Let’s take a look at 5 players who could breakout this upcoming season for the Packers:
- Amari Rodgers: Right now, as it stands, unless one of the rookie’s blossoms in their first year, Rodgers will be the teams 4th wide receiver. He was buried behind Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown, Randall Cobb, and Allen Lazard on the depth chart last season and never really found his footing. He struggled as a punt returner and only played in garbage time at the end of games. Rodgers slimmed down from 218 pounds to 210 pounds and is eager to shed more. The former 3rd round pick will look to surpass his 4 receptions for 45 yards from last season. I could see Rodgers becoming an explosive weapon for Aaron Rodgers and co.
- Josh Myers: Battling injuries throughout the season (finger and knee), Myers only started 6 games. Though those 6 games were the only games he appeared in. The Packers obviously like him and if he can stay healthy, I don’t see why he can’t be force at the center position. The former 2nd round pick and first team All-Big Ten has all the talent in the world and will hope to have a healthier sophomore season.
- Eric Stokes: He’s already one of the better 2nd year cornerbacks in the NFL and many think he, Jaire Alexander, and Rasul Douglas are the best trio of corners in the league. Starting 14 out of the 16 games he played after being thrusted into a starting corner role after Alexander went down with injury, Stokes played exceptionally well. Posting 55 total tackles, 14 passes defended (team high), and 1 interception. He posted the 4th lowest completion percentage (49.5%) for all defensive back targeted over 45 times. If he can take the next step, the sky is the limit for the Packers secondary.
- Shemar Jean-Charles: The Packers are going to need a 4th corner… I think it is Jean-Charles’s job to lose. Appearing in 14 games last season and registering 8 total tackles, Jean-Charles saw a lot of special team’s work. With Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan gone, the Packers will turn to Jean-Charles for the 4th corner spot. If the Packers don’t feel like Jean-Charles is ready to contribute more, look for them to sign a veteran corner.
- #3 Edge Rusher: One of the bigger questions going into the season… who will be the 3rd edge rusher? Could it be recently drafted Kingley Enagbare? Enagbare did have an impressive final two years at South Carolina totaling 10.5 sack, and 14 tackles for loss. What about Randy Ramsey? The former undrafted free agent was placed on injured reserve last August and did not get much playing in 2020. He did total 18.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 41 games in college. Tipa Galeai is another option. The 25-year-old registered 11 total tackles and 1 sack last season. He took a big step last year in limited action. Finally, we have Johnathan Garvin. Garvin Played in 16 games last season and registered 1.5 sacks and 19 total tackles. I believe Garvin makes the most sense to break out with more snaps. Whichever edge rusher gets the most snaps on defense, I think will have a breakout season and have a big impact on defense for the Packers.