The 2022 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away! Eager fans are putting together mock drafts that can hopefully set their favorite teams up for a Super Bowl run. On the flipside, the Green Bay Packers still have a competitive roster. After a disappointing 2021 season the Packers have a few players on the roster who underperformed greatly. Green Bay can easily address these positions with the 11 picks that they have in the draft this year. Let’s take a look at three players who are in need of a breakout year this coming season:
Darnell Savage
The first name that comes to mind for a breakout year is Darnell Savage. The third year safety out of Maryland had a down year in terms with 63 tackles, as opposed to 75 in 2020. This however was not the most concerning issue. There were quite a few instances where he had not been in very good coverage position, and also dropped interceptions as well. The other reason why Savage is on this list is because Green Bay is going to need to make a decision on whether or not to pick up his fifth year option. It is a risky move, but the safety class in this year’s draft does not have much in terms of depth. Additionally, the Packers have more glaring needs to address before looking into drafting a safety. Green Bay may have no choice but to pick up Savage’s fifth year option, but he needs to perform at a first-round talent level this coming season.
Amari Rodgers
With the loss of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes- Scantling, the wide receiver depth chart is at a frenzy. Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb are currently the top two receivers on the roster. But, this is bound to change after the draft or via trade. One player that has not been talked about much for a breakout year is Amari Rodgers. Last season Rodgers saw his playing time primarily on special teams. Even if Green Bay drafts a wide receiver or two, I would anticipate that Amari will have an increased role in the offense. He will get a little more leniency this season in due to his limited role last season. But, if Rodgers struggles with his production and if one rookie receiver starts to perform, I would not be surprised to see Amari drop to either fourth or fifth on the depth chart.
Josiah Deguara
No one is really sure what Josiah Deguara’s role is in the Packers’ offense. Deguara was a third round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Josiah had a very productive college career, but has not lived up to those expectations. He was drafted primarily to be a mirror image of Kyle Juszczyk, but we have yet to see Degura in that role. He does get the benefit of the doubt though because he did tear his ACL his rookie year. But, he had a great opportunity to shine in the absence of Robert Tonyan. Needless to say, he did not perform the way we hoped. Green Bay is going to need to make a decision on Deguara’s role in the offense very soon as the tight end position is one that is going to have to be addressed in this year’s draft. If Green Bay does not commit to his role, a breakout year might not happen for Josiah Degaura.
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