The Green Bay Packers have been fairly criticized because of their defensive coaching staff at points, but there's one intriguing name in the group that has been getting recognition around the league. Defensive backs coach Ryan Downard was mentioned by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero as a young NFL coach to watch because of his potential to be a future head coach.

Downard was initially hired by Mike McCarthy as a defensive quality control coach in 2018. He was a high school quarterback and played defensive back at Eastern Michigan. He started his coaching career in 2013, and worked at Toledo, Texas Tech, and Bowling Green. His first NFL experience was behind Mike Pettine as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns, where the young coach worked between 2015 and 2016. Pettine, again, was the connection for Downard in Green Bay.

When Matt LaFleur took over in 2019, he decided to keep Downard, promoting him to assistant defensive backs coach. Over the last two years, he's been promoted twice more: to safeties coach in 2022, and to defensive backs coach last offseason.

The Packers have handled several cornerback injuries and the in-season Rasul Douglas trade. At safety, there are more injuries to a group that wasn't great already. Even so, communication and execution seem better than last year — especially considering, for example, that Carrington Valentine, Corey Balentine, and Anthony Johnson Jr. have all started games this season.

The Packers will most likely keep defensive coordinator Joe Barry through the end of the season, if not beyond. But if Matt LaFleur decides to make changes, the young coach might deserve a chance to get a bigger role.

Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich has also made the list.

More coaching notes around the Packers

John Dunn

The Packers tight ends coach has done the most difficult (and probably best) job among the offensive coaches. The room has three rookies, and all of them are developing well — second-rounder Luke Musgrave is on pace to comfortably break the franchise record among rookie tight ends for receiving yards.

Third-rounder Tucker Kraft is getting better as a blocker, which was mentioned by LaFleur. He has a 78.8 pass blocking grade, according to PFF.

"He is starting to hit his stride a little bit," the head coach said, highlighting that the rookie is developing in important areas for the team.

There's also Ben Sims, a rookie claimed off waivers after being cut by the Minnesota Vikings before week 1. He has the highest PFF grade among the group, including an 81.6 receiving grade. The sample size is clearly small, but the Packers have had good results, especially considering how difficult the transition is from college to the NFL for tight ends.

Rich Bisaccia

The Packers are 28th in special teams DVOA, so it's certainly not what the franchise expected. To special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Rich Bisaccia, development takes time.

"We are always looking at things we can do better," Bisaccia said. "You shouldn't let win or loss mask your problems. Try to get a little bit better each week and move yourself forward."

Did the Packers make the right call with Rich Bisaccia?

Bisaccia is in his second season with the Packers