ClutchPoints
The Green Bay Packers are historically one of the NFL’s most stable franchises. They are known for their consistency, deep-rooted fanbase, and methodical approach to roster-building. Sure, they’ve often let bigger-market teams steal offseason headlines. However, the Packers have quietly developed some of the league’s most explosive young talent. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Green Bay’s success may hinge not just on its known stars, but on the unexpected emergence of overlooked contributors. A pair of sleepers—one on each side of the ball—could hold the key to turning a questionable offseason into a surprisingly productive campaign.
We did not exactly love the Packers’ offseason. The team did not get much better. Nate Hobbs and Aaron Banks were interesting free-agent signings. Both were overpaid on the open market. Banks brings depth and experience to the offensive line, but neither feels like a needle-mover. Wide receiver Matthew Golden was an excellent draft selection with big-play upside and polish that should translate quickly. That said, the jury’s still out on how second-round offensive tackle Anthony Belton and third-round receiver Savion Williams will fit into the team’s scheme and depth chart. If either proves to be a long-term contributor, this offseason could be considered a success. Still, there’s no guarantee of immediate impact beyond Golden.
That’s why the 2025 offseason might end up being more about a long-term vision than short-term gains. For a team that made the Divisional Round last year and pushed the NFC’s elite to the brink, that’s a risky bet. If the Packers are going to take another step forward this season, they’ll need some homegrown talent to rise up and meet the moment. That’s where a few under-the-radar names come in.
Here we’ll try to look at the Green Bay Packers veteran players whose roles will be pushed by rookies in the 2025 NFL season.
Dontayvion Wicks’ sophomore campaign was a paradox. He showed dazzling separation but also frustrating inconsistency. According to Pro Football Focus, Wicks finished second among all receivers in separation rate, beating coverage on an astounding 75 percent of his routes. That number suggests elite-level route running. Yet Wicks’ hands betrayed him all too often. He posted an 18 percent drop rate. That was the worst among all qualified receivers in 2024. That’s not just bad—it’s job-jeopardizing.
Still, the Packers appear willing to be patient with Wicks, and for good reason. He’s a technician who regularly gets open. That alone earns respect in an offense that’s increasingly predicated on timing and precision. If Wicks can even modestly improve his catch-point reliability, he’ll give Jordan Love a lethal secondary option. This is especially true with defenses focused on Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Golden.
There’s also an opportunity for Wicks to cement a larger role. Golden’s expected to contribute immediately, but Williams is raw and inconsistent. If Wicks cleans up his drops, there’s a legitimate path to 700–800 yards and five or six touchdowns. That’s breakout...
