Dairyland Express
Fansided

Green Bay Packers: Predicting their 2018 award winners

By Mike Wendlandt

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 8: Two F-18 fighter jets fly over the stadium during the national anthem before the NFC Wild Card game between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants at Lambeau Field on January 8, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 8: Two F-18 fighter jets fly over the stadium during the national anthem before the NFC Wild Card game between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants at Lambeau Field on January 8, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 9
Next
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 26: Outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell #51 of the Green Bay Packers rushes up against John Theus #78 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of their preseason football game at Levi’s Stadium on August 26, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 26: Outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell #51 of the Green Bay Packers rushes up against John Theus #78 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of their preseason football game at Levi’s Stadium on August 26, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

LB Kyler Fackrell

A controversial pick, Fackrell hasn’t developed as a pass rusher like many had hoped since he was drafted three years ago. But where he has made a big impact has been on special teams. Leading the team in snaps there last year, he was a force at the line of scrimmage, causing pressure to punters and even getting a hand on one.

His value on kick coverage as well is underrated, as he can use his athleticism in space to chase down the returner without having to engage offensive linemen that have up to 60 pounds on him. If that’s his role for the foreseeable future, so be it, it’s still a valuable one for the team.

As for 2018, with the injury to Jake Ryan and the recurring issues with Jermaine Whitehead’s back, Fackrell has now become the most consistent and valuable special teams asset on the team. That alone solidifies his spot on the roster, and it’s one that can give him a job in the NFL for a long time.

Home/Green Bay Packers