For most NFL teams, the bulk of improvement year-to-year comes via internal development of young players already on the roster. Free agents can patch holes, and rookies can contribute while learning on the fly, but good teams get better and sustain winning by improving from within.
Here are the young players at each position group that could drive improvement for the Green Bay Packers in 2020:
RB: Tyler Ervin
Dexter Williams is worth noting here, but with second-round pick A.J. Dillon arriving in Green Bay, Williams’ chances of making the roster have been drastically lowered. Ervin has a real shot due to his return ability, and coach Matt LaFleur liked his impact as a gadget player late in 2019. A full offseason of LaFleur finding new ways of getting him involved on offense and getting a full season of returning punts and kicks could bump his value considerably.
WR: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown
The development of Valdes-Scantling and St. Brown could be the key difference between another inconsistent season at wide receiver and a big jump in the passing game. Valdes-Scantling still has threatening deep speed and could be a legitimate weapon in the action passing game, while St. Brown flashed as a rookie and has the versatility to play inside in the slot, a missing piece for the offense. The Packers are banking on them playing important roles. There’s talent to be cultivated, and GM Brian Gutekunst believes the third year is the sweet spot for young receivers. Valdes-Scantling and St. Brown will be in the spotlight at a key position in 2020.
TE: Jace Sternberger
The Packers released Jimmy Graham, elevating Sternberger into a featured receiving role at tight end. He was raw as a rookie and missed a big chunk of the season with an injury, but Sternberger has the athleticism and natural receiving talent to be a big upgrade on Graham, who couldn’t run and offered little after the catch over his two seasons in Green Bay. The Packers want to move Sternberger around and create matchup problems in the passing game. It’s a strong plan for a player who made a lot of good things happen in the middle of the field at Texas A&M. Sternberger’s development in Year 2 could be vital to maximizing what Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers want to accomplish throwing the football in 2020, especially off of run action plays.
OT: Yosh Nijman
The Packers might have to pick their swing tackle from a group of youngsters consisting of Nijman, Alex Light and John Leglue. It’s an uninspiring bunch, but Nijman – a massive tackle with some athleticism – probably has the highest upside of the group. He’s been learning the offense and receiving NFL teaching for a full year. It would be risky banking on a developmental prospect as the No. 3 offensive tackle, but he’s talented enough to push for a roster spot in 2020. Remember, the Packers didn’t draft a true offensive tackle.
IOL: Elgton Jenkins
The Packers’ second-round pick in 2019 produced a strong rookie season, starting 14 games and playing almost 1,000 snaps at left guard. He didn’t allow a sack and was effective carving out running lanes for Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. If he can take another developmental step in Year 2, Jenkins could solidify himself as one of the NFL’s best young interior linemen. One thing is certain: The Packers are going to run the ball, probably more so than in 2019, and Jenkins – a terrific combo blocker with center Corey Linsley – will be right in the middle of the action. His improvement will factor into any notable improvement in the Packers’ efficiency in the run game.
DL: Kingsley Keke
With Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster settled into specific roles, and the development of Montravius Adams stuck in neutral, it might fall on Keke’s shoulders to push the Packers defensive line forward. Last year’s fifth-round pick has some length, quickness and disruptive ability but rarely played as a rookie. For defensive linemen, major development usually shows in the second and third years. Keke should be stronger and more comfortable in his various roles within the scheme. Developing another contributor along the front is vital for the Packers improving against the run in 2020. Keke is the best bet.
OLB: Rashan Gary
Gary’s potential to be an impact player is clear. Will the experience gained during his first year and more opportunities to play in 2020 create a breakout sophomore season? Gary will still be a rotational player behind starters Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, but having a third disruptive edge rusher could be a game-changer for the defense, especially on obvious passing downs, and there’s no guarantee the two Smiths will stay healthy all season. Gary produced two sacks, three tackles for losses and three quarterback hits as a rookie. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect him to double those numbers in 2020. The Packers rightly trust Mike Smith’s ability to develop edge rushers, and Gary is his most important student.
LB: Oren Burks, Ty Summers, Curtis Bolton
All three linebackers should have a legitimate chance of becoming the starter next to Christian Kirksey. Burks, a third-round pick in 2018, may get the first crack. He played snaps with the first-team defense each of the last two training camps but suffered injuries during each preseason and eventually became a non-factor in the regular season. He’s big and athletic, but he hasn’t played particularly big or fast during his first two seasons. That must change or Summers or Bolton or fifth-round pick Kamal Martin might push him off the roster entirely. Bolton is particularly intriguing. He was pushing for playing time when he suffered a season-ending injury last August. Linebacker is a position primed for a young player to provide internal improvement over 2019.
CB: Josh Jackson, Chandon Sullivan
Jackson, who played sparingly in 2019, is entering a make-or-break season. The Packers think he can play in the slot, and he saw some time at safety last season, but he’d be most useful if he developed into a capable perimeter cornerback. If he can play snaps on the outside, the Packers could move Jaire Alexander around, allowing the team’s best corner to shadow more top receivers. Working with new defensive backs coach Jerry Gray could be just the jolt Jackson needs to reset his developmental curve. Sullivan had a strong first year in Green Bay but will need to take another step in his development, especially if the Packers are planning on him taking over as the starter in the slot. He proved he can play in 2019, but teams will find ways to isolate him if he’s a full-time starter in 2020.
S: Darnell Savage
If there’s one young player on the roster with the best chance to turn into a true difference-maker in 2020, it’s probably Savage, the second-year safety. He has the elite speed capable of shrinking passing windows, the versatility to cover man-to-man from the deep half or near the line of scrimmage, the instincts to create takeaways and now a full year of experience under his belt. Taking the next step will require Savage to become more consistent down-to-down and create more disruption in the passing game. The learning curve at safety is steep, but he’s more than capable.