With the NFL draft behind us, we are just four months away from the start of the Packers season. While it seems far, the schedule release will be out next week. After that, mini camps happen. We will blink and training camp will be here before we know it.
Moving forward, I want to take a look at three Packers who need a breakout season. There were many we expected to make a significant impact last year. Unfortunately, things did not pan out well for the team most of the season.
Given a lot of lackluster performances, competing for a Super Bowl will mean competing at the highest level. You need your stars to play like stars. Here are three Packers in need of a breakout for 2025.
Lukas Van Ness: Packers Edge has No Excuses
Lukas Van Ness, while a project, seemed like he could still contribute to the pass rush. In his rookie year, Van Ness showed flashes while still being in development. This is pretty typical for a rookie and nothing looked alarming.
However, year two Van Ness took a step back and did not live up to expectations. Since Van Ness is a first round draft pick from 2023, the expectations are higher. It is no secret the Packers are looking for improvement from the pass rush.
With the firing of Jason Rebrovich and with an upcoming second season in Jeff Hafley’s defense, there are no excuses. Brian Gutekunst seems confident in the pass rush. Gutekunst’s drafting signals he believes it was more lack of coaching than lack of personnel.
Van Ness has a chance to be a cornerstone of the Packers edge room; it is up to him to put in the work to be great and play like the first round pick he is.
Dontayvion Wicks: Route Runner Extraordinaire
One Packers wide receiver will consistently jump off on the tape, and that is Dontayvion Wicks. Wicks has not been able to escape comparisons reminiscent of early Davante Adams.
Wicks has unbelievable talent and can separate better than almost any wide receiver in the league. However, Wicks seemed to lack confidence to come up in big moments.
Like Davante Adams in his first seasons, the skillsets are there. Unfortunately, drops have become a plaguing issue. Wicks will have an opportunity this season that he has to take and run with.
With the injury to Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs injury struggles, Wicks can bring the power the wide receiving room is missing. Gutekunst sent a loud and clear message to the receivers with the drafting of Matthew Golden and Savion Williams.
The message is step up and earn your spot on this roster. Wicks will be one of the veterans in the room. If he pairs his route running abilities with improvement catching, then the sky will truly be the limit.
Carrington Valentine: Consistent Corner
For a seventh-round pick, you cannot ask for much better than Carrington Valentine. As a rookie, he saw significant playing time and stepped up when it was asked of him.
No one really knows what the Packers cornerback room is going to look like for 2025. It is unclear if Jaire Alexander will be on this roster. While I still think Alexander will be released, both sides seem semi-hopeful for a return.
However, what is being forgotten is the play of the cornerbacks was okay most of the season. Sure, it was not the best, but for what they had to work with they did what was asked of them.
Valentine’s last game versus the Eagles ended with being stiffed armed by Philadelphia Eagles tight end, Dallas Goedert. With that image being seared in our minds, this can motivate Valentine to have a memorable season ahead.
Overall, this Packers roster is set up for success in 2025. It is up to every player to play with the urgency needed to compete and win championships. If Titletown is the way, we hope for it to be the only expectation this upcoming season.
