Green Bay Packers: 5 breakout candidates for 2021 playoffs

Packers: 5 breakout candidates for 2021 playoffs

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 19: Krys Barnes #51 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a defensive stop during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on December 19, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Panthers 24-16. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 15: Linebacker Rashan Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a defensive stop in the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Packers’ breakout candidate no. 1: Rashan Gary

Just like Savage, Rashan Gary was selected in the first round of the 2019 draft. However, he didn’t receive the same amount of playing time, and was mostly relegated to bench duty in his rookie campaign. Fortunately, he’s come on strong in Year 2 and looks to have a bright future.

dark. Next. Most important Packers in potential Super Bowl run

Gary has entrenched himself in the outside linebacker rotation and has pushed Preston Smith to improve after a disastrous start to the season. Gary has been able to do a little bit of everything, including getting after the quarterback while also holding his own in the running game. There are others on the defensive line–Kenny Clark, Damon Harrison, and Za’Darius Smith–who will garner most of the attention. If he can win his one-on-one battles, Gary could be due for a huge postseason run.

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