The Green Bay Packers are not generally a football team lauded for their strength in the trenches. The powers that be seem intent on changing that status in the coming National Football League season. Indeed, this Packers team is as deep, talented and ferocious on the front lines as any. This defensive line will certainly be out to prove that they are prepared for any challenges. Third year lineman Montravius Adams will be at the forefront of that movement.
The release of Mike Daniels, came as a shock to Packers Nation. A fan favourite and community standout, his off-field persona will surely be missed. Number 76’s impact between the lines is a different story. In football, much like life, there is always a method to the madness that goes unseen. An eve of training camp cut not only signifies the Packers brass wish to save over eight million against the cap. The move means there are other players ready to step in and thrive in Daniels’ role. General Manager Brian Gutekunst and the Packers staff quite clearly feel that the difference in play between Daniels and the “next man up” is so close, the team can afford to cut him. In this case, the next man is former third-round pick Montravius Adams.
Kenny Clark recently stated on the brilliant Pack A Day Podcast that Adams was his standout of OTAs. Clearly, the rest of the organization took note. Defensive co-ordinator Mike Pettine has been very blunt about the fact Adams was not his favourite player when he arrived last off-season. Evidently, those opinions have changed quickly, as number 90 was set to play a large role even before Daniels departure. Positon coach Jerry Montgomery has done nothing but add fuel to the fire, stating “the guy came back in tremendous shape. He looks a lot different body wise than a year ago. Like, he understands now that this is how he provides for his family, and I need to do all I can to be the best player I can be. He’s done that. He’s working every day.” The potential of Adams is exciting fans and coaches alike around Green Bay.
Adams has seemingly gone from a bust to potentially the breakout player on defense in only a year. While playing only 66 snaps as a rookie, and 212 last season, the sample size is small. Finally, with injuries ravaging the defensive line at the end of last season, Adams was given his chance. He did not disappoint. The Georgian-born defensive end recorded 22 tackles and added 1.5 sacks, displaying his elite athletic traits and adding to his repertoire of pass rushing moves.
A simple change in dedication to his craft may be most pronounced reason for Adams success. The former Auburn Tigers checked into training camp at under 300 pounds for the first time in his career. Significantly lower than last season’a playing weight of 315. Shedding the extra weight has really put a jolt in the third year lineman’s step, allowing him to chase down ball-carriers like never before. Pairing a newfound work ethic to the sport, with his already impressive athleticism, Montravius Adams is set to be an offensive lineman’s worst nightmare in 2019.
Change is a necessary evil in the business of the NFL. However, with change comes evolution, and the Green Bay Packers franchise has embraced the process this off-season. Set on changing the direction of the football team after two subpar seasons, Green Bay has a new coach with a new philosophy. All of a sudden, the Packers also have a number of new faces set to play key roles on both sides of the ball. Yet, it may be a nearly forgotten defensive lineman who has a major part to play in that movement. Montravius Adams is ready to ball for the Green Bay Packers in 2019.
Nick is a lifelong Packers fan. 4th and 26 was on his 13th birthday, unlucky. Follow him @CANDRAFTGEEK647 on Twitter for all your Packers draft needs and questions.