The Green Bay Packers have an opportunity to win the NFC North and clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs with wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions over the final two games.
Here are five young, under-the-radar players that could provide legitimate impact for the Packers to finish 2019:
WR Allen Lazard
More and more, Lazard is looking like the Packers’ best option behind Davante Adams at receiver. Among players with 30 or more targets, Lazard ranks ninth in the NFL in yards per target, an effective measure of receiver efficiency, and that’s not including several of the snaps in which Aaron Rodgers didn’t get him the ball on open deep shots. Can he become more consistent in a bigger role? Lazard produced 103 yards in a win over the Giants but had three other games under 20 receiving yards over the last month. At the very least, Lazard has proven to be a highly effective blocker in the run game.
TE Jace Sternberger
During each of the last two games, Sternberger got open downfield on vertical routes but didn’t see the ball. He looks due for a big play. The rookie has been a willing blocker, and teams are respecting the run when the Packers put multiple tight ends on the field. Sternberger, who is still looking for his first career catch, can run past linebackers and safeties with speed. It’s only a matter of time before Aaron Rodgers finds him for an explosive play.
OLB Rashan Gary
The comparisons between Gary in 2019 and Kenny Clark in 2016 are forming. As a young, 21-year-old rookie, Clark flashed potential and eventually gave the Packers impactful snaps during a deep playoff run. Now, Gary is starting to follow the same path. He notched his second sack of 2019 on Sunday against the Bears, and the Packers are certain he’s playing faster and more freely. Having another edge rusher capable of disrupting plays can only help a Packers defense that wants to use Za’Darius Smith in a variety of ways along the defensive front.
S Darnell Savage
He probably should have had a long interception return (possibly for a touchdown) against Mitchell Trubisky and the Bears last Sunday, but he dropped the pick on third down. Still, Savage looks back to his playmaking ways after a brief lull following an ankle injury. He’s flying around and using his speed to close space all over the field. The ceiling of the Packers defense will rise significantly if Savage keeps making plays from the safety spot.
DB Chandon Sullivan
Sullivan has locked in a role as the Packers’ No. 4 cornerback. The second-year defensive back is playing ahead of Josh Jackson and Tony Brown because he’s proven to be a more complete player. Mike Pettine trusts him to play in the slot, at safety, on the perimeter and even inside the box as a dime linebacker. He’s made plays covering downfield, blitzing and playing the run. The Packers like to play dime, with as many defensive backs on the field as possible. Sullivan’s versatility and aggressiveness help make it work.