Now that the NFL Draft has passed, the Green Bay Packers and the rest of the NFL are beginning their off-season workouts. Green Bay has their rookies in town and will begin OTA’s May 20.
Regarding the Packers offense, they will return their entire starting offense from a season ago with the exception of right guard Jon Ruyan Jr. and running back Aaron Jones. For a young team who almost made the NFC Championship last season, returning 9 of 11 starters is a huge deal. However, are there some spots up for grabs? Here is how I see the Green Bay Packers starting offense looking right now.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback: Jordan Love
Love is due for a massive contact extension this summer. It’s not a matter of if it will get done, but when it gets done. I think it will get done before training camp, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was earlier.
Running Back: Josh Jones
After the Green Bay Packers released Aaron Jones, they went into free agency and signed former Las Vegas Raider Josh Jacobs. No one really talked about Jacobs to Green Bay so it was a move that surprised a ton of people.
Jacobs led the NFL in rushing in 2022 with 1,653 yards. At only age 26, Jacobs still has a lot to give in the prime of a running back’s career. It will be interesting to see what the Packers do with AJ Dillon, but expect rookie MarShawn Lloyd to get some reps as well.
Wide Receiver: Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed
I think the Green Bay Packers have one of the best overall receiver units in the NFL. While they don’t have a true number one receiver, they have a ton of weapons that can go off any week.
If you ask me, I think Doubs is still the top receiver on this team. After a solid rookie season in 2022, Doubs fell just short of 700 yards and recorded eight touchdowns. When Jordan Love needed to make a play or the game was on the line, he usually targeted Doubs.
Jayden Reed led the team in receptions and yards as a rookie last year. Playing primarily the slot, Reed was consistent and great after the catch. He also did a great job at getting open. We will see what he does in year two, but Reed is already turning into an all-around solid receiver.
When healthy, Christian Watson is the biggest weapon on this roster. The question is when healthy. He has battled hamstring injuries his first two years in the league. I know a lot of fans get frustrated with Watson (some have even said he should be traded), but when he is active, he is one of the best receivers on this team.
Tight End: Luke Musgrave
I thought Luke Musgrave had a quieter rookie season than I thought he would. He did battle an injury that costed him a handful of games, but I thought he would have more yards (352), receptions (34), and touchdowns (1).
Musgrave is a mismatch problem as he is a tight end who is good at routes down the middle of field against opposing linebackers. There was glimpses of that last season. He is just another threat on this Green Bay Packers offense. I wouldn’t be surprised if Musgrave took a big year two jump.
Offensive Line: Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Meyers, Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom
There is the possibility for a ton of different offensive line options on this Green Bay Packers offense. A big question is when first round pick Jordan Morgan will play. Brian Gutekunst mentioned on draft night they want Morgan to begin at left tackle.
I don’t think there should be a rush to play Morgan, but I think he could step in right away if needed. Morgan also had guard experience and could play there too should there be an injury to Rhyan or Jenkins.
Because of the big contract extension Elgton Jenkins got last season, I don’t see him moving from guard as he is making guard money. Walker can play either tackle position too. Tom can play any position on the line too. I think this unit will change at some point this season, but this is who I would trot out week one against Philadelphia.
