Packers’ Strongest and Weakest Position Groups in 2023
Ranking where the Packers are strongest and weakest ahead of the 2023 season.
By markoldacres
The NFL Draft is now firmly in the rearview mirror and the free agent market has been picked over, leaving a clearer picture of what the 2023 Green Bay Packers roster will look like.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the state of each position group and a ranking of where the Packers are strong and where they are weak ahead of the new season, in terms of both top end talent and depth.
1. EDGE
This comes with a caveat. When Rashan Gary is healthy, the EDGE group is the strongest on Green Bay’s roster, due not only to the talent of the expected starters, but also the depth on hand.
Once Gary is available, he and either Preston Smith or first-round pick Lukas Van Ness will be the starters.
That leaves the other heading up a strong bench, which should also include Kingsley Enagbare, who impressed as a rookie, and Justin Hollins, who was a steady presence after joining mid-season in 2022. Talented undrafted rookie Brenton Cox Jr. could also push for a roster spot.
2. Running back
The Packers have one of the better one-two punches in the NFL with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon in the backfield, serving as a potentially lethal ‘thunder and lightning’ combo, you know, if they actually get enough carries in a game to be effective…
With rookie Lew Nichols III, Patrick Taylor and Tyler Goodson behind them, there is some depth, too.
3. Offensive line
Green Bay will spend training camp trying to figure out their ‘best five’ along the offensive line, but that conundrum exists due to a plethora of options, not a lack of.
David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Jon Runyan Jr. and Yosh Nijman is a strong core, and the Packers will be hoping for a jump from inconsistent center Josh Myers. Zach Tom will compete at multiple positions and could easily earn himself a starting spot.
Sean Rhyan is a wildcard. The 2022 third-round pick didn’t see the field as a rookie and ended the season with a PED suspension, but he’s a talented player and could be a factor this year.
After that, the Packers have players who, while you’d rather didn’t have to start, are serviceable, in Royce Newman and Jake Hanson. Former seventh-rounder Rasheed Walker is an interesting project as well.
4. Cornerback
As with the EDGE position, the cornerback room is waiting for the return of an injured player, but when Eric Stokes is back, Green Bay’s top four corners, which also features Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Keisean Nixon, are pretty damn good.
There are question marks about the depth beyond that, though. Assuming Stokes isn’t available on opening day, an unproven player is going to be first off the bench. Shemar Jean-Charles? Carrington Valentine? It could get dicey quickly.
5. Middle linebacker
This group was somewhat disappointing a season ago, as De’Vondre Campbell declined after his All-Pro nod in 2021 and Quay Walker endured the ups and downs expected of a rookie. It feels like a high-ceiling, low-floor position ahead of 2023.
The options after Campbell and Walker are untested. Isaiah McDuffie performed admirably in spot duty last season, and he will likely be the first number called to spell the starters. Eric Wilson and Tariq Carpenter are more special teamers than defensive players.
6. Wide receiver
By year’s end, the receiver position could be much higher on this list, but there are a lot of unknowns right now.
Christian Watson was hugely impressive as a rookie, while Romeo Doubs had flashes but wasn’t consistent. Samori Toure didn’t see the field much but is talented and could see a huge increase in his snaps in 2023.
Then there are the three rookies, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and Grant DuBose. Reed has been impressing coaches already, and Wicks and DuBose could easily have been drafted earlier than the fifth and seventh round respectively.
The Packers have six good football players at wide receiver, but the question is just how good, and how such a young group will handle the responsibility to produce.
7. Defensive line
Kenny Clark is a stud, and Devonte Wyatt has the potential to be a consistent disruptor on the interior, but after that, there’s some projection here.
T.J. Slaton will be relied upon more heavily in 2023, and he’s earned that role after performing well last season. Jonathan Ford, a seventh-rounder last year, didn’t play a single snap of defense. That will probably have to change.
Rookies Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks are going to have to contribute, but they are more pass rushers than run stoppers and their transition to the NFL could have some bumps in the road.
8. Quarterback
The low ranking on this list is not an indictment of Love, more an admission that we simply don’t know yet. It’s also a product of Green Bay’s backup QB being rookie Sean Clifford, or Danny Etling, rather than a proven veteran.
9. Tight end
There are no known quantities here. Rookies Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft will probably play early, and they could be great, but the tight end position provides a notoriously tough transition to the NFL level.
Josiah Deguara has never really been used as a traditional tight end in Green Bay, but that could change this year, as Jordan Love seems to have more of an eye for him than Aaron Rodgers did.
Then there’s Tyler Davis, who’s… fine.
10. Safety
The Packers are basically throwing a load of safeties at the wall and seeing what sticks.
Darnell Savage will be the lead dog entering training camp due to his tenure in Green Bay and his draft status. From there, all bets are off.
It’ll be an open competition between Savage, Rudy Ford, Anthony Johnson Jr., Jonathan Owens, Tarvarius Moore, Dallin Leavitt, Innis Gaines and Benny Sapp III for roster spots and playing time.
