The Packers are going into somewhat of an unknown this offseason. With over 70 million dollars of cap to clear the Packers may be losing some staple stars. Randall Cobb and Z’Darius Smith could have very well played their last snaps in Green Bay, among other stars. However, the Packers have a new lineup of young players, who have already made a name for themselves, ready to make the jump to “superstar.” Who are the best young players the Packers can look to become superstars?
5. AJ Dillon
AJ Dillon has embraced Wisconsin ever since arriving in Green Bay. As a rookie, he found himself behind Aaron Jones and Jamal Williams. However, in 2021 he became the number two back behind Aaron Jones. The two really became pair number one backs as Dillon took over the bruiser role. He actually outgained Jones on the ground, but Jones missed some contests. Dillon is a rare combination of size and speed and has the ability to wear down defenses.
4. Darnell Savage
The Packers drafted the young safety in the first round of the 2019 draft. Since entering the league Savage has steadily improved but struggled quite a bit in 2021. Savage is a generational athlete and is always around the ball. He left some opportunities on the field this year but has shown he can make the plays. Consistency is going to be the key for Savage as he enters his fourth season.
3. Rashan Gary
When the Packers drafted Rashan Gary with the twelfth pick in 2019 many thought he was a reach. In his rookie year, his production was limited due to the excellent years by Preston and Za’Darius Smith. In 2020 Gary saw the field more and was productive in pressuring the quarterback. However, in 2021 Gary became a star for the defense when Za’Darius Smith went down. The pressures finally started turning into sacks as he put up a career-high 9.5 sacks. He added two more in the playoff game against San Francisco. It is very likely that Za’Darius Smith will be a cap casualty which means Gary would enter the year as the team’s best EDGE rusher.
2. Jaire Alexander
Putting Jaire Alexander at the two spot is a testament to how well Brian Gutekunst has done in the first round, outside of not really knowing what the team has with Jordan Love. Alexander missed a majority of 2021 with a shoulder injury but is one of the best at his position in the NFL. Alexander is entering his fifth season and has already been named an All-Pro. He is a true number one corner who can take away an entire side of the field. At a position that is so hard to hit on, the Packers found a superstar in the first round.
1. Elgton Jenkins
Elgton Jenkins might not only be the best lineman on the team but has an argument for best in the NFL. The Packers drafted Jenkins from Mississippi State in the second round of the 2019 draft. He can play every position on the offensive line and has in the NFL. Jenkins filled in for All-Pro David Bakhtiari at left tackle following an ACL injury and played just as well. Jenkins suffered an ACL injury of his own in 2021, but when he returns the Packers will be able to plug him in anywhere on the line.
As Always
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