The 2025 NFL football season begins this month as there is a preseason game at the end of July. With the new season on its way, here are three Packers who need to step up in 2025 in order for Green Bay to be a contender.
Kenny Clark
As discussed earlier in the offseason, the defensive line was extremely underwhelming in 2024. One would expect one of the core players, Kenny Clark, to have led the group, but it was quite the opposite.
It is important to acknowledge the injuries Clark endured during the 2024 season, as he injured his ankle in the very first game last season, but his drop off in production was costly to the Packers’ defense. Clark excelled in 2023, putting up 7.5 sacks, 16 QB hits and nine tackles for loss.
This past season, Clark earned only one sack, five QB hits and four tackles for loss. Given Clark’s abilities over the years, it is crucial that he bounces back in 2025 to propel the defensive line into a more productive season. On top of that, the Packers made very few additions to an already very thin defensive tackle room.
With Clark’s rich contract and his reliability over the years, I fully expect him to step up and improve from last season. I believe the improvement on the line begins with him leading the group.
Rashan Gary
Yes, another pass rusher who needs to step up and make more of an impact. Rashan Gary has been a good draft pick, not great, and what the Packers need within the pass rush is a great player.
I fully believe Gary possesses the abilities of a great pass rusher; he just needs to put it all together. Gary excelled in the run defense last season, but his proficiency in getting to the quarterback was not up to par. Gary earned 7.5 sacks and 15 QB hits in 2024.
The Packers simply need more from the first rounder. Prior to tearing his ACL in 2022, he looked to be on his way to being a great pass rusher. Since then, he has been just good. If the Packers want to scare opponents, they need someone to be great and that needs to be Rashan Gary.
The Entire Wide Receiver Room
While this is not a singular player, this group was among the most disappointing last season for Green Bay. Per Sharp Football Analysis, 32.7% of Jordan Love’s dropped passes on 3rd down last season were because of receiver error.
The Packers had 33 drops as a unit last season. That ranked third most in the league behind the Jets and the Browns. The urgency for this group to find their groove was evident when Brian Gutekunst selected Matthew Golden in round one of the NFL Draft back in April.
There will be competition within the receiving room this off-season, and this may motivate the unit to be more reliable and consistent. The expectations are high and the reliability from the receiving core will heavily influence the direction the Packers go in the 2025 season.
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