Packers: 4 breakout candidates following Bye week

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 27: Kingsley Keke #96 of the Green Bay Packers is congratulated by Za’Darius Smith #55 after a sack against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 27, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

1. Kinglsey Keke

With Kenny Clark out since Week 1, the Packers desperately needed someone to rise to the occasion. And that’s exactly what 2019 fifth-round pick Kingsley Keke did.

Keke has come on strong in the Packers’ final two games before the bye. He’s been solid against the run and has a tackler, but his strength is in his pass-rush, as he’s recorded four hurries and two sacks in those games.

When Clark returns, Keke has earned a spot alongside him on the field. The two should present challenges to opposing offensive linemen as they are a good pass-rushing duo on the interior. This should also open up opportunities on the outside for guys like Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary.