The Packers roster, this year, is indeed very talented. Outside of wide receiver, the Packers do not have a lot of weaknesses on the roster right now. Most of the core is still with the team this year. They are in a very good spot to make a run at the Super Bowl this season. Certain players on the team are in for a breakout season in 2022. Here are all of the players who are all due for a breakout season this year.
Josh Myers
The Packers just know how to always get the center position right. Second-year player Josh Myers might be the next great Packers center. Last year Myers was under pressure as he was replacing an All-Pro center in Corey Linsley. Yet, he performed really well as he was arguably the best rookie center in the NFL, outside of Creed Humphrey, especially in pass blocking. Unfortunately he got hurt and was on injured reserved then tried to play not at full strength in the playoffs. Now, he seems to be fully healthy and will look to build off his promising rookie season. Myers has the experience in the offense and has his rookie slump out the way which will allow him to improve this year. If Myers can stay healthy he can be one of the top centers in the NFL.
Devonte Wyatt
On the Packers defense, a player to watch is rookie defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. He was dominant in 2021 on a Georgia defense that won the national championship. Wyatt took a dip in the draft due to his age but the Packers decided to take advantage and draft him in the first round. He helps give the Packers a dominant defensive line they have not had in a long time. With opposing offensive lines double teaming Kenny Clark, Wyatt will get one-on-one matchups and should be productive. He has shown at Georgia against the pass and the run he can be disruptive and dominant. Also can be a defensive rookie of the year candidate. He will be eased in, but expect Wyatt to have a dominant rookie season.
Eric Stokes
Eric Stokes, in his rookie season, showed a lot of promise. It was up-and-down but he started to get better as the 2021 season went along. His speed is something that the Packers saw when drafting him as it allows him to keep up with the speedy wide receivers in the NFL. Stokes has been tested as in some games had to match up with the opposing offense best play maker at wide receiver with Jaire Alexander out. He held up well as Stokes was limiting the big plays.
Now Stokes will have Alexander to play next to, who is coming back from a shoulder injury that kept him out most of the 2021 season. With Alexander coming back fully healthy, Stokes won’t have to guard the best wide receiver on opposing offenses, making it easier for him. Stokes is due for a breakout season and could form a dominant cornerback trio with Alexander and Rasul Douglas.
Quay Walker
The Packers selected Quay Walker with their first pick in this years draft. He was considered the best inside linebacker in the draft. The Packers did need another linebacker next to De’Vondre Campbell and Walker seems to be that guy. Walker will be a versatile piece on Joe Barry’s defense. Not to mention Joe Barry knows how to coach and get the best out of all the inside linebackers he has coached.
In addition, Walker won’t have the pressure of calling the defense. Campbell will be the guy making all of the calls on the Packers defense. Walker will be moved all over the defense especially in pass coverage as he shown to excel in space covering tight ends and running backs. Expect Walker to have a breakout rookie season and maybe be a defensive rookie of the year candidate.
Randall Cobb
Randall Cobb was traded back to the Packers last offseason and showed he still has a lot left in the tank despite him being in the twilight years of his career. Cobb was starting to get more comfortable with the offense of Matt Lafleur late in the 2021 season. Unfortunately he had a groin injury that ended his regular season. He is dedicated and a true team player to help the Packers reach their first Super Bowl since 2010.
Cobb took a massive pay cut to stay with the team this year. He is the veteran leader of a young wide receiver room and has more experience with the offense. In addition has the trust of Aaron Rodgers who he has played with for most of his career. Look for a bounce back year for Cobb as he is more familiar with the offense.
Rashan Gary
In 2021 Rashan Gary had a solid year for the Packers and stepped up with Za'Darius Smith out most of the year. He led the Packers in sacks with nine. Gary was one of the best edge rushers in the NFL last year. Yes, he did not have double digit sacks, but you can’t judge a pass rusher just by sacks.
Gary was one of the best in the NFL at being disruptive, getting pressures, and one of the best at pass rush win rate. Not to mention, he is stout against the run which is just as important as getting after the quarterback. Gary is due for a monster year in 2022 and could be a dark horse candidate for Defensive Player of the Year this season.
Christian Watson
Packers rookie wide receiver Christian Watson has all the tools needed to be a very good wide receiver in the NFL. The Packers traded up to get him in the second round in this year's draft. They see the potential that Watson could become a very good player. He is considered a raw prospect and still needs some development especially with his hands as he had a high drop rate in college, but that can be fixed.
The Packers will not rush his development making him the No. 1 receiver. That would not be fair to him if he was thrown into the fire early. Not to mention needs to earn the trust of Aaron Rodgers and learn the the entire offensive playbook. Both may take some time for him to do both all in his rookie year. The sky is the limit for Watson to have a real productive rookie season this year.
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