When the Green Bay Packers signed veteran defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois to a one-year deal on March 23, it appeared to be a solid but unflashy addition to bolster depth on the defensive line.
However, as the season inches closer, the possibility that Jean Francois will make considerable contributions in 2017 continues to grow.
While there's no question 28-year-old defensive end Mike Daniels is the king of the Packers defensive line, Jean Francois, 30, has a unique opportunity to provide leadership to his young teammates in second-year players Dean Lowry and Kenny Clark, as well as 25-year-old Christian Ringo.