The Packers want to give Aaron Rodgers another run at a Super Bowl title in 2019. To do that, these five players need to enjoy great seasons.
The NFC North projects to be one of the most unpredictable divisions in the NFL next season. The Packers certainly have the talent to come out on top, but they’re going to need some breaks to go their way.
The franchise hopes that first-year head coach Matt LaFleur can kick-start the offense. It shouldn’t be too difficult for the Packers to score points with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, but there are lots of question marks surrounding him on offense. In particular, a second receiver will need to step up to provide support for Davante Adams.
The defense projects to be much improved after a healthy infusion of talent via free agency. Both Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith arrive in Wisconsin with hefty expectations and price tags to match. The Packers don’t expect to turn into the top defense in football, but they do expect to be much improved.
If Rodgers is going to really get another credible shot at a Super Bowl title this season he’s going to need a lot of help. Specifically, the following five players need to have big-time years for Green Bay.
5. Billy Turner
It may seem odd to put a an offensive guard on this list, but the Packers need to get better at running the football this season. If that’s going to happen, the team needs the four-year contract they handed Turner in free agency to pay off.
In fairness, LaFleur and the coaching staff don’t need Turner to be great. They’d be thrilled if he can give them anything approximating above-average production on the interior. The Packers’ offensive line is blessed with terrific talent at both tackle spots. They need Turner and the rest of the interior to generate some push for the run game.
Turner isn’t a lock to win the right guard spot in training camp, but the Packers should hope he does. He’s got above-average athleticism that could allow him to turn into an above-average player with the right coaching. Green Bay needs Turner to be good to provide their offense with much-needed balance.