Winning at the highest levels of professional football demands excellence from its players. Football, often touted as the ultimate team sport, offers heightened rewards to teams adorned with true game-changers—those elite players capable of altering the course of a game. For the Green Bay Packers, a team that has amassed 20 regular season victories and reached the playoffs in each of the last two years, the transition from good to great hinges on a few players elevating their game to elite levels.
The Packers roster does boast a few elite talents, including running back Josh Jacobs, safety Xavier McKinney, and offensive tackle Zach Tom. However, to solidify their position as Super Bowl contenders, they require additional players to step up. Here, we delve into potential candidates who could evolve from good to great and significantly impact the Packers’ performance in 2025.
QB Jordan Love
Jordan Love has shown glimpses of elite potential, particularly during the closing stretch of the 2023 season and into the playoffs, where he recorded 21 touchdown passes, boasted a completion rate of over 70%, and achieved an impressive passer rating of 116.2 over nine games. Unfortunately, a knee injury early in the 2024 season hampered his growth. Despite this setback, Love has the support of a strong coaching staff and a competent supporting cast that could enable him to reach his full potential as a third-year starter in 2025. If he can harness the skills showcased in 2023, Love could usher the Packers toward greatness.
TE Tucker Kraft
The Packers have expressed intent to increase tight end Tucker Kraft’s involvement in the passing game in 2025. Kraft’s numbers from 2024 are compelling—seven touchdowns, an astounding 10.1 yards per target, and an impressive lead in average yards after catch for tight ends. However, he received limited opportunities with only 70 targets. If the coaching staff can elevate his target count to around 100, Kraft could evolve into one of football’s most valuable tight ends. With his blend of athleticism, strong hands, and robust blocking capability, Kraft possesses all the tools required to become an elite player.
LB Edgerrin Cooper
Edgerrin Cooper’s rookie season was marked by remarkable disruptive plays, even with under 500 snaps. Regarded by many as one of the most disruptive off-ball linebackers during the latter part of the season, Cooper’s star potential is undeniable. Fittingly, he added weight while maintaining his explosive speed in preparation for his sophomore year. Assuming he stays healthy, Cooper’s increased snap count in 2025 could lead to extraordinary statistics and potentially position him among the best linebackers the Packers have seen in decades.
WR Jayden Reed
Jayden Reed had a standout beginning to the 2024 season, nearly reaching elite status with impressive stats, including 730 total yards and an average of 17.2 yards per reception in the first nine games. Over his first two seasons, he has scored 17 touchdowns and amassed nearly 2,000 yards—solidifying his reputation as a good player. However, Reed’s inconsistency, particularly in the latter part of the season, raises questions. For him to ascend to greatness, he must overcome issues like dropped passes and maintain performance throughout the entire season. If he can cultivate consistency, Reed could become a meaningful playmaker for the Packers.
DL Devonte Wyatt
In the evolving landscape of professional football, interior pass-rushing is gaining unprecedented importance, and Devonte Wyatt has the potential to be a defining force in this area. As a first-round pick transitioning into his fourth season, his ability to disrupt offensive plays could be invaluable. However, Wyatt must also prove himself in run defense and exhibit the stamina to be a three-down player. An injury in 2024 interrupted his growth, but if Wyatt can remain fit and refine his skills, he could become a game-changing player for the Packers in 2025.
DE Rashan Gary
Rashan Gary’s trajectory took a hit due to a knee injury in 2022, yet he remains within the "good" tier of edge rushers. Despite achieving 16.5 sacks over 34 games, Gary’s production has indeed dwindled, going from 9.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hits in 2023 to 7.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits in 2024. To reverse this trend, the Packers will need the pre-injury version of Gary who consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks. If he can rediscover that form, it would significantly bolster the Packers’ pass-rushing capabilities.
Honorable Mentions
S Evan Williams: Displayed an exciting combination of playmaking ability and reliability as a rookie, solidifying his status as a key player.
LT Rasheed Walker: His pass-blocking has proven steady. The question remains whether he can elevate his run-blocking, minimize penalties, and evolve into one of the league’s top left tackles.
- CB Nate Hobbs: Provided he gets the opportunity to focus on the slot, Hobbs could become a consistently disruptive defender, providing added depth to the secondary.
In conclusion, as the Packers aim to bridge the gap between good and great, the development of these players will be paramount. Jordan Love’s ascension as a quarterback, Tucker Kraft’s potential as a dynamic tight end, and the overall growth of younger players like Edgerrin Cooper and Jayden Reed could significantly impact the Packers’ quest for a Super Bowl title. By nurturing this talent and encouraging them to reach their full potential, the Packers may soon find themselves competing at an elite level in the NFL.
