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Rookie spotlight once again shines its light on to one of the Packers newcomers this year. Last time was Jerron McMillian's time to shine. Now the focus is on another 4th round pick, Mike Daniels.
How acquired: 4th round (132nd overall)
Chance of making the team: Probable
Reasonable expectations for 2012: Becoming a rotational DE. This is the time of year where players, coaches, and fans tend to air out their lofty expectations. Every team is a Super Bowl contender and every exciting rookie is going to be the rookie of the year. Right now Daniels is a bit different a story though. I don't know how many ardent Mike Daniels supporters exist at the moment in Packer nation, but even they would probably say that Daniels is going to be a rotational guy to add some "juice" to the Packers front 7. The general expectation is that he will see limited action, but be able to push the pocket and maybe cause some pressure.
How he can exceed expectations: Become a starting DE, or at least a consistent contributor. There are some openings along the defensive line this year. Lots of new faces and a few guys who would probably have a strangle hold on starting spots getting suspended. This mean opportunity. If Daniels hustles enough and makes things happen then he may play his way into a starting role. Even if he can't do that, it's very easy for him to play his way into more and more snaps a game, and then go into next year being a strong contender to start.
Why Packer fans should keep an eye on him: He could be part of the solution to the front 7. I'm not going to lie, I like guys in the trenches whose focus is to out work the guy in front of them. That guy who may be a little smaller, but has twice as much fight as the offensive line he is facing. I think Daniels is that guy. The best part about that guy though is that his attitude often rubs off on the guys playing next to him and adds a bit of nasty to the defense. That's something the Packers defense needed terribly last year and hopefully Daniels can make sure that future teams don't suffer the same need.