The Green Bay Packers are roughly two weeks into their 2023 training camp schedule. Things continue to get under way tonight as the team hosts their annual Family Night scrimmage. Fans will get a glimpse on how the team performs against one another, and added in with some good family fun. Make no mistake, there has not been many positive takeaways thus far from the offense so far in training camp. It is, however, too early to make assumptions on how things will go this season. We are going to steer away from that a little bit and focus on some positives. Let’s take a look at some fun and see who I think will win Green Bay’s team awards for the 2023 season:
Offensive MVP: Aaron Jones
It should go without argument that this year’s offense runs through Aaron Jones. The UTEP standout is the lead veteran not only for the offense, but the entire team. What makes Jones so special is his dual threat ability in the running and passing game. Jordan Love is going to need a security blanket to trust to get things moving on offense and I cannot think of anyone better than Aaron Jones. With this potentially being Jones’ last season in Green Bay, Matt LaFleur and Adam Stenavich will need to make the most of Aaron Jones’ talents.
Offensive MIP: Jordan Love
I think that is pretty clear that there are mixed feelings on how Jordan Love will perform in 2023. There are those are expecting big numbers, and others who think that Love could be fighting for his job in 2024. If you were to ask me, I am not expecting big numbers from Love this season, but do expect gradual improvement as the year goes on. To me, a good baseline to measure Jordan Love based on performance would numbers similar to what Aaron Rodgers put up in 2022. As much as I do think the offense will sputter this year, I do think that we will see improvements from Jordan Love as the season progresses. Right now I think that that is all we can ask from him.
Offensive ROY: Jayden Reed
When Jayden Reed was selected in the second round of this year’s draft, I was a bit skeptical on the high selection. However, the rookie from Michigan State has had a very good camp thus far and looks to be finding his role on offense. The other positive for Reed is his use on special teams, which will only help give him more opportunities on the field. It would be easy to select Luke Musgrave as well, but, right now there is uncertainty on how he and Tucker Kraft will fit in the offense.
Defensive MVP: Jaire Alexander
One big question mark going into 2023 is how the Packers’ defense will respond after a lackluster performance in 2022. The one constant factor that Joe Barry can depend on is the stellar play of Jaire Alexander. Similar to Aaron Jones, Alexander is the leader and catalyst of the defense. As long as Jaire Alexander is on the field, it is going to be tough for opposing quarterbacks to find their favorite target. My one fear is that Alexander is not going to have a dependable running mate, which may make things a little bit tougher on him. Nonetheless, he will be up to the challenge, and the rest of the defense will need follow his lead to ensure success.
Defensive MIP: Devonte Wyatt
We will never really know the true story as to why Joe Barry used Devonte Wyatt so sparingly in 2022. Coming into this season, Wyatt is the one player that I am very excited to see grow and develop into his role. Kenny Clark has needed a right hand man for several seasons, and players such as Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed just did not cut it. Devonte Wyatt has been used on first string defense in camp just about everyday, and those reps are going to be huge for the second year product out of Georgia. The pass rush in general needs to improve in 2023 and with a tandem of Clark and Wyatt ,I am expecting a much better overall performance from the defensive line this season.
Defensive ROY: Lukas Van Ness
Lukas Van Ness checks all the boxes for what the Green Bay Packers look for in a defensive player. Strong. Athletic. Versatile. Most project players that Green Bay drafts typically spend their rookie season learning and developing their craft. Because of Van Ness’ versatility as a pass rusher and interior defensive lineman, there is going to a ton of opportunities for the rookie out of Iowa to see meaningful playing time and make some contributions. Another rookie that I do have my eyes on is Carrington Valentine, who has also had a strong camp so far. Van Ness will definitely see the field more than Valentine, but still is a noteworthy player.
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