Aaron Rodgers: Can He Rise to Top Five Quarterback Status In 2009?

Leading to the 2005 NFL Draft, high expectations were on Aaron Rodgers. A sure top ten pick, the quarterback from the University of California was a good talent, but was out shined by Alex Smith.

However, what wasn't expected was his stock dropping, as he drastically fell to the 24th overall pick, which was the Green Bay Packers.

At first, people did question the reasoning for selecting Rogers. Why would the Pack pay first round type money for a quarterback who was going to sit for quite some time with Favre running the show?

This is what exactly what happened. Rodgers did not get any playing time in the 05', 06', and '07 season, as Favre started.

In the offseason following 2007, Brett Farve decided to retire as he did the past couple of seasons.

Yet, was anything different going to be expected?

We expected the Packers to welcome Favre back whenever he was tired of the Mississippi for those few months.

However, it never got to that point.

Green Bay said it was time, time to move in a different direction even after the previous success, and make Aaron Rodgers the face of the franchise in cheesehead country.

The pressure mounted on Rodgers in the beginning, facing encounters with the fans and criticized them for not being loyal.

After a long and tiring training camp, the NFL season finally arrived, a chance for Rodgers to prove himself as the quarterback going forward.

He sure didn't disappoint in 2008. As the Packers faced a disappointing season overall, Rodgers was able to shine, and the statistics back it up.

Rodgers threw for 4,038 yards, 28 TD passes, and only 13 interceptions. A sure surprise to some, Rodgers was able to climb into the top ten quarterback list in his first season running the show.

The next step Rodgers must take? Top five quarterback status.

Yes, he had the great season with Green Bay no doubt, but he still has a big job left to do.

He needs to accomplish the standard of becoming a top five quarterback in the National Football League, and yet, this can come sooner rather then later.

Does it seem like a great leap? Sure it does.

However, there are some factors that do favor him.

First off, the running game. The rushing game did not show up last season, as Ryan Grant did struggle in the backfield. If a play-action can be used consistently, Rodgers will be open to find more of his receivers in red zone opportunities.

You do have to keep in mind that Donald Driver and Greg Jennings return. Jennings had his career year as a wide receiver for the Packers, and should continue to get the ball this season.

Donald Driver is one of the better veteran receivers in the league, and continues to make play after play in Green Bay.

And finally, the defense.

The defense was the biggest disappointment last season, even in the passing game where they were always tops.

If the defense can play to it's capability, you will see more wins out of Green Bay.

I wouldn't rule out the Packers of squeezing into a wild card spot. Aaron Rodgers does seem ready to make the leap, and many of these possibilities surrounding the team are in his favor.

This can be the breakout year for Rodgers, as reaching top five quarterback would surely prove his potential.

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com