For the Green Bay Packers, it will truly be a team effort in 2022 to win. But these are the five important players that fans should keep their eye on this year.
5. Eric Stokes
Eric Stokes ranks fifth on the list of most important players. The Packers defense finished top ten last season. A large reason was for the vast improvement in the secondary led by cornerback Eric Stokes. He played all 16 games and started 14.
In Jaire Alexander’s absence last year due to a shoulder injury, the second year player from Georgia made a huge impression his rookie season. Stokes ranked fourth among NFL defensive backs in lowest completion percentage when targeted 45+ times. What’s in store for him this year?
4. Rashan Gary
Rashan Gary is coming off his best season so far as a pro starting all 16 games, recording 9.5 sacks and 47 tackles. His specialty is stopping the run, which is my reasoning for ranking him fourth on the list. For a group that is deep at linebacker Gary is a key piece, and look for him to just keep getting better in 2022. He’s a fan favorite.
3. Allen Lazard
With the departure of Davante Adams, there is a massive hole in the Packers offense that is nearly impossible to fill, the production will have to come from an unknown group of receivers.
Allen Lazard is number three on the list of most important Packers because he is now the number one target for Aaron Rodgers.
Last season, Lazard recorded 40 receptions for 513 yards and eight touchdowns. Look for Lazard to crack 1,000 yards and double digits in the touchdown department.
2. David Bakhtiari
Coming off an ACL injury that was initially suffered in 2020, Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari was patient in his return to back the field last season. He came back in week 18 against the Lions, although his return was extremely short-lived. Unfortunately, he had to undergo two follow up procedures earlier this off-season.
Whenever Bakhtiari makes his return in 2022, it will be very welcomed and needed to give the Packers offensive line the production and more importantly the protection for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Bakhtiari ranks second on the list of most important Packers for 2022 and could have been number one. But fans will not have to look far for my number one choice.
1. Aaron Jones
Packers running back Aaron Jones had a good 2021 season: 799 yards on 171 carries in addition to 52 catches on 65 targets.
With the philosophy of the offense changing to a run based offense this year, Jones is the most important player for the Packers in 2022.
The more the Packers run the ball, the less pressure there will be on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Expect Jones to be Rodgers’ second most used target in the passing game as well. Jones is a STUD at his position and along with fellow running back AJ Dillon, the Packers will have a two headed monster that will be difficult for defenses to tame.
More must-reads: