Green Bay Packers: 5 players with the most to prove in 2018-19
5. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is entering the final season of his rookie contract this season. If that were the case last season, Clinton-Dix may not have found himself in green and yellow this season.
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In 2017 he missed a grand total of 13 tackles which was the second most on the team. Compared to 2016 where he missed just three, 2017 was a miserable season for Clinton-Dix. To make matters worse, he finished fifth out of six Packers safeties in tackles per snap as he had one in every 12.2.
However, Clinton-Dix comes into this season as the most experienced Packers safety. Again, this is also a contract season for him. It’s a chance for him to prove that last season was a fluke and he’s the same old top-100 player that he was entering last season.
According to Forbes, Clinton-Dix blamed many of his defensive mishaps on former defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his scheme:
“I know my value to this defense, and it’s up to you all to see,” Clinton-Dix said. “I guess we’ll see when we play Chicago (in Week 1) and on from there. I’m excited about this opportunity I have in front of me right now going into my fifth year. Like I said, the sky’s the limit for me. Just watch, just watch.”
With a new defensive coordinator in Mike Pettine, Clinton-Dix will have the ability to be more aggressive. With that, the chips are on the table. This season he can prove that the Packers should consider him for a long-term contract. He can also prove that 2017 was simply a down season.
Either way, Clinton-Dix has something to prove this season.