Now that the NFL Draft has concluded, the Green Bay Packers and the rest of the league are starting their off-season workouts. Green Bay has its rookies in town and will begin OTAs on May 20.
The Packers offense will return its entire starting lineup from last season, with the exception of right guard Jon Ruyan Jr. and running back Aaron Jones. For a youthful squad that came close to winning the NFC Championship last season, returning 9 of 11 starters is a major thing. However, are there any open spots? This is how I see the Green Bay Packers’ starting offense looking right now.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love
This summer, Love is set to receive a big contract extension. It is not a question of whether it will be completed, but rather when. I believe it will be completed by training camp, but I would not be surprised if it happens sooner.
Running Back: Josh Jones.
Following Aaron Jones’ release, the Green Bay Packers entered free agency and signed Josh Jacobs, a former Las Vegas Raider. Jacobs’ transfer to Green Bay was not widely anticipated, therefore it startled many people.
Jacobs led the NFL in rushing in 2022 with 1,653 yards. Jacobs, who is only 26 years old, still has a lot to offer as a running back in his prime. It’ll be fascinating to watch what the Packers do with AJ Dillon, but rookie MarShawn Lloyd should get some reps as well.
Wide receivers: Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed.
I believe the Green Bay Packers have one of the finest overall receiving units in the NFL. While they lack a real number one receiver, they have an abundance of weapons that can go off at any time.
If you ask me, I believe Doubs is still the best receiver on this squad. Doubs had a good debut season in 2022, finishing just shy of 700 yards with eight touchdowns. When Jordan Love needed to make a play or the game was on the line, he frequently went after Doubs.
Jayden Reed led the team in receptions and yards as a rookie last season. Reed was consistent and great after the catch while playing largely in the slot position. He also did an excellent job of getting open. We’ll see how Reed goes in year two, but he’s already developing into an all-around solid receiver.
When healthy, Christian Watson is this team’s most potent weapon. The question is when healthy. He suffered hamstring issues during his first two seasons in the league. I know many fans are disappointed with Watson (some have even suggested he should be traded), but when he is active, he is one of the top receivers on the team.
Tight end: Luke Musgrave.
I think Luke Musgrave had a quieter first season than I expected. He did suffer an injury that cost him a few games, but I expected him to have more yards (352), receptions (34), and touchdowns (1).
Musgrave is a mismatch since he is a tight end who excels at running routes down the middle of the field against opposing defenders. There were hints of it last season. He is just another menace to the Green Bay Packers offense. I wouldn’t be surprised if Musgrave had a significant year two jump.
Offensive Line: Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Meyers, Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom.
This Green Bay Packers offense might have a wide range of offensive line choices. A significant question is when first-round pick Jordan Morgan will play. Brian Gutekunst indicated on draft night that Morgan should start at left tackle.
I don’t think there should be any rush to cast Morgan, but I believe he could come in immediately away if necessary. Morgan also played guard and could fill in if Rhyan or Jenkins were injured.
Elgton Jenkins, who received a large contract extension last season, is unlikely to move from guard because he is paid as a guard. Walker can play either tackle position. Tom can play any position on the line. I believe this unit may alter at some point this season, but this is who I would start in week one against Philadelphia.
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