Three Packers Poised For Stardom

The Green Bay Packers have two key ingredients that are sure to spark rampant speculation. For one, they’re a young team. They have the youngest roster in the NFL for the third consecutive year, filled with players whose ceilings (and, to a lesser degree, floors) have yet to be determined. They’re also a borderline-championship-caliber squad, which will incite plenty of will-they-or-won’t-they hypothesizing.

So there are plenty of potential candidates, but who are the three Packers most likely to make a significant leap in 2025 and justify all that offseason daydreaming?

Tucker Kraft - Tight End

Head coach Matt LaFleur didn't mince words when discussing what could be on the horizon for Green Bay's young tight end. Shortly after the 2024 season ended, LaFleur was asked if Kraft can end up being a George Kittle or a Travis Kelce.

LaFleur didn't hesitate:

Discussing the inclusion of Kraft is particularly noteworthy, given the array of options Green Bay has at its disposal on offense. And that was before the Packers drafted two more wide receivers in April.

It speaks volumes to how this team views Kraft, and it's why so many on Packers Twitter have wondered aloud if Kraft could become the first Green Bay tight end to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season.

Kraft piled up 707 yards in his sophomore campaign in 2024, and he did it with only 70 targets. As a tight end, his game is as complete as it gets. It's hard to ignore the similarities between Kittle and Kraft when watching them.

A big issue with Green Bay's passing game in 2024 was consistency. Kraft did his part, starting in every single game. He finished the season having played 85% of the offensive snaps.

The only thing that needs to change is his target share. Kraft was getting 4.1 per game in 2024 and should be much higher this season. With just a little more opportunity, he could become a consensus top tight end in the league.

Edgerrin Cooper - Linebacker

There was no player on the 2024 roster that fans wanted to see more of than Edgerrin Cooper. Last season, Cooper logged 45% of the snaps on defense. However, in the final three games of the season, those numbers rose to 99%, 94%, and 100%, respectively. Cooper provided spark plays for Jeff Hafley's defense and was at his best when he was cut loose and sent to chase the quarterback.

Despite missing three games due to injury and playing less than half of the total snaps on defense, Cooper piled up 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and seven quarterback hits. The 13 tackles for loss were the most on the team, and his 77 tackles ranked him sixth.

Cooper was named to the All-Rookie Team and even scooped up a vote for All-Pro. He put a bow on his season by being named NFC Defensive Player of the Month. He's absolutely in the running in just Year 2 to take a massive leap into stardom.

LaFleur couldn't contain his excitement talking about Cooper in May.

There's a debate to be had as to where Cooper ranks on Green Bay’s front seven. If anyone has him topping the charts already, we get it. And if Cooper builds on his rookie season and improves in 2025, the sky is the limit.

Devonte Wyatt - Defensive Tackle

It may seem odd to put a player on this list who's set to enter his fourth year, but Wyatt fits the bill. He had a brilliant start to 2024, racking up three sacks and six tackles for loss in his first four games. An ankle injury cost him the next three games. After his hot start, he never quite recaptured that early-season magic.

Veteran Kenny Clark had his most ineffective season to date, which didn't help matters; a lot of the blame can be attributed to a foot injury he suffered in Week 1. If Clark is back to his usual self and Wyatt stays healthy, they form one heck of a duo. Wyatt could finally fulfill the hope of many fans who see him as a star in the making.

Wyatt had his fifth-year option picked up by the Packers earlier in the offseason. The reassurance that he has financial stability for another year and isn't entering a contract season should help him focus on beating up opposing offensive lines. He’s had several stretches in his first three years where he appeared right on the cusp of a big breakout. If he stays healthy, 2025 could be his year.