Green Bay Packers: Five Most Important Defensive Players for 2023

The Green Bay Packers are going to need their defense to be top-notch more than ever before. They can no longer lean on the greatness of Aaron Rodgers to cover up shortcomings on the defensive side of the ball. Jordan Love is going to have growing pains in his first year as a starter, but that doesn’t mean the team cannot compete in 2023. Here are five players who are most important to the defense’s success this season.

5. Darnell Savage

Darnell Savage had a poor season in 2022. He was the first to admit it saying he is eager to get back out there and show who he really is. With Adrian Amos likely out of the picture, Savage becomes the leader of the safety group. Going into his fifth season he will need to carry a big load. The safety position was one of the worst on the team last year and the team did nothing big to address the issue. However, Darnell Savage’s strong play to close the season is a positive sign.

4. Quay Walker

The Green Bay Packers look to have hit on drafting Quay Walker. His speed and physicality are something the team has been lacking at the position for a long time. Just one year after signing De’Vondre Campbell they paired him with a young talent in Walker. Quay Walker’s second-year jump could put the Packers’ defense over the top. Walker was ejected twice last year for contacting members of the other team’s staff. He will have to be smarter in that regard, but he has all the tools to be even better in year 2.

3. De’Vondre Campbell

Campbell was named a First Team All-Pro in his first season as a member of the Green Bay Packers. Last season he dealt with injuries but still made a big impact. In 2023 he will need to be back in All-Pro form. He and Walker have the opportunity to be one of the best duos in the league. The Packers struggled against the run last year, and stronger seasons from Walker and Campbell could go a long way in having a better run defense.

2. Rashan Gary

Rashan Gary was having his best season as a pro before he tore his ACL. It is not an understatement to say that he was putting himself into the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. His high motor and relentless rushing were missed for the majority of the season. The Packers addressed their lack of pass rush without Gary by adding Lukas Van Ness in the first round. While Preston Smith was great for the Packers in 2022 he can be even better in 2023 when opposing teams are focused more on Gary. Gary returning not only adds his presence but takes the pressure off of Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness.

1. Jaire Alexander

It’s no surprise that Alexander checks in at the top spot on this list. He is the heart and soul of the defense and brings the energy every week. In a division with Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown and, now, D.J. Moore the All-Pro will have his hands full all season. Alexander shows up when the lights are bright and plays with contagious confidence. The Green Bay Packers can be highly successful when Jaire Alexander is shutting down the opponent’s number one target. The NFL is a passing league now more than ever before and a true number one corner like Alexander is a true asset.

As Always

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