As the Green Bay Packers prepare for their season opener in Brazil vs the Philadelphia Eagles, they turn toward their 52-man roster to identify playmakers. Following their impressive 2023-24 season, the Packers spent over $100 million on free agents to make a run at winning the NFC. After a productive offseason, there are a few key players primed for a breakout season.
Emmanuel Wilson May Make Most Of New Workload
While cutting down the roster, the Green Bay Packers assigned veteran running back AJ Dillon to season-ending injury reserve. This unfortunate designation may mark the end of his career in Green Bay.
Packers placed RB AJ Dillon on injured reserve.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2024
With rookie Marshawn Lloyd removing from an injury as well, the second running back workload (behind newly acquired Josh Jacobs) is Emmanuel Wilson’s for the taking. Emanuel Wilson was an undrafted free agent that quickly caught on with the Green Bay Packers. The running back was a standout in his Division Two college and translated success quickly in the NFL.
In the 2023 preseason, Emanuel Wilson broke out an 80-yard touchdown run that displayed many impressive traits and turned heads. and of his 21 preseason snaps, only two were stopped for a loss. He only found 14 attempts in his regular season campaign but made the most of them averaging over 6 yards per carry, to go along with 4 catches.
Given the talent he has already put on tape, Emmanuel Wilson may be primed for a hot start to the 2023-24 season.
Eric Stokes Makes Big Return For Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers secondary struggled in 2023 under former defensive coordinator Joe Barry, particularly with ball production (second to last in total interceptions). Although it appears the Green Bay Packers organization believes this to be a scheming issue and has trust in their current core. This became apparent with the hiring of Jeff Hafley and not taking a cornerback until the final round of the 2024 draft.
Though, with just one truly proven outside corner, superstar Jaire Alexander, and two corners who showed promise in 2023 (Valentine and Ballentine), the Green Bay Packers could use reliability and talent on the outside. After Stokes’ impressive rookie campaign in 2021, there is potential that that talent could come from him in 2024.
In 2021 Stokes was the subject of a lot of targets, and he responded well. Through 96 targets Stokes measured fourth in completion percentage (51.0),23rd in passer rating (78.8), and knocked down 14 passes with one interception. His efforts put him in conversation as an All-Rookie player and put him on the map as a young promising cornerback.
The Packers have already listed Stokes as a starting cornerback following his impressive preseason. If Stokes can stay healthy and play at a level he has shown flashes of, the Packers will likely re-sign Stokes to the tune of 9-10 million dollars a year for multiple years, as well as legitimize the future of their defense.
For More Wisconsin Sports
:Follow me on Twitter at @tyesportswrite or Instagram @erictyeellison, follow us @WiSportsHeroics. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers. Go Pack Go. On Wisconsin. Fear The Deer. This Is My Crew.
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Radtke Sports
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud to partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply
