The Green Bay Packers suffered through an incredibly disappointing 2022 NFL season that ended up with a loss at Lambeau Field to the Detroit Lions that finally knocked them out of the playoffs. After that kind of season, the morale of a fan base can drop down to an all-time low. However, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the upcoming offseason.
First and foremost, the rumors are swirling that Aaron Rodgers could be on his way out of town via a trade. While that isn’t something to be excited about, it does bring in a bunch of intrigue. Could Green Bay be making the switch to young quarterback Jordan Love to begin a new era of football?
Add in the fact that the Packers hold the No. 15 overall pick and have quite a few decisions to make on key free agents and there will be plenty of action for the fans.
All of that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at five players that give the Packers hope looking ahead to the 2023 season.
Five Players To Give The Packers Hope
5. Rashan Gary, Defensive End
First up on the list, Rashan Gary will be working hard to return from a torn ACL that he suffered this season. His recovery will be a hot topic to watch around Green Bay. The Packers know he’s one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL when healthy and will be excited to welcome him back to the field.
Gary finished the 2022 season with 32 total tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a defended pass. Those numbers came in just nine games. Hopefully, he will be able to return in 2023 and show once again that he can be a feared defensive star.
4. Eric Stokes, Cornerback
Another young player comes in at No. 4 on this list. The Packers have to feel good about the position they have put their defense in with a ton of young talent. Eric Stokes has shown in his first two years that he can be a big-time playmaker at the cornerback position, but unfortunately injury ended his season early this year.
In the nine games he played in 2022, Stokes recorded 26 tackles. He didn’t have an interception or a defended pass, which was a major disappointment. Despite those facts, Stokes is a big-time young talent and will work hard to get on the field and should be a piece that fans are excited to see develop for next season.
3. Romeo Doubs, Wide Receiver
What a 2022 draft class the Packers were able to put together at the wide receiver position. Romeo Doubs was one of the bigger steals of the entire draft, being selected with the No. 132 pick in the fourth round. During his rookie season, Doubs showed that he has the talent to become a star in the future.
Doubs did struggle with an ankle injury late in the season, but still put up quality numbers. He caught 42 passes for 425 yards and three touchdowns in the 13 games he played. The Packers have to feel good about having a talent like Doubs leading the way for the offense moving forward.
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2. Christian Watson, Wide Receiver
The Packers were also able to snag Watson with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Watson started the season struggling, including dropping a surefire bomb for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 as his first career target. As the season went on, Watson began to recognize his potential.
By the end of the season, Watson racked up 41 receptions for 611 yards and seven touchdowns. He also picked up 80 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. If Watson continues to develop and reaches his full potential, he will end up being a big-time superstar for the Packers.
1. Jordan Love, Quarterback
Finally, this list would not be complete without talking about the likely quarterback of the future. Jordan Love played some meaningful snaps in 2022 and showcased a much-improved arm in those opportunities.
Love completed 14 of his 21 pass attempts for 195 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. He doesn’t have a lot of film to look at yet, but the Packers are very confident that he is ready to play. If Rodgers does end up being traded, Love should give the fans a big reason to be excited for a new era of football and hope for the future as well.
