The Green Bay Packers roster has changed a lot from what it has been the past few seasons. With quarterback changes, and key players departing on both sides of the ball, there are questions regarding how the Packers’ talent will translate to victories this upcoming season. That being said, there is still a plethora of superstar potential left at Green Bay’s disposal, with many young playmakers still under contract. The Packers are fortunate enough to have numerous leaders on and off the field who help elevate the team to the next level. Here are the top ten Green Bay Packers for the 2023-2024 NFL season.
10 – Keisean Nixon – CB/KR
After just one season with the Packers, Keisean Nixon established himself as one of the best kick returners in the NFL, leading the league in return yards, despite not starting for the first half of the season. After releasing former third-round draft choice Amari Rodgers, Nixon took off. Nixon first cracked 100 return yards in the week ten victory over the Dallas Cowboys and seemed to never turn back from there. Accumulating 1009 total kick return yards (league high), Green Bay is witnessing the most outstanding kick returner they have seen in recent history. With a 105 yard kick return touchdown in week 17 in a duel against the Minnesota Vikings, Nixon is a fan favorite for years to come.
9 – De’Vondre Campbell – ILB
When the Packers signed De’Vondre Campbell in 2021 to a veteran minimum deal, not much was expected from the former Atlanta Falcon. However, Campbell instantly made an impact, taking command of the Packers’ defense as the number one linebacker on the depth chart. With 146 total tackles, six tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and two interceptions, Campbell earned the right to be on the NFL’s all-pro first team. Calling out plays for the defense, the Packers view Campbell as a leader on and off the field, and he has transcended into a premier linebacker in today’s NFL. Campbell battled injuries and a slight down year in 2022; however, he remains deserving of the five-year, 50 million-dollar contract extension the Packers granted him before the 2022 season. Alongside Quay Walker, Campbell is the most prominent defender in one of the best interior linebacker corps in the NFL.
8 – AJ Dillon – RB
After being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft, AJ Dillon was taken as the Packers’ third running back on the depth chart. At 6’0 and 247 pounds out of Boston College, Dillon was known to be a powerful back who could fight for extra yards when needed. Dillon did not see the field too much in his rookie season but was productive when getting touches. Finishing the year with 242 yards on 46 attempts, Dillon averaged overdrive yards per carry. He broke out in week 16 of his rookie season against the Tennessee Titans in the snow game at Lambeau Field, rushing for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Since then, Dillon has become a feature back in the Green Bay offense, forming a one-two punch with fellow running back Aaron Jones. The dual-threat running game continues to be among the best in the NFL, as AJ Dillon proves to be a superstar on the big stage.
7 – Christian Watson – WR
Coming off a stellar rookie season, Christian Watson has established himself as the number-one wide receiver in the Packers’ offense. Breaking out in the second half of the season, Watson finished with nine total touchdowns, eight of which came after Watson’s three-touchdown performance in week ten against the Dallas Cowboys. Racking up nearly 700 total yards, Watson can only look to grow on his strong rookie campaign, where he can get more opportunities right from the get-go. With a game-breaking combination of size and speed, the ability to take the top off any defense makes Watson a true difference-maker. As a result, he transcended the Green Bay offense from being one of the least efficient to one of the most dangerous ones late in the year. Without Christian Watson, the Packers would have been miserable on the offensive side of the ball (or more miserable than they were), and all Packer fans should be grateful Green Bay decided to pull the trigger on him in 2022.
6 – Elgton Jenkins – LG
Any football team knows the importance of having an excellent offensive line, and a big part of that is versatility. Having the option of where to start premier players on the offensive line can be vital in having a good game plan and can be the difference between leaving with a win or a loss. Left guard Elgton Jenkins has been an elite guard since entering the league in 2019. Being a second-round pick, the Packers had expectations for Jenkins. However, his transformation to stardom came quicker than anticipated. After former left guard Lane Taylor’s injury suffered early in 2019, Jenkins took over as the starter in week three and never looked back. In four years with the Packers, Jenkins has allowed just six sacks in around 3500 offensive snaps. With his elite pass and run-blocking game, Jenkins also has shown off his versatility. Playing snaps at all five positions on the offensive line, Jenkins always gets the job done no matter the task. Whether blocking an edge defender at tackle or snapping the ball at center, Elgton Jenkins is always there to protect the quarterback at an elite level.
5 – Kenny Clark – DT
Longtime Packer Kenny Clark has been a player the Packers can always rely on. Drafted 27th overall in the 2016 draft, Clark was drafted as someone who could fill any gap amid the front seven, and he did not disappoint. Clark’s best years came in 2018 and 2019, where he finished with six sacks and nine tackles for a loss as an interior defensive lineman. Although it may not always appear on the stat sheet, Kenny Clark’s presence is felt in every game. He is always there to fill any hole in a run play and uses his quickness off the ball to blow plays up in the backfield. His ability to tackle opposing running backs as soon as they reach the line of scrimmage is a talent not to be looked over and is truly a special trait. With Clark signing a four-year, 70 million-dollar contract with the Packers in 2020, Green Bay has put a lot of trust in him to be a leader on the team. Clark has consistently proved on and off the field that he is worth every penny, and Packer fans can only hope he will be around for years to come.
