Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers: 5 Early bold predictions for 2017 season

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers

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The Green Bay Packers were one game away from the Super Bowl a season ago. If these bold predictions come true, fans aren't going to be nearly as happy with how the 2017 season plays out.

Honestly, there are a number of ways the Green Bay Packers' 2017 campaign could go. Although they were a legitimate contender a season ago, it could be argued that this roster actually got worse this offseason. So what can we expect from the Packers this year?

At this point, it's anyone's guess. There's still a long ways to go before the regular season arrives, and a lot can happen during OTAs and training camp. Major injuries can occur at any given moment, but breakout performances are nearly as likely. Realistically, all we can do is speculate on the fate of the Packers.

Well, as it so happens, that's exactly why we're here. I've put together a few bold predictions to get us through the quiet part of the offseason. We're still working our way through voluntary minicamps, with OTAs and training camp on the horizon. We haven't even gotten close to trimming rosters down to 53 men, although it's now more like taking a machete to the whole thing.

So here they are–my five early "bold" predictions for the Packers' 2017 campaign. Just keep in mind that these are meant more to keep the cobwebs away during the offseason–don't take them too seriously and don't lose your marbles if they don't pan out.

Aaron Jones Green Bay Packers

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5. Aaron Jones leads the team in rushing yards

I want to preface this by saying that I don't necessary think Aaron Jones is going to steal the show as a rookie. Honestly, this more comes down to the fact that the Packers don't necessarily have any true top options in the backfield at this moment.

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The second piece I should clarify is who exactly Jones is, for those of you who may be in the dark. Jones was a fifth-round pick of the Packers in late April, joining Jamaal Williams and Devante Mays as one of the three backs Green Bay drafted in 2017. Although he wasn't the first of the bunch off the board, I think he has the best long-term potential.

Jones was a bona fide superstar at UTEP, setting the school's career rushing yards record in only three years. Although his short stature (5-10) and lower level of competition were concerns for NFL teams, the Packers rolled the dice with the massively talent runner.

My guess is Green Bay will give Ty Montgomery, Williams and Jones opportunities early and often to get touches. However, with Montgomery needed at wide receiver (as a result of an upcoming prediction) and Jones offering more upside and playmaking ability than Williams, I'd imagine the former Miner racking up more yards when all is said and done.

Don't, however, expect any of them to come anywhere near the 1,000-yard mark.

Clay Matthews Green Bay Packers

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4. Clay Matthews tallies career low in sacks…again

As you probably know by now, Clay Matthews' play has started to tail off in recent years. Although he's back to his natural outside linebacker, it appears as if age and injury are starting to catch up to the three-time All-Pro.

We already saw him tally a career-low sack total a season ago, managing only five sacks throughout the 2016 campaign. Despite only playing 12 games (nine starts), it was a lackluster showing from a guy who not long ago was seen as one of the NFL's elite edge rushers. Unfortunately for the Packers, I'm predicting it'll get worse in 2017.

Yes, I'm calling it now that Matthews will yet again post a career low in sacks. Although I'm thinking 4 or 4.5 on the year, it'll still be further evidence of his decaying abilities. It's not at all what Green Bay wants to see. It also isn't going to help this suspect secondary see any type of notable improvement.

The emergence of Nick Perry as a plus starter will help ease the burden of Matthews' decline. However, the Packers don't necessarily have an heir apparent on the roster right now. It's not like Vince Biegel has a plethora of untapped potential…

All good things must come to an end. It appears the final grains of sand are falling on Matthews' time as an effective playmaker on the edge.

Randall Cobb Green Bay Packers

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3. Randall Cobb gets traded right before deadline

Right now, the Packers are rather loaded at the wide receiver position. Not only do they have three outstanding options atop the depth chart, but the roster is overflowing with depth. The drafting of two more pass catchers last month didn't help the issue, either.

That's why I wouldn't be surprised to see the Packers part with one of those three top options. Obviously Jordy Nelson isn't going anywhere, and I still think Davante Adams has more potential to tap into. You probably get the picture by now — Randall Cobb looks like the odd man out in this scenario.

Although injuries have hindered this once-electric receiver, Cobb is still a capable playmaker for any NFL offense. The Packers may be running out of room to continue hoping he can stay healthy, but there are a few receiver-needy teams out there who might consider making a deal for him.

Moving on from Cobb would allow Green Bay to give more snaps to some of their younger options out wide. Geronimo Allison showed some promise as a rookie last year. Trevor Davis is an intriguing option, and I believe 2017 seventh-round pick Malachi Dupre could surprise. As I mentioned previously, it could also open a door for Montgomery to return to his natural position.

It's strange to imagine Cobb not playing for the Packers. Despite that fact, I'm predicting his time in Wisconsin is nearing its end. Don't think that'll be the end of his days as an outstanding NFL receiver, though.

Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers

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2. Aaron Rodgers finishes second in MVP voting

Chances are Aaron Rodgers is going to have to carry this team in 2017. The running game is still a work in progress, and may need more time before things truly start to click. The defense saw mild improvement during the offseason, but will be pinning many of its hopes on a rookie cornerback.

Hence, it's going to be up Rodgers and the Green Bay passing game to win games. Even if that means throwing 30-plus passes and putting up 30-plus points per game, it's up to the Packers' fearless leader to get the job done in 2017. He's got the talent to do it, and should earn the recognition when the season comes to an end.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the MVP award, he won't get quite as much recognition as he'd like. When all is said and done, he'll come in second in voting for the most prestigious player-specific award. That's not to say he wouldn't deserve the award, but I've already "boldly" predicted the Oakland Raiders' Derek Carr would earn the honor — can't give it to both of them.

It's a tough break for one of the NFL's best all-around players. Unfortunately, only one guy can win it and Rodgers isn't going to be that guy in 2017. Another naming to the All-Pro team and trip to the Pro Bowl definitely seem in order, though. Maybe he'll win Offensive Player of the Year as a consolation prize.

My final prediction will make this prediction even more understandable.

Mike McCarthy Green Bay Packers

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1. Packers fail to make the playoffs

I know, right? This may actually be the boldest one, although the Cobb prediction seems pretty out there.

What we have to remember is that the NFC North is getting better and better. It was already one of the strongest divisions in the league a year ago, coming down to the final week or two to determine who would be extending their seasons. Had one or two games gone differently, Green Bay may have found themselves on an early vacation.

That'll be the case in 2017. The Detroit Lions only got better this offseason, and appear ready to push for serious contender status. The Minnesota Vikings made some improvements as well, especially along their wretched offensive line. Even the Chicago Bears could steal a divisional win or two like they did last year.

It'll be a close race, with the Lions, Packers and Vikings all in it until the final week. However, a Vikings' win over the Bears and Packers' defeat at the hands of Detroit will watch Green Bay miss the postseason for the first time since 2008. That failure to book a trip to the playoffs will play a part in Rodgers barely missing out on his third MVP award.

When it all comes down it, there are a few key crutches for the Packers in 2017. The offensive line took a big step back this offseason, and the secondary will be hoping a couple of rookies can turn things around. It'll also be hard generating a consistent pass rush while relying on an aging Matthews. All of these components lead me to predicting Green Bay goes home after Week 17.