Za'Darius Smith was a breakout star for the Green Packers in 2019. In his first season in Green Bay, the 6-foot-4, 272-pound edge rusher recorded 55 tackles, 37 quarterback hits, and a team-high 13.5 sacks while also being named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his five-year career.

After playing his first four seasons with the Baltim0re Ravens, Green Bay signed the former Kentucky star to a four-year deal worth $66 million this past offseason.

Not only did Smith's spectacular play help the Packers field a top-10 scoring defense in 2019, but Smith's efforts were also recognized by Pro Football Focus.

In their annual top 100 players in the NFL, PFF ranked the Packers pass-rusher at No. 19, ahead of players like 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore and All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey and just behind Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons.

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Smith, along with players like Preston Smith and Blake Martinez, led a Green Bay defense that saw a bit of a revitalized defense under first-year head coach Matt LaFleur.

After a disappointing 2018, the Packers would end up going 13-3 and making the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Unfortunately, despite Smith's spectacular play and a strong regular season, Green Bay would end up being knocked out by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship.

Likely a Packer for the next few years and a top-20 player in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, Green Bay certainly has an excellent building block for the defense in the future.