Preston Smith

Smith hasn't come too close to matching the 12.0 sacks he put up in his first season with Green Bay in 2019, but he did rack up 17.5 sacks while missing only one game over the last two years, so the Packers retained him for another go-around. He figures to continue holding down a regular role, particularly with fellow pass rusher Rashan Gary working his way back from a torn ACL. Smith will be pushed for snaps, though, particularly when Gary is back in the mix.

After a tough 2020 season in which he tied his career low in sacks, Smith bounced back a year ago, registering nine sacks and forcing two fumbles. He did little in the tackle department, though, and saw his snap count decline for a second straight season. Smith did enough to be retained by the Packers and will be counted as the starting edge opposite Rashan Gary.

It was thought that Smith could be a cap casualty this offseason after his sack total dropped from 12 in 2019 to four last year, but the Packers decided to bring him back, albeit at a lower cost. He'll continue playing a key role on the edge for the team, but with fellow pass rusher Rashan Gary ascending, Smith may not get enough opportunities to bounce back in the sack department. As such, Smith figures to remain on the fringes in fantasy circles.

Teammate and fellow offseason addition Za'Darius Smith stole most of the headlines last season, but Preston Smith was nearly as effective in his first year as a Packer, recording 12 sacks - a career high and the eighth-best mark in the league - to Za'Darius' 13.5. "The Smith Brothers" will both be back in Green Bay in 2020, and with Za'Darius attracting the most attention from opposing offenses, Preston should again see plenty of 1-on-1 opportunities with opposing linemen. Double-digit sacks will be well within reach.

The Packers focused heavily on their pass rush during the offseason, and Smith will be counted on to improve that area in his first season with the team. His sack production varied the last four years with the Redskins, but he has recorded 24 sacks over 64 career games. Smith started every game the last three years, and the contract he signed indicates the Packers are planning to use him in the same role. His snap count is unlikely to change significantly, though, so don't expect a major difference in his fantasy output.

Smith has certainly lived up to expectations since the Redskins made him a second-round pick back in 2015, as the linebacker has totaled 20.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups (with three picks) and four forced fumbles without missing a single game. However, he doesn't have the responsibility in run support that other defenders do, which has consistently led to underwhelming tackle totals over the past three seasons. With his role in that area unlikely to expand anytime soon, it's difficult to keep Smith in the IDP conversation ahead of the 2018 season.

It's no secret Smith took a step back last season after posting an impressive eight sacks to go along with 35 combined tackles and three forced fumble during his 2015 rookie campaign. However, the 24-year-old still managed to record 38 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three passes defended in 2016, starting in all 16 contests. The Redskins spent the offseason loading up on the defensive side of the ball which could put Smith in line for his best season yet.

Smith’s rookie season in 2015 saw him record an impressive 8.0 sacks to go along with 35 combined tackles and four forced fumble. There is no question that Smith is a promising player on a Redskins defense that struggled quite a bit in 2015, surrendering just over 380 yards per game to opposing offenses during the regular season. The second-year player out of Mississippi State will be in the mix among the Redskins’ front seven this season and, if he can continue improving on last season’s success, could be a deeper-league IDP at some point during the year, especially if Ryan Kerrigan or another pass-rusher were to go down with an injury.

2nd round draft pick, Smith is expected to compete with Trent Murphy for time at outside linebacker. Smith is better suited for a 4-3 offensive system but comes into camp as one of the team's best pass rushers. He should see time on the field immediately but may struggle in pass coverage.