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The Green Bay Packers are riddled with injuries. They were blown out in their Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, but the team still clinched a postseason berth on Christmas Day because the Detroit Lions lost. Green Bay’s most detrimental injury happened when Micah Parsons tore his ACL. The star edge rusher who was traded for in the offseason will miss the rest of this season. Jordan Love has also been out with a concussion.
The Packers need their quarterback to return soon if they are to have any hope of a postseason run. Love’s replacement, Malik Willis, has actually played admirably in relief of the starter, though. He was not to blame for the Packers’ most recent loss, and he has played so well that some fans are wondering if he is deserving of another chance to be a starting quarterback somewhere.
A lot of NFL draft busts don’t pan out with certain teams, not because of their talent level, but because the situation didn’t allow for it. Willis, for example, was only given three starts by the Tennessee Titans before they moved on at the quarterback position to Will Levis. Cam Ward has even since taken the Titans quarterback reins from Levis.
Willis was a raw prospect who needed time to grow and learn from his mistakes, and he was never afforded that opportunity. He has flashed the potential that was always there during his time as the Packers’ backup quarterback. So, in addition to Willis, what recent draft busts or benched players deserve another chance to start and prove that they belong in the NFL?
Treylon Burks was drafted with the pick that was acquired when the Tennessee Titans traded A.J. Brown away. Because the trade was essentially a receiver-for-receiver deal, expectations were high for Burks right away. The Arkansas product did not live up to expectations despite there being plenty of opportunity with the Titans continuously having an underwhelming receiver corps.
The root of Burks’ problems stemmed from injury issues. He was limited to just 27 games over his three seasons with the Titans, and the team eventually decided to cut their losses. Burks’ on-field production was underwhelming, too, as he only had one touchdown with the Titans.
Burks is now on the Washington Commanders, and he has flashed the potential scouts saw in him when he was drafted 18th overall. Most notably, Burks had a highlight-worthy, one-handed catch for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos, who are one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. If Burks can remain healthy, there is a path for him to become a long-term starter with the Commanders. Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin are the top two options, but there isn’t a third receiver to write home about. Jayden Daniels had a rough sophomore campaign, but he was the Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, and he should return to form next year.
The New York...
