5 Packers who could take major strides in 2023
The Green Bay Packers continue to be in a world of hurt regarding the salary cap. They will need to make several moves just to get into legal standing, nonetheless creating room to bring in new talent. That means they’ll be looking to their returning players for some internal improvements.
Adjusting to the speed of the NFL can be difficult for young players, but the more time they have under their belt, the easier it can be. Fortunately for Green Bay, they have several players who are primed to take major strides in 2023.
Without further ado, here are five players who could take that next step for the Packers.
The Green Bay Packers will be looking for internal improvement ahead of the 2023 season and could see these five players take major strides.
Packers who could take major strides in 2023: TJ Slaton
Slaton improved slightly from 2021 to 2022, finishing with a PFF grade of 61.7 which ranked as an average interior defensive lineman. With Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed hitting free agency and unlikely to return, there will be plenty of snaps for the young guys. He’s proven to be a capable role player and is ready to take his game to the next level.
Packers who could take major strides in 2023: Eric Stokes
After a solid rookie campaign, Stokes had his sophomore campaign shut short after just nine games due to injury. Even before he went down, it was a rough season, as he struggled to stick with receivers and gave up yards in bunches. However, the natural abilities are there, as he possesses the ideal size and speed combination to be a successful NFL corner. It will also help that Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas will be back to take on the more challenging assignments.
Packers who could take major strides in 2023: Quay Walker
Walker is all athleticism and no recognition. He struggled to diagnose plays at the NFL level, often getting tricked by the simplest of counters and finding himself out of position as a result. He must also eliminate contact with opposing coaching staff, regardless of the circumstances. Green Bay should move him around the defense more often too, giving him snaps on the edge. He possesses all the athletic traits, now he’ll have a year to soak in the mental aspect of the NFL.
Packers who could take major strides in 2023: Devonte Wyatt
Despite being an older first-round pick, Wyatt struggled to find the field early in his rookie season. It wasn’t until Lowry went down with an injury that he finally earned more playing time. Three of his four highest PFF-graded games came in the final five games, including a great showing against the Detroit Lions. He could be the difference-maker against the run and the pass that the Packers were hoping to find alongside Kenny Clark.
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Packers who could take major strides in 2023: Christian Watson
The sky is the limit for Watson. He has an elite and unparalleled speed and height combination and is only just figuring out how to use that to its maximum advantage. We’ve seen him run around, past and through defenders, now the consistency needs to increase. It’s unlikely the Packers will bring back Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, handing the reigns of the offense to Watson. The opportunities will be there in Year 2, he needs to find the hands to catch the opportunity.