Hyped as a potential breakout candidate all last summer, Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Montravius Adams crawled his way through a disappointing and underwhelming third NFL season in 2019.
The third-round pick in 2017 played just 187 snaps – 25 fewer than the year prior – and didn’t produce a single sack, tackle for loss or quarterback hit over 14 games.
The Packers are hopeful that Adams can regain the trust of the coaching staff and become a legitimate contributor for a defensive line that could use the depth in 2020.
“We have high expectations. He’s a very talented guy. He always gives great effort,” coach Matt LaFleur said on Tuesday. “We have to make sure he knows what to do. We have to be able to trust him to put him out there.”
Adams’ playing time faded quickly in 2019. After playing roughly a third of the defense’s total snaps during the first eight games, Adams was on the field for just 31 total snaps over the final eight games. He batted down three passes but otherwise made no statistical impact. His overall season grade at Pro Football Focus was one of the worst in the NFL among defensive linemen.
Even after three seasons, the Packers still needed to see personal growth from Adams this summer. He must develop rapidly, not only to make the roster in 2020 but to prove to the Packers he’s worth investing in past this season. His rookie contract expires next March.
“I think he has grown, there’s no doubt about it,” LaFleur said. “He knows it, as well as all the coaches, this is a big year for Mon. We’re excited to see him get out there because we need more depth along the defensive line.”
