The Green Bay Packers are poised for a strong season and could very well compete for a playoff spot when the time comes. Quarterback Jordan Love is expected to have a breakout year, with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noting that much of the team’s success will hinge on his performance.
“It’s Jordan Love time. Only one offensive player on the roster (two-time Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins), and three players in total, predate the quarterback’s time with the team. He’s on a top-of-market deal, so the onus is on him to start lifting his teammates rather than the other way around. The roster’s still solid, but competitions at left tackle and receiver will help set the course for how far the team can go, and Love’s work through any bumps at those spots will be key,” Breer wrote.
While the offense draws plenty of attention, the defense will also need to step up—and there are still some roster decisions to be made. One of the standout stories since OTAs has been Isaiah Simmons, who is pushing hard to earn a spot on the team.
“I see a really hungry player. He’s a very eager player right now, and he’s extremely athletic. I think his versatility is going to be something special," said linebackers coach Sean Duggan. "I don’t think you see a lot of 6-4 guys who weigh 240 pounds and can run a 4.3. But I see a guy who, just like everybody else, is putting his head down, working hard, and trying to learn the defense. He’s learning the way we do things here.”
At the start of training camp, teammate Josh Jacobs described Simmons as a "unicorn," emphasizing his speed, versatility and athleticism. The praise continued Friday morning when safety Xavier McKinney spoke highly of Simmons’ potential impact.
“He’s going to be a big part of our defense and he’s going to help us a lot,” McKinney told the media.
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Though Simmons entered the league as a highly rated prospect, he hasn’t yet lived up to that billing. Still, something about Green Bay seems to be clicking for him—his teammates have rallied around him, and their belief is evident. With this level of support and recognition, it's hard to imagine Simmons not making the final roster when all is said and done.