Breakout candidates for the Packers entering the 2024 season

The Green Bay Packers were the youngest team in the NFL last season, and they may be again in 2024.

That youth provides plenty of opportunities for breakout performances on both sides of the ball.

Here are three players who could make headlines for the Packers in 2024.

Packers players who are poised for big seasons in 2024

Karl Brooks

It's rare for a sixth-round pick from Bowling Green to make a significant impact as a rookie, but defensive tackle Karl Brooks defied the odds last season.

He appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Packers, primarily contributing as a situational pass rusher and depth option. Despite limited opportunities, Brooks excelled, generating 25 pressures – including four sacks – on just 255 pass-rushing snaps. He also tallied 12 defensive stops. These numbers are incredibly promising for a first-year player.

Don't be surprised if Brooks takes another leap in 2024. New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's aggressive scheme is a perfect fit for his skill set. While he won't unseat Kenny Clark or Devonte Wyatt as starters, Brooks has the potential to be a devastating rotational pass rusher.

Dontayvion Wicks

Dontayvion Wicks has generated immense offseason hype, perhaps more than any other Packer. While the 2023 fifth-round pick had a slow start to his rookie season, he really caught fire once the Packers' offense found its rhythm.

After a modest 10 catches in his first eight games, Wicks produced 31 receptions over the subsequent 10. He finished fifth among rookies in yards per route run, narrowly trailing teammate Jayden Reed.

What makes Wicks such an enticing breakout candidate is his ability to win outside matchups against single coverage. Reception Perception credited him with a 72.2% success rate versus man coverage, trailing only Puka Nacua and Tank Dell among rookies. Additionally, he posted a 72.7% success rate against press coverage.

The Packers' deep and talented receiver corps will limit his ability to put up WR1 numbers, but Wicks undoubtedly possesses the talent to make a significant impact in 2024.

Quay Walker

Outside of star cornerback Jaire Alexander, no Packer stands to benefit more from Jeff Hafley's new defensive scheme than Quay Walker.

Walker showed flashes of brilliance in 2023 and led the team in defensive snaps. However, Joe Barry's passive, read-and-react system never seemed to cater very well to his skillset. Renowned for his explosive playmaking at Georgia, Walker thrived as a heat-seeking missile, disrupting plays in the backfield.

While his blitzing ability was a staple of his college play, it was rarely unleashed under Barry. With only 65 pass rushing snaps in 2023 – ranking 34th among linebackers – Walker's potential remains untapped. Hafley's aggressive approach should rectify this.

Combined with increased man coverage opportunities, Walker is poised to elevate his game and become a cornerstone of the Packers' defense.

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