4 First-Year Starters For Green Bay Packers Offense In 2023
The Green Bay Packers are set to unveil a revamped offense in 2023, spearheaded by the young and promising quarterback Jordan Love. However, Love won’t be the only fresh face gracing the starting unit.
As the Packers embrace a youth movement, a wave of new talent is expected to make their mark as first-year starters. Let’s take a closer look at these exciting newcomers, as well as the full projected starting offense for the upcoming 2023 season.
These four players on the Green Bay Packers could join the full-time starting lineup for the first time in their careers.
Quarterback: Jordan Love
Despite having just one career start in 2021, Love is poised to step into the spotlight as the starting quarterback this season. Remarkably, the Packers opted not to bring in a seasoned veteran backup, a clear testament to their confidence in Love’s abilities. It’s evident that Green Bay is fully committed to giving Love every opportunity to succeed, and they will go to great lengths to support him in his journey throughout the 2023 season.
Running Back: Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones is one of the elder statesmen in the Packers’ lineup, having started more games than anyone on offense not named David Bakhtiari. After years of underutilizing him, Green Bay must unleash him more than ever.
Wide Receiver: Romeo Doubs
After one year of experience, both Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson are suddenly the veterans of the wide receiver group–a unit that includes ten players who entered the NFL in 2022 or 2023 (Jeff Cotton is the lone exception but has only appeared in one game). Doubs has to prove he can carry his terrific play in practice over to regular season games. A tall task for the 2022 fourth-round pick.
Wide Receiver: Christian Watson
Although Doubs might lead the Packers in targets and receptions, Watson is the unquestioned playmaker of the unit. He is as explosive as they come, threatening to house the ball every time he touches it. Staying healthy will be essential for him after he battled injuries throughout his rookie campaign.
Tight End: Luke Musgrave
It usually takes tight ends a couple of years to figure out the NFL, but the Packers can’t afford that luxury with tight end Luke Musgrave. With Robert Tonyan signing with the Chicago Bears and Marcedes Lewis remaining in free agency, Musgrave must be ready to play immediately.
H-Back: Josiah Deguara
It will be interesting to see how the Packers approach this starting position. They could line up another traditional tight end in Tucker Kraft, go with a slot receiver like Samori Toure or Jayden Reed, or roll out an “h-back” in Josiah Deguara. For now, Deguara graces this spot and will line up all over the field, including as a fullback, slot receiver and on the line of scrimmage when he needs to.
Left Tackle: David Backhtiari
Green Bay hopes David Bakhtiari has finally put the injury bug behind him. He can be an essential stabilizing force for the rest of the offensive line and Love in his first year as a starter.
Left Guard: Elgton Jenkins
Elgton Jenkins has finally found a consistent home at left guard, and I expect his game to reach another level as a result. He’s already demonstrated his versatility to play any position in a pinch. With him focusing on just one, however, he can master the techniques and necessary fundamentals.
Center: Josh Myers
Josh Myers is on shaky ground as the Packers’ starting center. He’s been mediocre during his first two seasons, causing the Packers’ eyes to wander to other options. He’ll get another chance, but this could be his last one.
Right Guard: Jon Runyan Jr.
Entering a contract year, the 2023 season is a critical one for Jon Runyan. He’s established himself as a solid right guard but needs to take another step to help Green Bay reach higher heights.
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Right Tackle: Zach Tom
Zach Tom only started five games as a rookie last year, so I’m counting him as a first-time full-time starter on this list. Tom displayed excellent versatility and even got some second-team reps at center in OTAs and minicamp. Ultimately, I think he’ll start at right tackle with the ability to move inside if necessary.