Packers: Five breakout candidates for 2020 season

2. Rashan Gary

Many will be quick to call Rashan Gary a bust after his rookie season, but that would be unfair. In fact, not being forced into a starting role could actually have a positive impact moving forward.

Considering how dominant both Za’Darius and Preston Smith were this season, they played on the majority of the Packers’ defensive snaps. Gary rotated in but only played just under a quarter of the defensive snaps for the season, according to Pro Football Reference.

And while he was inconsistent, we did see just how good Gary can be as an edge rusher. He made two sacks, had three quarterback hits and recovered a fumble, playing in all 16 games.

Gary will be expected to take on a bigger role in his second season, especially if Kyler Fackrell departs in free agency. And he’ll need to improve from this year. But this was also to be expected. Many draft analysts wrote last year that Gary was a phenomenal athlete but needed time to develop as a pass rusher.

GM Brian Gutekunst praised Gary for his rookie season and he clearly believes in his potential. In year two with a bigger role in Mike Pettine’s defense, Gary could have a breakout season.