Green Bay Packers: High Expectations in 2022

The pressure is on! The Green Bay Packers have high expectations for 2022, nothing new for a team that is constantly in Super Bowl contention.

NFL players are always expected to perform their duties at a high level. While rosters change and guys have to step into new roles, some players are leaned on more than others. It is no different for the Green Bay Packers, whether it’s a contract year or young players taking over for former veterans. If the Packers are looking to achieve their Super Bowl goals, they will need players to step up in big ways for 2022. Let’s look at some players with high expectations for the upcoming season.

Darnell Savage

2022 is a huge year for Darnell Savage. The 24-year-old is going into his 4th season and Green Bay wants to see Savage take the next jump in his abilities. At the end of 2020, he was showing why Green Bay took him in the 1st round. Savage was making plays in the star role for then defensive coordinator Mike Pettine‘s unit.

Ultimately, change happens in the NFL as the Packers hired Joe Barry as defensive coordinator in 2021. Because of this, Savage struggled with the new system. He looked out of position, lack of confidence, and even lost communication at times. Now in year two of the defensive system, the Packers hope Savage will be more comfortable and aggressive. There is no denying his ability and physical tools. His 4.3 speed can cover ground and close open space quickly. Savage also knows how to find the football in the air. Now he needs to combine the mental nuances with his athletic ability. Green Bay did pick up Savage’s 5th-year option for 2023, but a big season will be needed to earn that next payday. 2022 will tell a lot for Green Bay’s future at safety.

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David Bakhtiari

When you are protecting a future Hall of Fame quarterback’s blind side and you’re one of the highest-paid left tackles in the business, it’s obvious the expectations to get the job done are high. The pressure is even higher in 2022 for All-Pro David Bakhtiari. Days after becoming the highest-paid left tackle in the league, he tore his ACL. Expected to return in 2021, the knee never healed like anticipated and now questions loom for the 30-year-old if he will ever be the same.

Both the Packers and Bakhtiari seem confident that the knee will be fine but until the games start, there is still cause for concern. This season is pivotal in the long-term career of the seasoned vet. Green Bay is committed to Bakhtiari for the next few seasons. If he can bounce back and play close to his all-world career, then it’s smooth sailing. However, if the knee presents issues, then the Packers will be playing musical chairs once again on the offensive line.

T.J Slaton

Tedarrell Slaton was drafted in the 5th round of the 2021 draft. Most defensive tackles picked on day 3 take time to develop, if at all. That won’t be the case for Slaton in his sophomore campaign. Green Bay has big hopes that #93 can make a big 2nd-year leap. The 340 lb. Slaton flashed his talents as a rookie and now it’s time to put it all together. A true nose tackle with his size, Slaton also moves well. The Packers have added penetrators this offseason in Jarran Reed and Devonte Wyatt. If Slaton can log quality snaps in the middle, it frees up Kenny Clark to move around and eat. Slaton doesn’t need to blow up the stat sheet, but having him in the rotation makes the new-look defensive line imposing for opponents.

Rich Bisaccia

Yes, coaches can feel the heat also. Rich Bisaccia comes in to try and fix a special teams unit that was an epic failure in 2021 and, frankly, over the last decade. The Green Bay special teams unit has cost playoff heartache and it’s time to fix the liability. Enter Bisaccia, who has been coaching special teams for nearly 40 years. He looks to bring new energy and attitude. Bisaccia preaches the basics and individual assignments. The expectations are high and he won’t have a lot of time to turn this around. Even an average special teams unit will be a success for the Packers in 2022.

Tight End Room

Somebody, anybody! The Green Bay Packers tight end unit needs somebody to separate and be a legitimate threat. Robert Tonyan is the clear favorite to be the guy but he’s coming off a season-ending injury. If Big Bob can return to his 2020 self, Green Bay is cooking. If he can’t, others will need to carry the load. Mercedes Lewis is long in the tooth and basically a sixth lineman. That leaves Josiah Deguara to hit stride in year 3. Deguara has been used as an H-back but he will need to work more as a TE to pose as a pass-catching threat. Whether Green Bay gets production from one guy or from the whole group, the position needs to be for this offense.

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– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.

– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.