Packers Rumors: Third-Year Player Under the Most Pressure Entering the 2024 NFL Season

   

Green Bay Packers

There will be several players on the Green Bay Packers who are under pressure to perform this NFL season. Some players did not perform well on the field last season and some players missed a lot of time due to injury.

Green Bay will have high expectations this season. They went to the playoffs last season with a 9-8 record after missing the playoffs the previous season.

Green Bay Packers

Quarterback Jordan Love will need to repeat what he did toward the end of last season. He will be under pressure to perform this season, but there will be others on the roster that will have to perform.

Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Christian Watson Is Under Pressure To Perform This Season

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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) is shown during organized team activities Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

It is not a secret that this will be a make-it or a break-it season for the third-year wide receiver from North Dakota State. Watson regressed last season when he missed seven games because of a hamstring injury. He only had 422 yards receiving a season ago compared to his 611 yards during his rookie season.

Christian Watson will still be the top wide receiver option on the Green Bay Packers roster entering the 2024 season. Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs will be the other projected starting wide receivers, but Dontayvion Wicks will be ready to replace Watson anytime he goes down with an injury.

Brian Sampson of dairylandexpress.com thinks that Christian Watson is one of five Green Bay Packers players on the roster who is under the most pressure to perform this season. Sampson said:

“There has been plenty of conversation this offseason about who the Packers’ number one wide receiver truly is. The consensus is that Green Bay lacks a clear lead guy, instead boasting several players who fit the profile of solid number twos. Amidst this uncertainty, one player stands out as the potential breakout star: Christian Watson.

Watson epitomizes the NFL’s concept of a home-run hitter. His blazing speed can stretch the field and keep defenses on high alert, always wary of the deep ball. This ability not only benefits Watson and his quarterback but also creates opportunities for his teammates by opening up the rest of the field. The ripple effect of Watson’s presence on the field makes him a game-changing threat.

However, Watson’s biggest challenge has been staying healthy. In his first two seasons, he missed 11 games due to various soft-tissue injuries. He saw a specialist this offseason and believes he has pinpointed the underlying issue. Despite this, Watson must re-earn the trust of Packers fans and the coaching staff, and the only way to do that is by staying on the field and contributing consistently.

For Watson, the 2024 season is about more than just showcasing his talent. It’s about proving his durability and reliability as a key offensive weapon. If he can stay healthy and perform at a high level, Watson has the potential to elevate Green Bay’s receiving corps and become the undisputed No. 1 receiver the Packers need. The pressure is on Watson to hit home runs and be available to step up to the plate game after game.”

During the NFL offseason, Christian Watson was mentioned in various offseason trade rumors. Those rumors appear to have subsided for now. Watson will need to prove that he is the top receiving target on the roster this season.

Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) is shown during organized team activities Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Jayden Reed had 793 receiving yards a season ago as a rookie and he led the team. This receiving core has the talent to have at least one or two players have over 1,000 yards receiving. Christian Watson does not have to accomplish that goal, but he has to prove that he belongs to the first unit and stays healthy.