so long

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Rossonero's picture

November 24, 2018 at 09:39 am

I think someone on here mentioned that perhaps Pettine realized Fackrell's strength wasn't in setting the edge, so he's tried to put him in situations where he can just try to physically beat someone 1-on-1.

I found this from his draft profile:

"When it comes to the length and athleticism teams will look for off the edge, Fackrell will be one of the poster boys. His field versatility, coverage talent and potential as a pass rusher could make him one of the fastest rising prospects in this draft and a future contender for a Pro Bowl nod."

- Daniel Jeremiah

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Skip greenBayless's picture

November 24, 2018 at 10:58 am

Wow, the Packers need to hire this Daniel Jeremiah. This is a man with vision. He hit it on the money with Fackrell. Everything he said is what Fackrell is currently doing. Nice job.

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Roadrunner23's picture

November 24, 2018 at 10:32 am

Super happy for Fackrell although we shouldn’t put him in the “Mack” category just yet.
Even though Fackrell has had a nice run and as many sacks as Mack, he’s not the overall force Mack is.
But that’s ok he’s turning into a nice player and the light bulb has gone for him which is nice after the abuse he has taken in the press and social media.
Fackrell is a nice guy who does all the right things, the kind of guy you want to succeed.
Fack Attack!

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Skip greenBayless's picture

November 24, 2018 at 11:05 am

It makes one wonder how Kyler Fackrell's career would have changed had they actually signed Mack. Right now we would be saying, wow, with Mack and Fack we'd be dominating. However, you would almost think Fackrell probably doesn't even make the team or get any playing time and he might have been cut and even out of the league today. All it took was some extra playing time due to a rare injury by Perry for him to get on the field. That would have never happened more than likely had they signed Mack. The Lord works in mysterious ways . So happy for Fack. He seems like a good guy. He deserves everything he's getting now. He's earned it. Keep it going Fack!!

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Johnblood27's picture

November 25, 2018 at 04:14 pm

It coulda been the "Mack and Fack Pack Sack Attack" Jack!

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TarynsEyes's picture

November 24, 2018 at 11:14 am

As much as I liked Fackrell and even said he would be better than Perry,though I always felt Perry was not a true OLB and it wouldn't take much to outplay him,please stop comparing Fackrell to Mack. It makes everything good being said about Fackrell sound like the ridiculous praise so many placed upon Perry. Don't read more than there is here, Fackrell still needs to show more, especially now after becoming one the opponent looks for on the Packers defense.

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Bearmeat's picture

November 24, 2018 at 02:14 pm

I give props where they are due. I think more often than not, you are obnoxious and you're definitely a martyr when you're wrong.

But even though you claimed you jumped off the Fackrell train last year (although I never saw the post doing so) you look like a genius about him now. You were driving that bus.

Props.

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Archie's picture

November 24, 2018 at 01:29 pm

Fack had a bad leg injury as a junior. Prior to that he was being projected by some into the first round. Was not same player in his senior year and didn't show much under Capers for 2 years but he is blossoming now. He is no superstar but it looks like he's a legit starting OLB in today's NFL. The kid makes plays. He's also 27 soon. His next contract could be his last. Now maybe GB takes just one OLB in the first round of 2019 draft. Other pick could be most anything except CB, RB, or QB. It may time to begin rebuild of right side of OL for 12's elder years. Stud S, DL, TE or WR would be good too.

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Rossonero's picture

November 24, 2018 at 01:58 pm

Perhaps they roll the dice on Jason Spriggs. Bulaga is obviously better, but given his injury history and salary demands, they might just let him go.

For the draft, I'd like Deionte Thompson from Alabama. He's a true centerfielder, free safety type that we need.

Then go after the best pass rusher available-- and this upcoming class is rich with them.

Devin White (LSU), Josh Allen (Kentucky), Montez Sweat (Miss. State), come to mind.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 24, 2018 at 04:36 pm

Nah on Bulaga. Who is your swing OT to back up LT and RT? Bell? Kyle Murphy? You are just creating another sucking chasm of a hole in the roster by cutting Bulaga that necessitates burning a first or second round pick to fix, assuming Gute doesn't draft a bust or slow learner.

Bulaga's cap hit of $8.3M for 2019 is not out of line for a pretty good starting RT. He's at 84.2% of possible snaps for 2018. That's really the only concern with Bulaga, though I think he has slipped a little. Wonder what he looks like healthy, not that it's important since he never is fully healthy anyway.

FA tackle market looks pretty bad. We could put in an offer sheet on Rashod Hill (RFA) of the Vikings to piss them off. He isn't as good as Bulaga, but if we dump Bulaga, we're probably not going to be better at RT anyway.

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stockholder's picture

November 24, 2018 at 04:53 pm

The talk back in august was to cut BuLaga. Spriggs was the front runner. Then Bell. I believe Spriggs needs to be left, at LT. I wouldn't burn a #1 or 2 on the RT. If MM Returns he will keep Bulaga. But Spriggs should have taught the packers a lesson. Go by film, not the underwear workout. Some good choices Beau Benzschaweel G. WI, and Alex Bars ND.

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4zone's picture

November 25, 2018 at 08:16 am

Nobody liked Spriggs period.

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stockholder's picture

November 25, 2018 at 08:24 am

He should have never been drafted. The idea to keep him away from the bears, or play hard ball with Bahk. Is BS! Still is one of the worse GM moves TT made.

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4zone's picture

November 25, 2018 at 08:18 am

We will keep Bulaga but have to draft his future replacement this year.

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Rebecca's picture

November 24, 2018 at 06:26 pm

I’ve heard ‘Bama players are Kryptonite to the Packers.

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Doug Niemczynski's picture

November 24, 2018 at 02:34 pm

If Fackerall can do it on defense, then Kumerow can do it on offense.

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Pierre's picture

November 24, 2018 at 07:07 pm

I’d say Tonyan could be the one to out perform expectations on this offense just as Fackrell has for the defense. He just needs the more targets in the passing game to show what he can do at the TE position.

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Lare's picture

November 24, 2018 at 05:15 pm

Unless they want to sign for veteran minimum contracts, I can't see any scenario where the Packers keep Perry & Matthews next year.

Thankfully, Fackrell is stepping up and providing some production from the OLB position. Get another starter and some backup talent through the draft & free agency, and this can be a position of strength instead of a laughingstock.

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Ferrari Driver's picture

November 24, 2018 at 05:27 pm

The Packers sack leader came out of "Area 51"

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Skip greenBayless's picture

November 24, 2018 at 06:19 pm

I like it Ferrari Driver. So would Art Bell if he were still alive today. Miss that guy.

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Pierre's picture

November 24, 2018 at 07:10 pm

Packers’ season is on the line at Minnesota. A loss to the Vikings essentially ends the Packers playoff hopes.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

November 25, 2018 at 06:25 am

Fackrell is at 1 sack/36.25 snaps, a tackle per 12.08 snaps, and a QB hit per 32.2 snaps and a TFL every 32.2 snaps.

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4zone's picture

November 25, 2018 at 08:13 am

Sometimes it take a little more time for some guys to catch on. I like him and Gilbert going forward and if we could sign or draft another stud we could be looking good for next year.

Problem with the draft is we are going to need OL talent to backup and eventually replace Bulaga and need someone at RG. AR obviously can't read defences as fast as in the past so we have to protect him better.

And then there is the Safety need. Williams may come back for another year and Jones should do well if they actually play him. But we need a future guy back there long term.

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