-------------------------------------------------------
Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
Comments (82)
NickPerry
May 21, 2023 at 06:37 am
Nice breakdown by Mark and pretty much on the money...
I'd also put ST down on the list as well. The Packers are most likely going to have a new kicker and long snapper this year. That can always make things interesting.
NickPerry
May 21, 2023 at 06:37 am
The thing about this roster is there's HUGE potential everywhere. Wyatt on the D-Line is a favorite of mine I'll be watching. If that dude makes the "Year two jump" it could make a huge difference for GB. Watson could be a absolute stud and I've loved the Reed pick since it was made. Wicks and Dubose actually could be really good too.
But at the top is the RB and O-Line... Funny, that was a strength last year as well, we just didn't take advantage of it like we should have. This team really could have a Top 3 running game in the NFL. If the defense can do their part, I'd expect that very thing to happen.
I really hope Stokes and Gary can come back at 100% sooner than later. That will make a huge difference for this defense.
Turophile
May 21, 2023 at 07:27 am
As important as the players are (and they are arguably the biggest difference-maker), the quality of the coaches and coordinators makes a huge difference in how the squad performs.
I have more faith in the players than the coordinators at this point. I think Gutekunst has given the team a good core - its now up to the coaches and the players themselves, to rise to the big challenge of succeeding in the NFL.
I think the greatest advances will be made by the wide recievers and the least advances (but this only applies to this year) by the tight ends. Next year is when I'm expecting the TEs to start shining.
I expect ILB to be better as Walker gets more comfortable with his responsibilities, and that could also help Campbell as his partner.
I expect Safety play to be poor............and maybe the Packers play more ILBs and fewer safeties in their packages, as a result.
Overall, I expect a bumpy first half of the season and a surprisingly good second half, as the young players get more in tune with NFL play......but injuries will always impact team performance, so the less they are plagued by them the better the team can be. The worst injury scenario is when one specific position group suffers multiple injuries, leaving deep backups and even street free agents, as starters.
Guam
May 21, 2023 at 08:10 am
"But at he top is the RB and O-line..... Funny, that was a strength last year as well, we just didn't take advantage of it like we should have."
Spot on NP. A solid running game will be a huge help to Jordan Love in his first year as a starter and allow him to develop at his pace rather than ask him to play hero ball. I believe the Packer offense can be much more diversified and balanced this year and I look forward to the change.
Spock
May 21, 2023 at 09:13 am
Nick, Good point about STs. I remember when Ron Wolf didn't want to pay a punter a million dollars and it seemed to take years to find a decent one again!
TKWorldWide
May 21, 2023 at 01:04 pm
Sadly, he coulda had me for $750,000
I guess the actual “punting” was my weak spot, admittedly.
greengold
May 21, 2023 at 02:09 pm
Shocker.
You’ve just been shanking ‘em left & right since you got back…
TKWorldWide
May 21, 2023 at 06:33 pm
A shanker is nothing to laugh at.
greengold
May 21, 2023 at 06:40 pm
Au contraire mon frère!
Lolz. Thanks for the laugh, TK. Boomed that one!
PeteK
May 21, 2023 at 09:22 am
The O line might have been a strength going in, but Bak injury and Jenkins experiment at RT was a bust. The line was a mess for a large part of the season. Many solid bodies on D & O lines, if they gel it will be a fun season.
LLCHESTY
May 21, 2023 at 02:06 pm
Top 3 rushing game is pushing it without a running QB these days. The Falcons were 3rd last year and got over 500 yards rushing combined from Mariota and Ridder. I doubt Love rushes for that much.
Leatherhead
May 21, 2023 at 05:59 pm
'''''But at the top is the RB and O-Line... Funny, that was a strength last year as well, we just didn't take advantage of it ''''''
That's my takeaway post-mortem of the 2022 season. You have these jewels in the backfield, Jones and Dillon and they gained 2500 yards last year. They were healthy all year. They both can run, block and catch. They averaged around 32 touches in a game, they averaged over 5.0 yards/touch, and don't turn it over very much.
Half of the plays we called were to Dillon or Jones. I think we should have called their number more, especially during that losing streak. In fact, if we had a reliable #3 back, I'd try to get it to the RB 40 times a game and just put the best blockers I could in front of him.
Thegreatreynoldo
May 21, 2023 at 06:41 am
Slaton has played two seasons. We know what to expect out of him while hoping for some improvement. And he did improve last year over his first year. The projection is Wyatt, particularly his run defense. I don't know whether to expect 400 snaps out of Wyatt or 825. True, Van Ness might kick inside at times as Andy Herman projected his in recent podcast, but playing inside was easily the weakest party of Van Ness' game in college, and he will need some to be effective there in the NFL.
The WR room is Watson and everybody else. I hyped Doubs plenty last year because I see talent, but it didn't entirely translate to the field in 2022. It is there, so I am optimistic. I can't believe Toure played 112 snaps: I'd have guessed 35. The others are rookies.
