Packers: Ranking the Top 5 Newcomers in 2020
Here are the five most impactful newcomers to the Green Bay Packers’ roster heading into the 2020 season, free agents and rookies included.
The 2020 offseason was a lot quieter for the Green Bay Packers than the previous year. There were no big free agent signings or draft picks who are expected to make immediate contributions to next year’s team. However, that doesn’t mean there weren’t impactful players added to the roster.
The Packers didn’t make a splash like some experts predicted they would–specifically at wide receiver. Their biggest signing at the position was Devin Funchess who basically missed all of last year due to an injury.
Green Bay also used their top draft pick on quarterback Jordan Love who will sit at least a few seasons behind Aaron Rodgers. That means they must look to the other draft picks for contributions in 2020.
Given all that, let’s rank the top five newcomers to the roster–free agents and rookies included.
5. Josiah Deguara
It’s unclear exactly what role rookie third-round pick Josiah Deguara will have in the Packers’ offense in 2020, but if figures to be a creative one. Deguara can play h-back, tight end or fullback and head coach Matt LaFleur will likely use him all over the field. Green Bay doesn’t have a clear tight end ahead of him on the depth chart either with second-year pro Jace Sternberger expected to take over those duties. That should mean there’s a clear path to plenty of playing time if Deguara is up to the challenge.
4. A.J. Dillon
A.J. Dillon does have roadblocks in his way to playing time in the form of stud running back Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Jones proved himself as one of the best backs in the NFL last season, but Dillon may be able to beat out the underwhelming Williams for the top backup job. Dillon is a bruising runner, a style that should complement Jones’ shifty running. Dillon has an opportunity to earn a few carries a game from the start.
3. Ricky Wagner
After the Packers’ let Bryan Bulaga walk in free agency, they brought in Ricky Wagner to seemingly start at right tackle. Although he’ll have some competition, he’s the favorite to earn the starting gig. Wagner isn’t nearly at Bulaga’s level, but he can hold his own at right tackle and will have the opportunity to start every week.
2. Devin Funchess
It will be interesting to see what Funchess brings to the table. It was just three years ago when he caught 63 balls for 840 yards and eight touchdowns. That production would be welcomed with open arms in Green Bay. He’ll likely be the starting wide receiver opposite Davante Adams which means he’ll get plenty of single coverage. An underrated year could be in sight for Funchess.
dark. Next. Packers: 3 Players Who Must Bounce Back in 2020
1. Christian Kirksey
In a lot of ways, the Packers’ defense rests on the shoulders of Christian Kirksey next season. They had a lot of ups and downs in 2020, but the biggest opportunity they have to improve comes at the inside linebacker position. Kirksey has been largely unavailable due to injuries over the past two seasons, but represents a higher ceiling than last year’s starter Blake Martinez. If Kirksey stays healthy and plays up to his potential, the Packers’ defense has a chance to take a step forward in 2020.