Green Bay Packers: Five players who must improve in 2016

Nick Perry

While Nick Perry has never lived up to his first-round status, it’s certainly not a time to give up on him. After re-signing with the Packers on a one-year “prove it” deal, Perry has an opportunity to finally earn a big payday.

The biggest issue for Perry throughout his career has been staying healthy. Multiple shoulder injuries have hurt his progress, but this is his first healthy offseason in some time. If Perry can build on his 3.5-sack performance over two postseason games, the Packers’ pass rush could be set for an even better season in 2016.

He has flashed potential throughout his career but has never been able to put it together consistently. At this stage, Perry is a useful rotational piece and is unlikely to ever be a top-tier pass rusher. With just 12.5 sacks to his name over four years and no more than four in one season, Perry has never been able to reach his potential.

If he can put together a healthy season with more consistent pass rush, the Packers will have another key name to re-sign a year from now. It’s a huge season for the 2012 first-round pick.

Next: Has all the physical tools