LambeauPlain
May 21, 2023 at 09:30 am
Van Ness is an exciting prospect, but project.
Watching his video was a bit concerning. If a blocker gets under his pads, he's done. Inside, hand down, he simply is not very good yet. I did not see many plays made inside, again using a bull rush where double teams and chip blocks ended the snap for him.
He only played 2 years in college and had one move...bull rush. He's going to need a lot more pass rushing moves to his toolbox. NFL tackles destroy one trick ponies.
A very green Van Ness and a "caveat" of Gary coming off an ACL (see Tonyan, Bak) will take him awhile to return to form. No way the Edge group is the #1 strength of the Packers.
jont
May 21, 2023 at 10:32 am
Spot on about the receiver room, TGR. We're all optimistic-- from Watson's growth in the second half of the season to DuBose's flashes in his highlight film-- but in real life this is a totally unproven and very inexperienced group.
Johnblood27
May 21, 2023 at 06:42 am
Well Nick, you beat me to the Teams omission...
so... on to the unpredictable nature of the Coaching Staff.
From the top down there are a plethora of "unknown quantities" and a healthy dose of "needs to improve".
All of the coaching leadership. HC, OC, DC have issues with the aforementioned "unpredictability" and "needs improvement" monikers.
There, did I win the CHTV buzzword bingo contest of the day?
NickPerry
May 21, 2023 at 06:59 am
Nice JB... I totally forgot about the coaching staff. I guess I'm hoping MLF puts on his big boy pants and actually LEADS this team. I think Steno could be a very good OC, I just think it was too early last year. Now he's had a year and there's no Aaron Rodgers to either save the day or not run the play call. The guy is a hell of a O-Line coach so hopefully that translates to a Top rushing attack.
Joe Barry? I'll be watching with one eye closed.
Spock
May 21, 2023 at 09:22 am
"I'll be watching with one eye closed." Me too -literally, I got some dry wall and old paint dust in my left eye on Friday while removing some old duct tape in the AC vent and managed to tear my cornea. Damn I didn't think an eye could hurt so much. :(
greengold
May 21, 2023 at 01:38 pm
OW, Spock! That’s no good. I hope you heal fast!
Johnblood27
May 21, 2023 at 01:42 pm
| o
/ o
Fascinating...
~ _
o o
|
____
Ferrari-Driver
May 21, 2023 at 06:33 pm
Hope that turns out well. I'm remiss in wearing those safety glasses when I'm messing with bench grinders and saws even though I try to remember to put them on.
Spock
May 22, 2023 at 12:59 pm
I'm actually a safety nut about wearing eye protection. If I'd have actually been "doing" drywalling I'd would of had them on. The AC went out and I just removed the small vent cover at the ceiling to see if anything was blocking the flow. Saw some old duct tape hanging loosely and without thinking pulled it off. Turns out some idiot had -painted- the inside of the duct, so when yanked on it got a face full of old paint and drywall dust. Seeing my regular eye doctor at 1pm today and hoping the damage won't require surgery.
Update: My eye doctor found that I still had a piece of -something- imbedded under my eyelid, took it out with some forceps and inserted a contact lens to act as a "bandaid". I'm going on anti-biotics for the deep scratch and hoping to heal soon. Thanks to everyone for their kind words.
mrtundra
May 21, 2023 at 07:10 am
On the OL, I did not see Caleb Jones mentioned there. How has he progressed, so far? Any chance of him being ready to contribute, this season? Sean Rhyan needs to make a dent in the rotation, now. His pre-draft hype, last year, was that no one gets by him, when he is blocking them. I want to see that kind of effort from him, this year. I do not want to see Jake Hanson or Royce Newman taking the field, ever, if at all possible. Our Center, Myers, needs to step it up, as well. I think Tom could give him a run for his money, this camp. I also feel that LVN will play a significant role on STs. He used to block punts at Iowa and I think, will be called on to attempt to do that here.
ReaganRulz
May 21, 2023 at 11:03 am
I was wondering the same thing on CJones, MT. I’ve been one of the doom and gloomers since watching him at IU. Hope that he is staying away from his papa’s bbq restaurant and losing a few lb’s to be a bit quicker. He’ll probably see some time in the preseason so that will be interesting to watch. But it’s always fun to see him as one of the largest human beings that I’ve ever seen!! Can you find him in this photo? Frick’n Hysterical!!
https://www.facebook.com/IndianaFootball/photos/a.745318498858426/453090...
Johnblood27
May 21, 2023 at 01:21 pm
He could wear a three digit uniform number and not look out of proportion...
LeotisHarris
May 21, 2023 at 08:32 pm
Seriously, Jb, 717 or 911 would easily work. A mountain of a man, for sure.
Johnblood27
May 22, 2023 at 12:42 pm
triple zero...
000
John Blutarski's GPA...
greengold
May 21, 2023 at 01:54 pm
Mr. T!!!!
I love all of this.
