5 Packers Ready to Take the Next Step this Season
The Green Bay Packers‘ early-season performance hasn’t been flawless, but it has undeniably laid a sturdy foundation for the upcoming 13 games. Amidst the ups and downs, a crop of players has emerged, poised to make significant strides in the coming weeks.
This foundation is predominantly composed of young players who have spent the initial quarter of the season acclimating themselves to the rigors of the NFL. However, intriguingly, there’s a sprinkle of experienced veterans thrown into the mix, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the ensemble of players ready to elevate their game. Let’s delve into the candidates who are primed for that pivotal next step.
These five players on the Green Bay Packers are ready to take the next step and improve their play through the rest of the season.
Packers Ready to Take the Next Step: Keisean Nixon
In the realm of kickoff returns, Nixon has yet to break free for a significant gain. He’s consistently fielding kickoffs deep in the end zone and struggling to advance beyond the 25-yard line. His approach could benefit from a dose of improved discipline and decision-making, instead of the constant pursuit of a home run return.
On the defensive side, however, Nixon has held his own. This is particularly encouraging given that Jaire Alexander has missed a couple of games, and Eric Stokes has yet to make his return. Green Bay is relying on Nixon to elevate his game in the slot, contributing both in coverage and against the run. If he can make that leap, the Packers have ample room for growth in this department.
Packers Ready to Take the Next Step: Quay Walker
Quay Walker possesses all of the physical traits in the world. He can run sideline to sideline, hit hard and slide through blocks. However, he needs to continue developing the mental side of his game. Recognizing plays and finding the right gaps to plug are just as important as how fast you can run. The more time he gets, the more he should continue to grow.
Packers Ready to Take the Next Step: Dontayvion Wicks
Wicks flashed his talent in Weeks 2 and 3, showing the fans what he can do. With Christian Watson back in the fold, Wicks playing time may decrease, but he should be able to do more with those opportunities. With defenses focused on Watson and Romeo Doubs, don’t be surprised to see Wicks continue to come up with big plays.
Packers Ready to Take the Next Step: Lukas Van Ness
Lukas Van Ness played the most snaps of his career in the Packers’ Week 4 loss to the Lions and also had his worst game. However, it’s a good sign Green Bay is trusting him with more playing time over Kinglsey Enagbare and Justin Hollins. He’s too good not to figure it out if the playing time continues to be there.
Next. Ranking Packers Positions after Four Games. dark
Packers Ready to Take the Next Step: Luke Musgrave
Luke Musgrave has been a surprisingly good blocker as a rookie, surprising many fans in that regard. However, he needs to keep his feet in the passing game and turn good plays into great ones. He’s the only tight end the Packers trust and the big plays are only a matter of when, not if.