The 2022 season was obviously marred in disappointment for the Packers. But how does a team predicted to contend for a title underwhelm so greatly? Injuries obviously played a role – with key players like Rashan Gary, David Bakhtiari, Christian Watson, Eric Stokes all missing significant time. But the other side of that is players just not playing up to expectations. And in order for the Packers to return to contention in 2023, these 3 in particular, will need to make a big jump.

Center Josh Myers

Many were perplexed when the Packers selected Myers ahead of Creed Humphery in the 2021 NFL Draft. And those questions have only continued throughout the first two years of their respective careers. Humphery was PFF’s top rated center for this season; Myers, meanwhile, ranked 31st. Myers has shown flashes of the physical traits that made the Packers select him in the 2nd round, but those flashes have been far too inconsistent. With David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins both returning to form later on in the season, the Packers will need Myers to take the next step in order to solidify their offensive line.

DL Devonte Wyatt

Wyatt had a slow start to his career, stuck behind veterans Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry. He played only 125 snaps through his first 13 games, tallying only 3 total pressures without a sack. But after Lowry went on IR, Wyatt’s snaps – and impact – grew. In his final four games he recorded 5 pressures and 1.5 sacks, showing the quickness to disrupt the passing game. With Jarran Reed and Lowry both unlikely to return next season, the Packers will need a lot more from Wyatt. Hopefully with a full offseason and growing confidence, he can finally provide a true running mate for Kenny Clark.

CB Eric Stokes

Stokes’ second season was cut short after he suffered ankle and knee injuries in Week 9. But he was suffering from a bit of a sophomore slump before his injury. In his strong rookie season he allowed just a 49% completion percentage and 79 passer rating against. Those ballooned to 80% completion percentage and a passer rating against of 126. His missed tackle percentage also went from 9.2% to 16.1%. He has the speed to stay with any receiver in football, but he will need to continue to clean up his technique in order to get back on track in 2023.

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Jared is a rogue Packers fan from a Steelers family and an overall football junkie, including playing 4 years at Ithaca College. You can follow him on twitter at @JPrugar.

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