The Green Bay Packers rank sixth in points scored, third in yards gained, second in yards per play, and first in explosive plays through four weeks in 2024, despite starting Mailk Willis for two games.
This season, the following five players have stepped up or evolved into major players for the Packers offense:
1. WR Jayden Reed
As a rookie, Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed appeared to be a rising star. He’s making good on his potential to begin Year 2. Reed currently ranks ninth in the NFL with 427 total yards after four games. He has 11 explosive plays, including a league-high seven catches of 20 yards or more.
Reed has a 30-yard or longer reception in three of his four outings. Reed has rushed for 15 yards or more in three of his four games. He’s lively and versatile. Reed averages 18.6 yards per touch, 15.3 yards per target, and 15.2 yards per rush, and he has three total touchdowns. He is establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top receivers and playmakers.
2. OT Zach Tom
Packers offensive tackle Zach Tom is increasingly loving David Bakhtiari-style games. He calmly goes about his thing, eliminating edge rushers snap after snap and routinely dominating the run game. Tom is easy to overlook during the game, but when you watch the tape, he is dominant.
He appears to be an excellent player in the passing game once more, and as an offensive tackle, his ability to block runs has improved to the point where he is almost outstanding. Tom seems to be an All-Pro candidate after four games.
3. TE Tucker Kraft
Packers tight end Tucker Kraft is dominating TE1 snaps, and it’s easy to understand why. He’s the ideal all-around blocker for Matt LaFleur’s playbook, and his ability to get yards after the catch has resulted in big plays. Through four games, Kraft has been out in front of so many explosive run plays, both on the ground and in motion.
Kraft has 120 yards from 12 catches, 111 of which came after the catch. Once Jordan Love regains his rhythm, Kraft’s performance as a pass-catcher could skyrocket. His YAC ability will be extremely useful in the red zone.
4. RB Emanuel Wilson
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Emanuel Wilson has emerged as an effective backup running back. He’s huge, possesses burst as a runner, and can force missed tackles, but his progress in the passing game has kept him on the field. Wilson has been perfect on 14 pass protection snaps and grabbed a 30-yard touchdown throw.
He has four explosive plays, including three 10-yard runs and a 30-yard touchdown. With MarShawn Lloyd on injured reserve, Wilson has proven to be a solid backup to Josh Jacobs. Matt LaFleur’s trust in him is clearly building. 5. RG Sean Rhyan
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Packers Right Guard Sean Rhyan has started four games. He shared time at right guard with Jordan Morgan for 1.5 games before becoming the starter for the last 2.5. He looks more and more like a totally capable starter.
Rhyan has allowed only five pressures and no sacks in 126 pass-blocking attempts, and he’s improving in the run game. Some of his greatest snaps have come while moving as a pull blocker, which is unsurprising given his power and mobility. It will be intriguing to watch what the Packers do once offensive tackle Jordan Morgan (shoulder) returns.
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