One of the NFL’s biggest surprises this season was the Green Bay Packers. Few people anticipated that, following Aaron Rodgers’ trade to the New York Jets, they would be highly competitive in their inaugural season. Jordan Love, however, finished the season with a 64.2% completion percentage, 4,159 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a passer rating of 96.1,
demonstrating once again that Green Bay has a flair for identifying and developing quarterbacks.
Love and the Packers finished 9-8 and secured the last NFC Playoff place, improving upon the 2022 campaign. In addition, they nearly defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round and defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the wild card round.
Of course, Love’s better quarterback play was not the only factor in the Packers’ success thus far. It was crucial that the young, inexperienced players quickly adapt to the fast-paced NFL because last year’s club was the youngest in the league. Indeed, they did.
Brian Gutekunst, the general manager, has had two outstanding drafts in a row, even among his harshest detractors. Romeo Doubs, Zach Tom, Quay Walker, Christian Watson (when healthy), and Rasheed Walker—all 2022 draft selections—all had significant contributions to the club. Numerous picks in the 2023 NFL Draft also did. Some were so good that three of the Packers’ non-first round selections were selected by other teams in the first round of a recent CBS mock redraft.
With 20 total tackles, 4.0 sacks, four passes defended, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, Karl Brooks wrapped up his debut campaign in 2023. Given that he only participated in 34% of the defense’s snaps during the season, these stats are astounding. He is a sixth-round choice that is an incredible steal and is obviously a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line.