Been thinking Caleb Jones just might surprise, and Rasheed Walker too. Always felt Gutekunst adding these big big bod pies at OT stems from their successes in developing Yosh Nijman. Like yourself, I want to see Rhyan deliver the goods, and could easily see Tom beat out Myers.
Really glad knowing that they’re opening up the competition for starting spots.
ReaganRulz!!! — That photo totally cracked me up. Thanks, my brother!!!
stockholder
May 21, 2023 at 07:22 am
Ringling BROS. And Barnum & Bailey
Is In Milwaukee Oct. 2023.
This won’t be the greatest show on earth.
Lets just Face it. Love isn’t Rodgers-Offense Weaker
RB- they couldn’t make their minds up last year.
They won’t this year. Dillion is Williams-his Last year
Still- Jones is their best weapon.
Wrs - How much they struggle; Depends on Injuries.
The more they play the rookies.- Love will get picked.
Tes. - I just don’t see them better than last year.
At least not early in the season.
The best way for these guys show life. No penalties.
OL.- If they move guys to replace Myers.
The whole unit will struggle. Myers improvement imminent.
DL- Clarke must have help.
ILB- Depth is the concern.
OLB/Edge- The faster they show their ready.
The better the Defense.
CB- Alexander isn’t Woodson.
We’ve seen Gutey’s investments.
The show will be over if these guys aren’t tight.
S- The great teams had all-pros.
Let's just get real here. It’s not all Barrys Fault.
Boneman
May 21, 2023 at 07:58 am
Love the circus! Bring in the clowns...
Love is not Rogers and everybody thinks it's a downgrade. Not gonna happen. Prime AR 12 was one of the best ever but that guy is gone, gone, gone. You have to consider his two MVP's had more to do with Devonte Adams (who AR used to target 80% of the time) than with Rogers himself. Rogers has never been a pure pocket guy like Brady and will show it with a declining performance. Wish he could have actually retired...
barutanseijin
May 21, 2023 at 08:41 am
The offense will likely be better thanks to the replacement of the overrated and over the hill former QB. We’ll see if Love can play smart, high percentage football & put the team in the best position to win. We saw GB’s previous QB refuse to do that. Good riddance. That’s addition by subtraction right there.
I do agree that Barry is a scapegoat.
PhantomII
May 21, 2023 at 01:54 pm
You were right on until the last line. Barry DID get our defense to play well in the playoffs. I'll give him that. The rest of the time and zero adjustments in game not so much. I am glad Jefferson did not run rampant on our DB's in the 2nd Vikings game...Thanks, JA...for showing how to play a special player with another one. GPG
barutanseijin
May 21, 2023 at 02:43 pm
Last year’s defense gave the team chances to win. The offense often failed to capitalize on those opportunities, for example in the season finale against Detroit. That they lost those games is more on the offense than the defense or Barry. That’s why i say Barry is a scapegoat.
PhantomII
May 21, 2023 at 04:20 pm
I'm sure there is truth there. Constantly having DB's 7-10 yards off on 3rd and 2-3 is a gift..ALL DAY LONG. I see things changing for the better on offense and FINALLY an open receiver gets a ball because our QB1 will go thru progressions as opposed to a constant fixation on 1 WR. I don't know what Love will have for bad habits, but our HOF QB had plenty of bad ones. I'm looking for a fresh re-boot. JL does not have to be a HOF talent and I will always believe AR fixations and stubbornness held the team back also in the playoffs when better teams were competing against us. I'm glad we have JL. The offense/ AR was the problem in all post season defeats last 2 years. I'm feeling at least 4 of our WR's work out and both TE's and Kraft is better overall. GPG
LeotisHarris
May 21, 2023 at 08:52 am
The Harder we cling to the Past.
the more it slips Through our hands.
No thyme (Time?) like the Present (Yo).
Comparison is the Thief of Joy.
Toby Tyler?
I just want to see the Elephant.
HarryHodag
May 21, 2023 at 10:47 am
The Packers offense doesn't have to be better next year. It just has to be efficient.
The decider of the team's success will be the defense. If the talent is given the best system, the high-powered offenses in the North division will be held in check. At that point a touchdown and field goal each have is all you need to win.
If the return game can give the offense good field position there's a better chance to score. The elements of success are there if the players and the coaches can execute.
NickPerry
May 21, 2023 at 02:04 pm
Common dude...Alexander isn't Woodson....
NOBODY is Woodson but nobody ever said he was IIRC. Alexander is still a damn good CB and who knows what he could be with a competent DC and decent Safety help. I know one thing, he bitch-slapped the ship out of Jefferson last season when he was allowed to actually play him.
stockholder
May 21, 2023 at 06:23 pm
Never said he wasn't a good CB.
Just stated he wasn't Woodson.
Who was better.
Jefferson claimed he had the wrong shoes on.
The 2nd time.
bottlefliper
May 21, 2023 at 03:20 pm
Thanks God Love is not the flatearther who lost always when its counts. He can sink NY and Woody. They belong together, Just sorry for a great city like NY.
