3 under the radar breakout candidates for Packers
The Green Bay Packers seek fresh blood to step up and contribute positively in 2023.
There are obvious players such as Jordan Love, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs who will play expanded roles next season. Green Bay will rely heavily on those players to produce at a high level.
However, other guys will have the opportunity to play significant roles. These three players are under-the-radar breakout candidates.
These three players on the Green Bay Packers are prime under-the-radar breakout candidates ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
Samori Toure
Watson, Doubs and even 2023 second-round pick Dontayvion Wicks get a lot of the attention at wide receiver. Just don’t sleep on 2022 seventh-rounder Samori Toure. Toure will battle Wicks for an opportunity to start in the slot this year and have a real chance of winning the job.
An injury prematurely ended his rookie campaign, but he showed flashes of natural talent. After being inactive for the first six weeks, he had a three-week span where he caught four receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. He’s had a whole year in Matt LaFleur’s offensive system, giving him a leg up on Wicks. We’ll see if he can make the most of it.
Justin Hollins
Rashan Gary hasn’t given a timetable for when he’ll return from an ACL injury he sustained last November. Even if he recovers at the fastest end of the timeline, he won’t be ready until the start of the season. That allows the other outside linebackers to earn some playing time.
At first glance, you’d think first-rounder Lukas Van Ness would be the headliner. However, Justin Hollins started opposite Preston Smith in mandatory minicamp. Hollins was a late-season pickup and someone the Packers apparently like. He could earn significant snaps even after Gary returns.
5 takeaways from Packers 2nd mandatory minicamp practice. dark. Next
Josiah Deguara
Josiah Deguara is following the trend of many Packers’ third-round picks before him. He’s not a true tight end and won’t have to compete directly with rookies Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft for snaps. LaFleur wants to use him in a H-back role and move him around the field. Deguara has much better rapport with Love than he did with Aaron Rodgers, opening the door for a more productive season.