As the Green Bay Packers head towards the 2017 season, there are several players that must step up for this team to make it back to the Superbowl. With several more outside free agent additions than in recent years, Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy will have their hands full deciding the final roster. Whether it be veteran players needing bounce back seasons or young players looking to take the next step, there are several Packers facing pressure to succeed in 2017. The players listed below must rise to the challenge and prove they can be top players for the organization.
Green Bay Packers Players Facing Pressure in 2017
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Clay Matthews
Rather than a younger player vying for a roster spot, the player under most pressure in 2017 is outside linebacker Clay Matthews. Constantly revered as the savior of Green Bay’s defense, Matthews will look to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2016. Green Bay has little depth behind Matthews and counterpart Nick Perry at outside linebacker which is perhaps the most important position in Dom Capers‘s defense. With the defensive side of the ball leading to Green Bay’s downfall in recent years, Matthews must be an electric edge-rusher capable of double-digit sacks for this defense to succeed. With a lofty cap hit in 2018, the Claymaker must return to his dominant form to prove to Green Bay that he’s still one of the team’s top players.
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Ty Montgomery
The receiver turned running back Ty Montgomery burst onto the scene in the second half of last season, culminating in a two touchdown showing in the divisional round against the Dallas Cowboys. Montgomery averaged 5.9 yards per carry in limited action, but few believe he can continue that trend as a team’s number one running back. Although Ted Thompson didn’t address the position until day three of the draft, running backs were added in rounds four, five, and seven. Jamaal Williams presents immediate competition for snaps in the rotation because his skills as an inside power runner compliment Montgomery’s elusiveness. Aaron Jones provides receiving ability and Devante Mays is another between-the-tackles rusher, giving the Packers much more depth at the position than at the end of last season. Montgomery will have to prove that he can handle a heavy workload while fending off talented young draftees if he wants to be a feature back in this league.
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Kenny Clark
After being drafted with the 27th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Kenny Clark was gradually brought along his rookie season. He did play well when he saw the field and started the final games of the season. Clark played well against the run and showed good awareness when chasing the play, but he must prove he can be a viable pass rusher to compliment Mike Daniels in year two. With Letroy Guion‘s four-game suspension looming and little proven talent behind him, Clark should start the season as a starter in both the base defense and sub packages. Dom Capers rotates his defensive linemen frequently but Clark must show promise in his second year before he becomes another first round miss for Thompson along the defensive line. Competition was added through free agency in Ricky Jean-Francois and through the draft in third rounder Montravius Adams. The pressure on Clark is to rise above being a simple rotational player to become an impact defender capable of splash plays and turnovers.
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Quinten Rollins
The entire secondary could be listed here as the additions of Kevin King, Josh Jones, and the return of Davon House completely shook up the roster. Rollins should enter the year as the biggest loser in the Packers secondary due to these additions. Although his roster spot shouldn’t be in jeopardy due to his high draft status, Rollins could end up as Green Bay’s fifth cornerback when the season begins. He should compete for snaps in the nickel or dime packages with Damarious Randall, but it will be difficult for him to progress upon a down 2016 season in limited playing time. Rollins must really stand out in training camp to fend off the newcomers in the secondary and show that he can live up to his lofty draft status.
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Davante Adams
Davante Adams enters a very important season in his young NFL career. After a strong 2017 season where he tied for second in the league with 12 touchdowns, Adams will have to prove to Green Bay that he’s worth the investment of a second contract. Slated to become a free agent next off-season, Adams must become a more dominant and consistent presence across from Jordy Nelson. Adams should be locked in as one starting boundary receiver, but he must prove he can be Green Bay’s primary receiver as Nelson gets deeper into his 30s. Thompson drafted two wide receivers in the late rounds of the draft, adding to an already deep receiving group. Neither should impact Davante’s production much in 2017, but if either flashes potential, Green Bay may feel safe moving on from the former second round pick.
Final Thoughts
If the players listed above do not step up this season, the Packers will struggle, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Pressure is surely on newcomers Kevin King and Jamaal Williams to make immediate impacts, but they should be granted plenty of time to adjust to the NFL level. The veteran players listed above must prove they are worthy of their current roster spots and that they should be considered for future investment as well.
