This offseason has seen a lot of changes around the NFL, especially in the Packers organization. The Packers have lost key pieces, and added new ones, and I’m going to rate each position with a score from A-F.
Quarterback: A+
No surprise here, Aaron Rodgers returns after back to back MVP seasons and Jordan Love as the backup is always good for an extra cushion if Rodgers gets injured. Yes, I don’t expect Rodgers to have MVP numbers for a third time, especially since the departure of Davante Adams, but Rodgers can make any receiver look good.
Running Back: B+
The running back room doesn’t lose any pieces and is the same as last year. Aaron Jones is a lethal 2 threat RB, but with the recent success of AJ Dillion, it brings up a lot of question marks on if Aaron Jones was worth resigning. The running back room brought a new identity to the offense, it took pressure off Rogers and the 2 headed snake as in AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones was any defense’s worst nightmare. Expect a jump in production in both of these running backs after the recent departure of Davante Adams, and with the WR room having more questions than answers.
Wide Receivers: D+
With the departures of Davante Adams, MVS, And Equanimeous St. Brown, There’s a lot of questions about the receivers. Sure the loss of arguably one of the most elite receivers in the NFL hurts, but now Rodgers won’t be forcing balls when there’s wide open receivers anymore. The Packers retain Randall Cobb, a good vet presence to the WR Room, and Allen Lazard, who when Davante Adams was injured, was the Packers WR1. The Packers also did a little bit of searching in the WR market, picking up Sammy Watkins, also known as the week 1 goat. And with the most recent draft appeasing Packers fans by getting Chrstian Watson and Romeo Doubs, expect the Packers receiving room to have a lot of competition. I have high hopes for the Packers wide receivers, but when Allen Lazard is your WR1, and half the Packers receiving room hasn’t played a snap in the NFL, there isn’t a whole lot to show for. Expect the Packers passing game to regress and for Aaron Rodgers to take a step down from his past seasons.
Offensive Line: B
The Packers O’Line was very good last year, not giving Aaron Rodgers much pressure, and I expect the same this year. They did lose Billy Turner and Lucas Patrick, but they made up for that by drafting 3 lineman in this last draft. Guys like Yosh Nijman, the backup tackle that was thrusted in last year, and went toe to toe with the best and won, to step up this year. Zach Tom and Sean Rhyan are also great pick ups from the draft, and will also be eventual starters, and really bolster this Online. Yes, Elgton Jenkins will be out for an unknown amount of time, and that’s the reason there is currently a B, but with David Bakhtiari coming back soon, after missing all but 1 game last year, expect this oline to be good, not great, but good enough.
Tight Ends: C
The Packers Tight end room looks shaky at first, but on paper they have an above average crew. You got a returning Robert Tonyan, who before getting hurt was doing solid. You got Josiah Degura who really flourished with Robert Tonyan being out for the second half of the season. And you have the vet Marcedes Lewis who on paper is one of the best run blockers in the league at the tight end position. Expect the tight ends to really have a bigger role in the passing game, because of the wide receiving room being so thin at the moment.
Defensive Line: B
The Packers shocked a lot of people drafting Devonte Wyatt at number 28, but don’t be fooled, this guy is a stud. He’s a pass rush stud, and can also do some damage in the run game. Devonte being added to the Dline will definitely release some pressure off of Kenny Clark, who oftentimes is being double teamed. The Packers also added Jarran Reed as a vet presence, and will be a good rotational player. Expect lots of stuffing the run and sacks from this eccentric group.
Edge Rushers: B
The Packers decided to resign Preston Smith and due to that had to let go of Za’darius Smith. But Packers fans shouldn’t lose hope in this group. Rashan Gary just came off a stellar year, including a MVP performance in the divisional loss to the 49ers. Expect a breakout season and a DPOY nomination out of him this season. Preston Smith is also back and is looking for something to prove. The Packers added some depth as well to the group, getting Kingsley Enagbare in the 5th round of the draft, who was an absolute steal. Having 15 career sacks at South Carolina, this guy is an absolute stud who will be a perfect addition to this Edge rushing group.
Linebackers: B+
The Packers did a lot this offseason with this defense, including a lot with the linebackers. They re-signed 1st team all-pro De’vondre Cambell to a 5 year deal, who recently came off a great year. They also went ahead and drafted Quay Walker in the first round, who comes from a stacked Georgia Defensive unit. He is a big and physical linebacker who will stop you at the line of scrimmage and is great in coverage, something the Packers need. The Packers also have good depth at the position, with Krys Barnes being the go to guy in case someone gets hurt. De’vondre Cambell and Quay Walker will arguably be one of the best linebacker groups in the NFL, and expect them to make some noise this season.
Cornerbacks: A
It’s no debate that the Packers have one of the best secondaries in the league, with huge credit going to the cornerbacks. With Jaire Alexander going down with an injury in week 5 vs the Steelers, Eric Stokes and Rasul Douglas had to step up, and they did not disappoint. Eric Stokes had a phenomenal rookie year, having a completion percentage against him of only 49.5%, and having an average of 5.3 yards caught against him per catch. Keep in mind that he was a rookie going against teams top receivers. Rasul Douglas was also great last year, being the ball hawk for the Packers defense and had a 45.3 completion percentage on him. With Jaire Alexander returning to full health for this 2022-2023 season, expect this group of guys to state their case to the NFL.
Safeties: B
Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage make up one of the most underrated safety groups in the league. Adrian Amos, who can line up in the box, or play man to man, is one of most important players on this team. Darnell Savage is also a guy who is great in the run and in the pass game. Expect a lot of heads to turn onto these guys once the season starts.