4 – David Bakhtiari – LT
Being drafted in 2013, David Bakhtiari has protected Aaron Rodgers’ blind side for around a decade. After tearing his ACL late in 2020, many Packer fans are under the impression that Bakhtiari could never return to his once elite form. Although it might be true that Bakhtiari has changed, he remains an elite tackle in today’s game. It was not until this past season (2022-2023) that the star left tackle could return to action in full after several surgeries and training sessions, all working towards a return. In just under 600 snaps this season, Bakhtiari did not allow a single sack or quarterback hit while allowing just nine pressures. Amidst the Aaron Rodgers drama, many fans and analysts questioned Bakhtiari’s future with the team, given that Rodgers and Bakhtiari are great friends. It was thought that Bakhtiari could appear to be a cap casualty, and it should be time to move on. However, with Bakhtairi restructuring his contract recently, he will be back to block for Jordan Love in the new era. It is crucial that the Packers keep such a pivotal piece to the offense’s success, and Love will have his blind side protected for the near future. David Bakhtiari’s dominance as a left tackle is everlasting, and the once-elite player we all knew is still among us in Green Bay.
3 – Aaron Jones – RB
When you think of loyalty in Green Bay, you think of superstar running back Aaron Jones. Jones is a player who always gives everything he has to the Packers, cares for his teammates, and loves being a part of titletown. Along with his incredible persona, Jones’ level of play speaks for itself. With 19 total touchdowns in 2019, along with his first 1000-yard season, Jones broke out into a star. In a backfield partnership with AJ Dillon, Jones was able to rush for his career-high 1121 rushing yards, averaging over five yards per attempt. Jones also racked up 395 receiving yards on a career-high 59 receptions, showing his versatility. Jones’s ability to rush and receive makes him one of the most threatening weapons in the NFL today. An authentic dual-threat running back is not something that comes easy in the NFL, and the Packers are lucky enough to have one of the best in the business. Jones’ loyalty to Green Bay, outstanding play on the field, and taking a 5 million dollar pay cut to help the team this offseason are just some of the many reasons why Aaron Jones is a staple of Green Bay today.
2 – Rashan Gary – DE
Over the past two seasons, Rashan Gary has transformed himself into a true game wrecker. In a Packers edge rushing group that lacked depth past former pass rusher Za’darius Smith, Green Bay needed someone to step up in Smith’s exit. Gary uses his power and speed to beat offensive linemen inside and out and consistently can put pressure on the quarterback to effect the throw. Statistically, Gary’s best season came in 2021, where he tallied 9.5 sacks and eight tackles for a loss. This was Gary’s breakout season, where he showed everyone why he was taken 12th overall in the 2019 draft. Unfortunately, Gary’s 2022 campaign was cut short in week nine, suffering a torn ACL against the Detroit Lions. In what many thought was Gary’s best year yet, the Packers were left without their best pass rusher for the remainder of the season. Gary had six sacks in 2022 before his season-ending injury and will look for more of the same success upon his return in 2023. With all the work Gary puts in during the offseason, it would not be a surprise to see Gary back on the field early next season, looking just as dangerous as before. No matter where Gary lines up, opposing teams better keep an eye on number 52. Rashan Gary is part of the heart and soul of Green Bay, looking to sack the quarterback on every snap.
1 – Jaire Alexander – CB
Aside from an elite quarterback, it is a common opinion that a lockdown cornerback is the most important part of a football team. Having a cornerback shadow the game’s best receivers week in and week out and take them out of the game is something very few teams have. The Packers are fortunate enough to have ended up with one of the league’s finest in Jaire Alexander. After five seasons in the league, Alexander has been locking up receivers for his whole career, doing so with plenty of swagger and excitement. His famous seatbelt celebration has become a staple of Green Bay’s defense and Alexander’s game, as he carries himself just like an elite cornerback should. Most notably, holding Minnesota Vikings’ receiver Justin Jefferson to one catch for 15 yards (zero vs Alexander) in week 17, Alexander has proved time and time again why he is among the best of the best. With a career-high five interceptions this season, Alexander has excellent ball skills and can always get his hands around the football to make a play. As well as Alexander is with the ball in the air, he is also an excellent tackler, constantly blowing up plays at the line of scrimmage and giving the occasional big hit to set the tone. With Alexander’s great football IQ and physical tools, his play on the field speaks for itself. The Packers have plenty of talent, but no one on the team gets the job done like Jaire Alexander.
The Green Bay Packers’ current roster is made up of talent all across the board on offense, defense and special teams. With the right coaching and performances on the field, this team is ready to leap back to the postseason, with enough talent to win tight games against strong teams. Although many believe Green Bay’s talent is dwindling, there is plenty to be excited about in the new era of Packer football. These ten players will help lead the way for the Packers next season and will look to be reasons for optimism in the future. The Green Bay Packers have talent ready to take a step in the right direction as soon as the Packers take the field in September.
krys barnes would’ve been #1 😔