Five Green Bay Packers Exceeding Expectations So Far This Season

The Green Bay Packers have reached their bye week with a 2-1-1 record. Green Bay won their first two games convincingly but have gone 0-1-1 in their last two. While it’s still early in the season, here are five Packers players who are exceeding expectations so far this season. These are not simply players that are doing well, but players who have been better than expected thus far.

Packers Players Exceeding Expectations So Far, Number Five: OL Darian Kinnard

The Packers offensive line has dealt with many injuries already this season and that has tested the team’s depth. GM Brian Gutekunst acquired Darian Kinnard just before the regular season started after the backup offensive linemen struggled throughout the preseason.

Kinnard had to step up and play early when injuries struck throughout the offensive line. He stepped in and played well when called upon, mostly at right tackle.

According to Pro Football Focus, Kinnard has been an elite run blocker thus far this season. He has also been solid in pass protection.

Kinnard has played only 45 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, but he’s been a strong and steady backup who gave the team valuable depth at offensive tackle.

Number Four: DT Colby Wooden

When the Packers included Kenny Clark in the Micah Parsons trade, many people wondered how the team would be able to stop the run. Well, Colby Wooden has stepped into a starting role and played well.

Wooden put on weight over the offseason in anticipation of taking on a bigger role and that has paid off. He started only one game in his first two seasons in the NFL but started all four games so far in 2025.

Wooden has made 12 total tackles including two tackles for loss. He also recorded two quarterback hits.

The Packers defense ranks second in the league in yards allowed per game and fifth in yards allowed per rush. Wooden’s play has been a strong and unexpected factor in that success.

Packers Players Exceeding Expectations So Far, Number Three: DT Devonte Wyatt

Devonte Wyatt had his moments rushing the passer in his first three seasons, but injuries and inconsistency kept him from becoming a full-time player on the inside of the defensive line.

This season, Wyatt is among the league leaders in pressures by a defensive tackle. He has recorded two sacks, two tackles for loss and five quarterback hits through the first four games.

When Wyatt left the Cowboys game early due to an injury, the defense noticed his absence. Wyatt has been strong as a pass rusher and improved as a run defender.

The Packers hope he can return after the bye and continue to provide strong play in the middle of the defensive front.

Number Two: WR Romeo Doubs

With both Christian Watson and Jayden Reed out with injuries, the Packers needed a veteran wide receiver to step up and play well opposite rookie Matthew Golden. Thus far, that player has been Romeo Doubs.

The former Nevada star has “only” 13 catches through four games, but four of them have gone for touchdowns including three in the 40-40 tie against the Cowboys in Week 4. Doubs has yet to drop a pass this season according to pro-football-reference.com. That was an issue for him and the entire receiving corps a year ago.

Quarterback Jordan Love often looks for Doubs in clutch situations. When he needs a target in the red zone, Doubs is often his first choice. On third downs when he needs to keep a drive alive, Doubs is a reliable option.

This is the final year of Doubs’ present contract, but his strong play so far this season will set him up for a lucrative new deal next season whether it’s in Green Bay or elsewhere.

Packers Players Exceeding Expectations So Far, Number One: CB Keisean Nixon

When the Packers cut ties with Jaire Alexander this offseason, many critics were unsure if they had a legitimate number one cover corner on their roster. Well, veteran Keisean Nixon has proven them wrong so far this season.

Nixon broke up five passes in one game in Week 2 against the Commanders. In just four games, he’s matched his career high for an entire season with seven. Nixon has also yet to allow a touchdown this season according to pro-football-reference.com.

Nixon gives the Packers defense leadership, and his confidence is contagious. With the addition of Parsons to the defense, Nixon knows he can concentrate on stopping shorter passes and that has paid off for him. He ranks in the upper 20 percent of Pro Football Focus’ grades for qualified cornerbacks and that’s after the team’s struggles last Sunday night in Dallas.

Nixon has stepped up and played well when a void opened on the defense. His rise from an undrafted free agent to All Pro return specialist to CB1 is a great story and he continues to improve his game each year he’s been in the league.