I actually like Karl Brooks as part of that starting 4 instead of Smith. I know some down votes are heading my way here, but this scheme doesn't fit Smith or his age. I absolutely love Smith too. There really isn't anything bad to say about him. I just think Brooks is a better fit and I like his youth and how he plays. People sometimes hate change, myself included at times. But I see this as a time where change from Smith to someone else (Brooks) has arrived. Either way, I'm insanely excited to see this defense take the field in 2024 and beyond.

With Enagbare out, Van Ness should be able to significantly increase his defensive snap total, maybe to almost double that of his rookie season. I understand his versatility and athleticism makes him a sort of chess piece in the defensive alignments, but it would really be nice to see him seize the DE position and become a force, hopefully sooner rather than later. Using him as a LB in a 4-2-5 defense seems kind of speculative right now; I guess it's an option, but I think we're going to have to come up with a better solution. What that is, I don't know. I'm also not sure how much better the run defense is going to be with the current group of pass rush-heavy group of defenders- adding another hulking presence besides Slaton on the DL would probably be beneficial, but then again, who is the odd man out?

As a defensive end, heck yes.
As a defensive tackle on passing downs, yes.
As an inside linebacker in a 4-2-5? No.
But I’ve been wrong before.

I think Gary, VanNess, and Wooden can be a very good group of defensive ends.

I want to see guys who can run and who can tackle - all along the D line - dont mind one or two middle run stoppers depending upon the situation - but the new defenses seem to have faster - quicker linebackers - but those with grit and that is what Van Ness brought - This is a big draft for us - both on the back end and especially in the linebacker area.

How many people remember when Gary was getting bashed after his rookie year?

Van Ness is going to be a good player for us. We suit up 21 defensive guys and he'll be one, and probably one of the 11 on the field.

I'm really wondering how far his commitment to the 4-3 goes. Does it become a 4-2-5? Does it become a 3-3-5? Or even a 2-4-5? I guess I'll find out, but whatever it is, we're going to want to bring big edge pressure and Van Ness is certainly a guy who can help with that.

Normally Mr negative on this hoard, I demand a lot, I'm kind of pumped for next year. Love shocked me, Barry is gone, a new defensive scheme, maybe the best overall receiving core and I think two very good tight ends. My concern, de' s have to have quickness. Van Ness is it. We need some free agents to shore up the pass defense, plus some rookies to develope.
Look the Lions had a pass rush but it was lacking because Hendrickson didn't have anyone else to pressure, he was it.
You got to have at least four guys who can pressure and keep fresh. Pass rushers wear down and need relief.

He has all the physical tools and can do type attitude to be very good. Just needs to refine his skill set a bit. I could see him approaching double digit sacks this year.
I don't know if Preston Smith can make the transition though. Hope he can, but it's an old dog new tricks kind of thing. After playing an entire career from a stand up position to a 3 point stance isn't as easy as one might think.
Gutey loves his pass rushers and I could see him surprising everyone by going DE in the 1st round. Keep the name Darius Robinson in mind.

Van Ness is going to be fun to watch in the new D. I see him as a DE and will press Preston for starting snaps...but both will be effective. Both played from a 3 point all through college so that transition won't take long.

I do not envision Van Ness ever playing LB. That would be a misuse of his talent. Smith's worst Packer season was in 2020 after Fackrell left and Pettine had Preston playing a lot of passing down pass coverage. That ended the next season and Smith returned to productivity as a pass rusher/run defender.

I see Gary, Van Ness, Preston as the top 3 for DE. Brooks can play there in a pinch (he was a stud DE in college) until Enagbare heals up...but I see Brooks as a changeup piece at DT and someone to watch there. Clark, Wyatt, Brooks, Wooden at DT looks solid. Slaton figures too but he'd probably be 5th on the depth chart at DT.

I love the idea of using Van Ness revolving to different positions in the front seven. In fact I suggested he be used at ILB last season to help stop the run. And, I received a smattering of thumbs down from the faithful. We will see what the new DC does. Preston Smith is aging (and may not even be signed) and Enagbare is injured. So, taking a premier edge early in the draft is plausible with Van Ness being used at ILB on early downs. Time will tell. I am feeling more optimistic about the defense already. And Yes if Darian Robinson or another premier edge is open they should be taken even in the first round without question. There is nothing wrong with taking the best available athlete. Moreover, premier edge rushers are few and far between.

His size is consistent with a 4-3 defensive end and he's likely to gain a few pounds since he likely won't be doing much pass coverage. He showed the game isn't too big for him, something that plagues some rookies.

As had been reported before, with injuries and contracts a consideration, look for the Packers to add one end during the draft and another linebacker.

Dear everybody,

Once you call out the # of DL, and the # of LBs, there's no reason to call out the # of DB's.
It's inferred.

This is why, for example, what is referred to as "12 personnel" on offense isn't called "12251 personnel.
Once you've declared there's 1 RB and 2 TEs, there is no reason to spell out the number of wide receivers, linemen, and QB..you can deduce there's 2 WRs on the field, because you are required to have 5 ineligible players on the LOS and you've always got 1 QB on the field.

soooo... 3-4. 4-3. 5-2. You get the picture.

With sincere apologies for my inability to contain the angst and pain I feel every time I see someone post 3-4-4, I know it's not you, it's me, but damn people.. it's football and there has always been a way we go about calling out personnel on a field. Less is more.