Green Bay Packers: Top 15 veterans who are 25 and under

13. Aaron Ripkowski, FB

Also known as “Rip,” this second-year man will be expected to make the quantum leap from being mostly a special-teams coverage performer to taking over John Kuhn’s role as the lead fullback in the Packers offense.

Aaron Rodgers, for one, has spoken highly of Ripkowski noting his physicality and the level of energy he brings to the team.

The concern here is whether the 246-pound battering ram can make all the proper pre-snap reads and successfully carry out his assignments. Any signs of struggle may prompt a return of the fan-favorite KUUUHN!

Ripkowski was able to distinguish himself on special teams last year by leading all rookies in tackles (9). More importantly, though, he quickly learned the value of discipline in covering kicks by staying in the proper gaps.

12. Jared Abbrederis, WR

Many fans have tendency to brush off this native son as an insignificant piece that will find yet another way to get hurt—and with good reason.

Until now, Abbrederis has only played in nine of 32 regular-season games in his two years in Packers News. He’s been plagued by knee and rib ailments, but what’s most concerning are his head injuries.

Going back to his days as a Wisconsin Badger, Abbrederis has suffered at least three concussions, which not only puts his durability as a football player in question, but also his future away from the gridiron.

When the 25-year-old is firing on all cylinders, he’s a silky-smooth route runner that can sell his patterns and use his soft hands to come down with difficult catches.

Mike McCarthy has lauded him multiple times because of his ability to execute plays to perfection.

Next: No. 11-10