No wonder all here feel lucky to get ride of him. Yeah, I guess Love must be way better as a smart, strong leader, on and off the field. Even if it takes not much to outperform AR...
packer132
May 21, 2023 at 08:30 am
Thanks Captain Obvious. Love is not Rodgers (no kidding). Love will be Green Bay's starting QB for the first time, just like Rodgers was in 2008. Did people say Rodgers is not Favre? Rodgers did ok in his first season, just like most think Love will do. In 2022, Rodgers had his worst QB rating of his career. Nobody likes to get old, but its a fact of life. Alexander is not Woodson? Woodson has been gone for over 10 years and is in the Hall of Fame. Alexander is only 26 and is one of the better DB's in the NFL. Relax
Leatherhead
May 21, 2023 at 09:14 am
Love isn't Rodgers. As you said, that's obvious. But the right questions are"Will Love 2023 be an improvement on Rodgers 2022?"
Will the Packers score more points? Will the Packers win more games?
IMO, yes, yes, and yes.
PeteK
May 21, 2023 at 09:39 am
As I already stated, if the lines improve even moderately your predictions should come true. An easier prediction will be the O line as improvements by Bak (healthier), Myers, Nijman, Runyon, and Tom (as a solid backup) are easily attainable.
LambeauPlain
May 21, 2023 at 10:06 am
That's Jenks in the back of the room raising his hand. He wants to play too.
Johnblood27
May 21, 2023 at 01:25 pm
I believe he was saying that the 5 he mentioned need to show some improvement.
I believe he is happy with Jenks level of play at LG and if he can stay the course he is just fine.
PeteK
May 22, 2023 at 06:40 am
Thanks, hard to improve an all pro.
Bure9620
May 21, 2023 at 08:21 pm
Yes, Rodgers was below average in 2022 and that is not just my opinion but objectively and statistically pedestrian. 21st in completion percentage, 24th in YPC, 26th in QBR, 17th in passer rating. Calling Aaron Rodgers an average starter in 2022 is actually charitable. That is not $50 Million QB production....
dobber
May 22, 2023 at 09:21 am
I just don't anticipate they'll run largely the same offense in 2023 that they ran in 2021 and 2022. It needs to look very different with a different QB and a rapidly shifting and developing skill position group. If they try to run the 2021-2 offense with this group, then they need to fire LaF. Period.
The QB room will change some, yet. Virtually every team carries at least 4 QBs into camp just to have the arms to do all the throwing they need to do in drills and the like. Love will get his throws, but they'll probably protect him somewhat. They'll bring in another QB--either a journeyman camp arm, or a vet with some experience on an NFL roster--but not someone who will be an active threat to 10.
Leatherhead
May 21, 2023 at 09:11 am
If you knew you were going to have an inexperienced guy at QB, what would your plan be? Put a good line in front of him, especially protecting his blindside. You'd let the RBs carry as big of a load as possible. You'd have a defense that keeps things close. You'd bring in some good receiving talent .
Kind of what we've done, actually. Then compare this to the team that Fields had around him in Chicago when he became the starter.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
I did some checking. Last season, Jones and Dillon totaled 486 touches and 2500 yards of total offense. That's over 5 yards every time you give them the ball, run or pass. 486 divided by 17 is around 28....you factor in a couple of incompletes, and we're only trying to get them the ball 31 times in a game. IMO, you strengthen the blocking and give them the ball more. It takes the pressure off Love and makes it easier to get behind a defense that is getting worked over by our RBs and OL.
Johnblood27
May 21, 2023 at 01:27 pm
yo LH,
STOP
MAKING
SENSE...
You are ruining the concept of what everyone on the interweb having a voice holds as a great thing.
If you just stop with the math so everyone can completely lose perspective some other folks would have a chance for their 15 seconds of fame.
greengold
May 21, 2023 at 02:15 pm
I agree with all of this beautiful common sense.
Bure9620
May 22, 2023 at 04:14 am
The only issue is we lost the LOS often last year. The JETS killed us up front, Detroit and others. The biggest question mark for me this season is not Love or the receivers or RBs, it is the trenches. It is hard to win games getting whipped up front.
dobber
May 22, 2023 at 09:24 am
"If you knew you were going to have an inexperienced guy at QB, what would your plan be?"
Trade 1st and 2nd round picks for an aging star with a huge contract who has worn out his welcome with his current team?
Oppy
May 21, 2023 at 09:20 am
Mark,
can you tell me what EDGE stands for?
The fact that you capitalize the entire thing suggests it is an acronym.
Help solve the "EDGE" mystery! Explain the acronym.
Or, we can simply conclude that people are silly and there's literally zero reason to capitalize every letter in the word Edge. It was capitalized early on by some sports writer who coined the term and was trying to draw attention to it because he was very proud of himself for lumping together a bunch of different positions that all kind of shared the same role and responsibilities and he wanted the term to stick.. which, it apparently has. So... enough with the all caps "EDGE" stuff.
PeteK
May 21, 2023 at 09:47 am
QB, RB,DT etc...Much ado about nothing.
