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Ranking Packers Rookies After 2023 Preseason Opener

By Brian Sampson

Aug 11, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (37) reacts after an interception against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (37) reacts after an interception against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s extremely early, yet signs point to Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst knocking the 2023 NFL Draft out of the park with his picks, as fresh talents are rapidly surfacing across the roster.

Within the Packers’ ranks, a notable 30 players bear the rookie tag according to their website, encompassing 13 newcomers gleaned from this year’s draft, alongside a handful of undrafted free agents. While I won’t undertake the gigantic task of ranking every individual labeled as a rookie, I will compile a list spotlighting the entire draft class, along with a select few of their undrafted players.

For the purpose of this list, I’ll be focusing on the contributions each rookie might make to the upcoming 2023 NFL season, without delving into long-term projections. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the rankings, beginning with the most impactful and working our way down the list.

It’s time to check-in on what’s looking to be a very good 2023 Green Bay Packers draft class, by ranking their rookies following the preseason opener.

  1. Luke Musgrave (Round 2, Pick 42)
  2. Jayden Reed (Round 2, Pick Pick 50)
  3. Lukas Van Ness (Round 1, Pick 13)
  4. Anders Carlson (Round 6, Pick 207)
  5. Tucker Kraft (Round 3, Pick 78)
  6. Colby Wooden (Round 4, Pick 116)
  7. Karl Brooks (Round 6, Pick 179)
  8. Carrington Valentine (Round 6, Pick 232)
  9. Malik Heath (Undrafted Free Agent)
  10. Dontayvion Wicks (Round 5, Pick 159)
  11. Sean Clifford (Round 5, Pick 149)
  12. Henry Pearson (Undrafted Free Agent)
  13. Brenton Cox Jr (Undrafted Free Agent)
  14. Grant DuBose (Round 7, Pick 256)
  15. Anthony Johnson Jr (Round 6, Pick 242)
  16. Lew Nichols (Round 7, Pick 235)

Anders Carlson: As the Packers seem intent on sticking with Carlson no matter what, his impact will be for better or worse (I didn’t specify these contributions would be all positive!). He made his lone field goal attempt against the Bengals, but was only 3-for-5 on extra point attempts. The leg strength is there, but the accuracy is all over the place.

Carrington Valentine: Valentine has been one of the best Packers throughout training camp, and would be a lot higher on this list if it weren’t for the studs ahead of him on the depth chart. He’s earning playing time, but the coaching staff doesn’t have much to give him.

Next. 3 Packers Whose Jobs are in Danger. dark

Top 8, Bottom 8: The top eight players on this list (plus Sean Clifford at 11) are locks to make the roster. Lukas Van Ness is the hardest to predict due to the Packers’ proven veterans at outside linebacker. It’s less clear if the bottom eight players will make the roster (with the aforementioned exception of Clifford). Wicks and Heath probably make the team, but anything could happen with the rest of the players.

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