Fansided

5 players who Packers need to be great in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 23: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sideline against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 23: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sideline against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 9: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a play in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 9: Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a play in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Za’Darius Smith

The Packers weren’t forced to spend a high draft pick on Smith like they were with Gary, but they are paying the former Ravens’ defender a lot of money. He’ll need to play up to his four-year, $66 million contract this season if the Packers are going to emerge as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Green Bay’s front office is paying Smith like last year’s sack total of 8.5 should be his baseline level of production moving forward. It’s always dangerous to player based on his career season, but there is significant reason for optimism with Smith. He’s only going to be 27-years-old this season and his production in Baltimore was limited for years by the Hall of Fame talent ahead of him on the depth chart.

Smith should see playing time at both defensive end and outside linebacker, but his mission will almost always be to wreak havoc in the opposing backfield. He’s the one guy on this defense who should be set free to chase the quarterback on almost every play. The Packers need him to emerge as a bona fide Pro Bowl edge rusher if they’re going to get to the Super Bowl.

Preston Smith is going to get his share of attention, but it’s Za’Darius who really needs to emerge as a star. If he doesn’t hit 10 sacks or better then it will be tough for the Packers to generate the edge pressure required to be a really good defense.

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