Oppy
May 21, 2023 at 04:42 pm
Pete K,
Running Back (Half Back, Full Back), Defensive Tackle. Safety. Line Backer (Inside Line Backer, Middle Line Backer, Outside Line Backer). Nose Tackle. Defensive End. Corner Back. Kicker. Punter. Right Tackle, Right Guard. Center. Left Guard, Left Tackle. Tight End. Wide Receiver.
The only one that there's an argument for against this trend is the modern "Quarterback", which of course, originally was two separate words, to differentiate the backs (Quarter, Half, Full).
I'll admit it's not much more than a pet peeve, but it's a pet peeve with basis. I'm not a fan of people blindly following a trend for no good reason. Edge, not EDGE. We're all adults here.
LambeauPlain
May 21, 2023 at 10:08 am
I simply do not know how this began, OPPY.
greengold
May 21, 2023 at 02:17 pm
Couldn’t agree more. EDGE is a pain in the ass!
DE or OLB.
Oppy
May 21, 2023 at 04:47 pm
I fine with the term "edge".
The all caps is just a plain disregard for the common use of language, and frankly, I think it makes people look silly when they write it as EDGE.
I also think it's a sign of laziness or stupidity when people use the made-up 'suffix' of "gate" to infer a scandal.
greengold
May 21, 2023 at 05:27 pm
EDGEgate.
It never really bothered me before, but now I’m kind of pissed off about it too.
Thanks a lot, Opps!
🤣😆😂
TKWorldWide
May 23, 2023 at 09:08 am
That’s “Covert Opps” to you, sir.
greengold
May 23, 2023 at 09:14 am
I can't stop laughing!
Whitehouse Plumber vibes.
Thinking about none other than the spymaster himself, Bill Belichick, being a part of our own EDGEgate, with crusty old Bill trading out from the very next pick (after we stole Lukas Van Ness) with PIT so they could take OT Broderick Jones, and further fuck the Jets.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.
EDGEgate, Oppy..!!! Look what you started.
TKWorldWide
May 21, 2023 at 09:24 pm
I wonder about this too.
So, a defensive end in a 4-3 is an Edge, and lines up with his hand on the ground, and an outside linebacker in a 3-4 is an Edge, and lines up standing up, but an outside linebacker in a 4-3 is an “off-ball” linebacker?
What was it Frank Costanza was asking: “So you’ve got the hen, the chicken, and the rooster…”
LambeauPlain
May 21, 2023 at 09:57 am
Going into camp, I view the OL as the team strength...and I don't think it is close. Bak, Jenks, Myers/Tom, Runyan/Tom, Yosh is a good group with 6 potential starters. Depth is solid.
Most 2022 rankings had the Packers consistently in the top 10 with PFF having them #3...even with all the musical chairs on the OL.
Ranking of the top players on PFF's #21 ranked Packer Defense had Gary #1 among the Packer D players even with just 9 games before the ACL...Preston Smith at #8. Gary ranked #17 overall, Smith #59 in NFL at Edge position.
Even with the "caveat" Gary returns to form during 2023, it is a stretch to say Edge is the #1 position on the team with just one impact player coming off an ACL.
OL needs no "caveat" because it is finally healthy with 2 pro bowl players and 5 experienced starters.
Bure9620
May 21, 2023 at 08:29 pm
O-line is actually the biggest question mark for me. Bahk has a Bionic knee with loads of tissue missing and he is over 30, I don't think he plays 17 games, Jenkins is very good, Meyers is VERY inconsistent, Runyan does not run block well and Yosh is an average starting Tackle, really a swing guy. Yosh is a fire extinguisher for emergencies to get you through games, not a starter imo. I hope Tom wins a Tackle spot.
Since'61
May 21, 2023 at 10:25 am
I would rank RB as the strongest position group on the team. In fact if Lew Nichols has a strong preseason and makes the team he only makes the RB group stronger.
For me ILB is the second strongest position group if Walker makes a 2nd year jump and Campbell returns to his 2021 form.
3rd is our CB group. Alexander is a great player. The question here is with Stokes and his return. If he returns to his 2021 form our CB group moves up to 2nd in this ranking and maybe even first.
I would rank Edge 4th at least until Gary returns and even that depends on how long it tales Gary to return to 100%
5th is our OL. The left side with Bak and Jenkins is solid. After that the OL has question marks at C with Myers, RG with Runyon and RT with TBD. If the line remains healthy they could be solid as the season progresses. However, we need to wait for the season to begin to see how effective the entire OL will be.
6th WR - thanks to Watson and Doubs this group has 2 solid starters. After that it's all questions marks. We need to see more of Toure and we don't yet know anything about the rookie draft selections.
7th DL - Kenny Clark is currently the only known commodity on the Packers OL. The rest are question marks but if Wyatt and Slaton improve in 2023 we could see a solid DL emerge as we go through the season.
8th QB, as the author correctly states, we just don't know about Love yet. It will be a game by game process for him. After Love we don't have a QB who has taken a snap in an NFL regular season game. The Packers have a total of 83 NFL pass attempts among their QB group. Yikes!
