Packers 2017 Recap: DL Kenny Clark

A 2016 first round pick, Kenny Clark started quiet but finished strong in his rookie year. 2017 gave him his first chance to really shine.

2017 Stats

• Appeared in 15 games with 15 starts (684 snaps on defense, 69 snaps on special teams)
• 32 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 pass defensed, 2 fumbles forced

Expectations going into the season: High
Expectations were: Exceeded

What we said last season:

Clark saved his best performance for the playoffs, pushing the Cowboys’ All-Pro line around and sniffing out a screen pass to Ezekiel Elliot in masterful fashion. Though he may not have done much this year, Clark showed the Packers there’s plenty to look forward to as he continues to grow.

Analysis: Clark blossoms in second season

Wrapping up his rookie season with a dominant performance against the thoroughbreds on the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line, Kenny Clark was poised to blow up in his second year.

Paired with Mike Daniels, Clark did almost exactly that, posting 4.5 sacks as a solid interior rusher in his sophomore season. Clark at times looked like the more dominant player of the pair, shedding blockers and knifing his way into the backfield to harass quarterbacks and bring down ball carriers.

Given that he doesn’t turn 23 until October and with Muhammad Wilkerson joining him up front next season, we still may just be getting a taste of what Clark can do.