The Green Bay Packers are coming off of a massive offseason that saw general manager Brian Gutekunst spend more money in free agency than the franchise has spent in a long time. It was obvious that the Packers are done losing after missing the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.

Aaron Rodgers isn't getting younger and it's pretty clear that the team can't afford to wait around much longer. That helped make the decision for the Packers to be aggressive this offseason as they search to give Rodgers as much help as possible.

One of the biggest moves that the franchise made was firing head coach Mike McCarthy last season. They brought in Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur to replace him. LaFleur is part of the Sean McVay coaching tree, which has intrigued a lot of teams.

Green Bay will have a tough road ahead of them. The NFC North is arguably the best division in football and the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings got better this offseason. Detroit still has a long way to go, but they aren't a pushover team either.

All of that being said, which three players must step up for the Packers this season to boost their hopes of making it back to the playoffs?

3. Kevin King, Cornerback

There is no denying the talent and potential that cornerback Kevin King possesses. Unfortunately, he has been unable to stay healthy and that has led to a slow start to his NFL career.

Standing in at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, King is without question capable of being a difference maker. If he can stay healthy and show the potential that Green Bay saw in him when they drafted him, he will make their defense much stronger. King will be joined by second-year cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson, which is a lethal trio.

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2. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Wide Receiver

Green Bay lost veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb this offseason in free agency to the Dallas Cowboys. Many expected them to sign or draft a receiver, but they didn't. Instead, they are hoping that their young receivers can take a big leap forward.

One of those wide receivers is Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who showed big-time talent in 2018. He has a great chemistry with Rodgers and has received a lot of praise from the superstar quarterback this offseason. In order for the Packers' offense to take the next step, they need MVS to have a big year.

1. Oren Burks, Linebacker

The Packers drafted Oren Burks with the No. 88 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has a lot of athleticism and speed at the linebacker position. Unfortunately, he didn't showcase his full potential in his rookie year.

Burks is going to get an opportunity to be a key piece for the Packers' defense. Mike Pettine needs as much talent as he can get on the defensive side of the football and more production at linebacker is a major need. If he can take the next step, the improved Packers' defense will be even stronger.