9th TES - it's a raw group group. Numerous question marks here that won't be answered until the season begins.
10th - Safety - The Packers Safety with the most experience was benched during 2022. There are questions not only about the players but who are the players. This will get resolved during TC and we will go from there.
STs were not included in this article but if Bisaccia hits on a kicker and long snapper this could be the most improved position group on the team in 2023 and could emerge as the best position group on the team.
Plenty of questions but plenty of talent to respond to the issues. Can the coaching staff prepare and harness the young talent to play effectively and consistently? That's probably the biggest question the Packers face for 2023. And the topic for another article.
Everything I see about this team as of today, and it could change by the time season begins, is pointing towards 2024 as a breakout season for this team and towards 2025 as the season to go on a deep playoff run. But we can only take one game, and one season at a time. I look forward to enjoying the journey.
Thanks, Since '61
RobinsonDavis
May 21, 2023 at 11:57 am
Luv the optimism and I too believe the Packers did well in the draft process 61. Campbell, did not have as strong of year last year, and I too expect a lot more out of the ILBs this year, believing they are under appreciated, but the Dline is questionable with tons of athletes and potential which could impact their play (FYI I still think Campbell is SO important to the D solidification as he was when he dominated 2 years ago). The issue I have is the dire comments regarding Stokes this past week. If I am the Packers, I am keeping an eye out for Post June 1st cuts and looking for a CB that can play both the SLOT and outside. If anything happens to our starting DBs the position becomes one of concern. Hayward and Troy Hill are available, IF the Packers can find a way to afford them, and IF they wish to diverge from the youth movement. IMO Packers could keep as many as 11 DBs this year because of the uncertainty at the S and CB positions.
Since'61
May 21, 2023 at 12:48 pm
Good post. I agree that Stokes recovery is a concern. Thanks, Since '61
greengold
May 21, 2023 at 03:07 pm
Very solid listing, Since’61.
Remarkable to me how many questions abound after RB and ILB.
Not so much from a lack of talent. Rather from a lack of known commodities. That isn’t surprising given the raw number of new draftees/UDFAs added these past two years. Plus Melton. Plus Moore.
We’ve added 24 new players in our last two drafts alone. Figure we may have seen 1/4 of those to have any read on what to expect, tops.
Walker. Watson. Doubs. Tom. Enagbare. We barely saw Wyatt, Carpenter, Toure.
24 players in 2 drafts is a crazy figure. Some teams would be happy getting that many out of 3 drafts.
11 more on the way next year too.
Despite the questions, from this early look, there’s a lot to like. Loving all of our Front 7 adds in Van Ness, Wooden, Brooks, Cox Jr. this year. They’ll take time to develop but they all bring the goods.
Impressive, the production resumes of many new players.
ricky
May 21, 2023 at 10:47 am
The OL is somewhat of a question mark. After all, last year the Packers took several weeks to decide that some players who obviously couldn't cut it were kept on the field, while better players sat on the bench. It wasn't until week four or five that the OL actually came together. As far as WR, we'll see. Watson was excellent in some games, but also had some games where he was just mediocre. And Doubs had the worst drop rate in the league. But they're the team's best hopes at this point, and I absolutely wish them both great seasons. Finally, at RB, we'll be able to see whether it was the play called by the coaches, or Rodgers changing running plays to passes, reducing the number of touches for the RB's. And since a lot of teams will be looking to stop the run, and force Love to beat them with his arm, this could be a real baptism by fire for the receivers and QB.
LambeauPlain
May 21, 2023 at 01:42 pm
The starting OL today would include 5 of these proven NFL lineman: Bak, Jenks, Myers, Runyan, Nijman or Tom. 2 of them are pro bowlers.
Where is the question mark?
marpag1
May 21, 2023 at 10:49 am
I'm not so quick as other people to simply label Kenny Clark "a stud" and then move on. Lately, I think he's been more inconsistent and I don't think he's played as well as he had earlier. And I don't think he has performed to the level of his big-money contract. It's easy to say that everything is the fault of the guys around him, but that's not the whole answer. Yes, he's a very good player. But we're paying Clark like an elite defensive tackle. We need more.
Just my opinion, I guess.
PhantomII
May 21, 2023 at 01:39 pm
I think a lot of it is Barrys defense. I have seen Clark knock a guy back a foot on first contact and not follow thru.
I think our DC does not want him to penetrate and just plug a hole and let the edge do all of the disruption. With all the 280ish guys drafted I believe this year we will see a change in their intent...at least on 3rd and long to penetrate and disrupt the pass. However we still need to get to 3rd and long without giving up ground every play.
splitpea1
May 21, 2023 at 11:05 am
That's what makes this season so interesting: much of it is yet to be determined. But for right now, you'd probably have to say QB and TE is the weakest due to the lack of experience (it's okay to say this now, but we definitely don't want to be saying it at the end of the year given the importance of the QB position and the draft capital invested in the TEs.). WR could also be in the conversation if either Watson or Doubs were to miss time. Strongest: I'm mostly confident in the CBs and RBs--shouldn't be any worries about either of these two groups.
