The 10 Most Important Packers of 2014

Green Bay Packers strong safety Morgan Burnett (42). Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

10) Morgan Burnett

Burnett didn’t play up to par last year, and the Packers will need more out of him in 2014. Even with Micah Hyde and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix now at safety, the position’s success this season hinges on the fifth-year veteran.

If Burnett struggles in coverage again and fails to make impact plays on the field then this could be another long season for the Packers secondary, despite their talent at cornerback.

The Packers defense needs Burnett to be a leader on the back end. They also need him to be more physical against the run when playing up in the box, especially against ground-and-pound teams like Seattle and Minnesota.