There are always several players who under- or overplay the fans’ and coaches’ expectations in a season on any given team, and as important as the 10 or 15 new faces may be in camp, it’s often the improved performance of returning players that can really launch a team deep into the playoffs. Packers fans needn’t look outside the division for examples. Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen made just 20 catches in his first two seasons, followed by campaigns of 69 and 91 receptions.
Davante Adams took a steadier ascent to become Green Bay’s top receiver, but he’s another good example, adding over 500 yards to his receiving totals between 2015 and 2016.