WD
May 21, 2023 at 11:28 am
What is it people do not like about WR Bo Melton? The great hands, the highlight films, or his blazing 4.34 speed? Asking for a friend.
greengold
May 21, 2023 at 04:39 pm
I know, right WD?
It’s ok. I guess some people have to see it. Bo Melton’s highlights are for real, for those who’ve yet to see them.
Melton can play all 3 WR positions, runs every Jet concept, and he’s a quality PR.
I think we keep 7 WR this season, especially with Watson & Doubs’ injury histories.
Adding to this, he’s never had an accurate QB throwing to him. Was #2 in FBS in uncatchable targets. He’s very tough. Great hands. YAC. A chain mover who picks up a lot of yards after contact, and he’s a true QB’s Best Friend.
I think Melton’s going to be a gem for the Packers.
croatpackfan
May 21, 2023 at 12:19 pm
Posters here said most of my thinking about position groups from Packers 90 man roster.
What confuses me is that the authors who write articles on CHTV always forget some player in their analyses.
In this article, Mark, you forgot Austin Allen, 6'8" 253 lbs, with 1 year on PS and belongs to TE group.
It would be nice at least note that your opinion is how he will not be Packers after cuts this season, nor he would be signed to PS. Just to respect the time he spent with Packers, and, I assume working on his traits to help Packers as much as he can.
Here is the link for all authors on CHTV were they can easily find all players on Packers roster at this moment:
https://www.packers.com/team/players-roster/
marpag1
May 21, 2023 at 01:13 pm
Croat,
Sorry, but it seems that you also "forgot" Nick Guggemos.
Do you really think that the author is going to specifically mention every single person on the 90 man roster?
Johnblood27
May 21, 2023 at 01:38 pm
ummm..
The authors ARE writing about the Green Bay Packers team as it is constituted as of this moment.
They are handicapping the chances for each player to make an impact on the team and actually make the final 53 or PS.
I have to agree with Croat here.
Either lump the lesser known guys together and label them speed bumps or explain what their strengths and weaknesses are alongside the better known candidates on the 90. To ignore them completely is mystifying.
It is only 90 total players, that is not a really large number.
Break it into a few articles, like Offense, Defense and Special Teams if that is what it takes.
I pay a lot for my CHTV subscription, I expect top notch content!!!
greengold
May 21, 2023 at 04:54 pm
Lol.
Yeah, there’s a shit ton of players who went unmentioned. I’m not going to complain. Appreciate croat’s addition of Austin Allen. I just shared a bit on Bo Melton. Something tells me Tariq Carpenter factors in at ILB/S hybrid this season too.
I don’t want to disparage any of the writers contributing here for free, but we bought draft guides, t-shirts, beer, coffee cups…
C’mon people! 😆🤣😂
There’s DT Chris Slayton…
Some more OL:
OT Jean Delance - Florida
6-4 303
OG Chuck Filiaga
6-6 322
OT Caleb Jones - Indiana
6-9 371
OT Kadeem Telfort - UAB
6-7 322
OT Luke Tenuta - Virginia Tech
6-8 314
OT Rasheed Walker - Penn St.
6-6 324
croatpackfan
May 21, 2023 at 01:55 pm
Yes, I expect. Why do you think that Austin Allen does not deserve the chance to be mention as HE is Packers player at the moment. Maybe he will be better than Davis. Or, as you mention, Nick Guggemos. It is not mine obligation to check every player from Packers roster, but the author of the article should not forget them.
If he is mention UDFA Brenton Cox, why not mention others. What are the weaknesses and strenghts of the other UDFA or former PS players, does they have or not chances to compete or not or to make either 53 or PS.
Any PS player might be tomorrow 53 roster player. I noticed that others authors just miss other players from 90 men roster when they are talking about future Packets 53 men roster and or PS.
PackEyedOptimist
May 21, 2023 at 02:47 pm
I, and many others I’m sure, had the same thought, Croat. I thought it was egregious leaving off some of the OL depth guys; Tenuta and Caleb Jones have pretty good shots at making the roster, and Bo Melton could certainly beat out some young guy, since he has a year in the system as well as super speed AND productive returner experience.
WestCoastPackerBacker
May 22, 2023 at 10:56 am
Aren't there mainly question marks about this team? A lot of potential? But not much in terms of known quantities.
QB - all question marks
WR- mainly question marks
O-line - great left side and question marks
RB - the one solid position
TE- mostly question marks
D - line - Clark is a stud, then a bunch of question marks
Edge - question whether Gary comes back strong, Smith is great, otherwise all question marks
CB - question whether Stokes comes back alright, some great talent and question marks for depth
Safety - all question marks - will Savage bounce back, will any of the rest be any good across from him
ST - question marks at kicking and punting
So, other than RB, pretty much question marks.