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Green Bay Packers: Five players that exceeded expectations in 2015

By Freddie Boston

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Damarious Randall (23) celebrates with free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Damarious Randall (23) celebrates with free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) returns an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) returns an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Each year, certain players stand out and exceed expectations. Here’s five Green Bay Packers that deserve recognition for their efforts in 2015.

At the start of an NFL season, coaches, analysts and fans all have a good grip on what each player brings to the roster. Yet every year, many players either exceed or fail to reach their expectations. A number of young Packers sped up their development in 2015 by achieving more than expected.

Oftentimes these players are rookies, particularly when selected lower down. Corey Linsley was a shining example of this in 2014. Linsley was selected in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft and was expected to be a backup initially with potential to eventually become the starter. When JC Tretter got hurt, Linsley was forced to play his first live snap with Aaron Rodgers in Seattle, but the rest was history.

David Bakhtiari played at a similarly high level as a rookie. Bakhtiari was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft and ended up filling in at left tackle for an injured Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga never got his job back and had to move to right tackle.

Here’s five Packers who exceeded expectations in the 2015 season.

Next: A home run draft choice

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