Green Bay Packers: Five players who must improve in 2016

Davante Adams

This is the most obvious name on the list. Davante Adams was hailed as the “Offseason MVP” by Coach McCarthy last summer, which was more than simply an attempt to build his confidence as Aaron Rodgers was also quick to big up his wide receiver.

When Jordy Nelson got hurt, all eyes turned to the second-year man to simply step up and make the leap. Not only did he struggle to take over as the Packers’ top threat on the boundary, he performed so badly his position on the 2016 roster is far from a lock.

Adams flashed his potential to generate yards after the catch as a rookie, with his 46-yard score against Dallas in the playoffs capping off a solid debut season. He caught the ball on the Cowboys’ 30-yard line, duked a defender and took it to the house.

We saw no such thing in 2016. Dropped catches, poor routes and inability to shake press coverage held him back.

Maybe it was a lack of confidence. Maybe it was the ankle injury he suffered in Week 2. Maybe it was simply too much to ask of Adams as a second-year player.

Whatever the case, it can’t continue in 2016.

Next: Back in shape?