The Green Bay Packers enter the 2025 season with several high-profile players drawing attention, but often it is the under-the-radar contributors who can ultimately define a team’s success. Beyond the stars, a handful of lesser-known Packers possess the talent and opportunity to make a significant impact. These unsung heroes could shape the trajectory of the season through their development, versatility, and breakout potential. Here’s a closer look at some of these key players flying under the radar who could become defining figures for Green Bay in 2025.
Javon Bullard: Secondary Versatility
The Packers’ defense could see a significant boost from second-year defensive back Javon Bullard. Selected 58th overall in the 2024 draft, Bullard demonstrated remarkable versatility during his rookie campaign, playing 755 defensive snaps across multiple positions. His ability to line up at slot corner, free safety, and even in the box makes him a defensive chess piece in Jeff Hafley’s scheme.
Bullard finished 2024 with 90 tackles (61 solo), one pass breakup and one fumble recovery across 15 games. With Jaire Alexander’s departure potentially opening more opportunities, Bullard’s positional flexibility could prove invaluable as the Packers look to improve their defensive rankings in 2025.
Taylor Elgersma: Canadian Quarterback Prospect
The Packers’ quarterback room features an intriguing Canadian prospect in Taylor Elgersma. The 23-year-old from London, Ontario, signed with Green Bay as an undrafted free agent after a stellar career at Wilfrid Laurier University. Elgersma won the 2024 Hec Crighton Trophy (Canadian college football’s equivalent to the Heisman) after posting impressive numbers: 4,252 passing yards with 35 touchdowns and 11 interceptions across 13 games.
Canadian fans following Elgersma’s journey and looking for competative odds on upcoming football games can check out Sports Interaction review to explore the options available and how to get started safely and securely.
MarShawn Lloyd: Explosive Backfield Option
After an injury-plagued rookie season, 2024 third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd is poised for a breakout. The USC product appeared in just one game last season, recording 6 carries for 15 yards before multiple lower-body injuries and appendicitis derailed his campaign.
Now fully healthy for 2025, Lloyd brings impressive physical tools (4.46 speed at 5-foot-9, 220 pounds) to compete for the backup role behind Josh Jacobs. With the Packers declining to add running backs in the draft or free agency, Lloyd has a clear path to significant playing time if he can outperform Emanuel Wilson, who filled in admirably last season with 502 rushing yards and 5 total touchdowns.
Colby Wooden: Defensive Line Sleeper
Entering his third season, defensive lineman Colby Wooden is positioned for increased responsibility. The 2023 fourth-round pick from Auburn has appeared in 30 games over two seasons but has yet to make a significant statistical impact, recording just 20 tackles and no sacks in 13 games during 2024.
However, Wooden’s athletic profile (4.79 40-yard dash at 273 pounds) and versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive front make him an intriguing development candidate. With Green Bay’s defensive line needing more production after ranking 27th in pass rush last season, Wooden could emerge as a key rotational piece.
Dontayvion Wicks: Redemption Opportunity
After a disappointing sophomore campaign marred by drops, wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks faces a pivotal season. Despite drawing targets on a team-high 27.1 percent of routes, Wicks struggled with consistency, recording 39 receptions for 415 yards and 5 touchdowns while dropping nine passes (third-most in the league among players with fewer than 100 targets).
The 2023 fifth-round pick has shown flashes of excellent route running and separation ability. If Wicks can overcome his drop issues, he could provide Jordan Love with another reliable target in a receiving corps that now includes first-round rookie Matthew Golden alongside Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed.
The post Under-the-Radar Packers: Unsung Heroes Who Could Define the Season first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.