The Green Bay Packers have clinched a spot in the NFL playoffs after defeating the Chicago Bears 17-9 in Week 18. Led by a somewhat veteran defense and quarterback Jordan Love, the Packers managed to return to the playoffs with easily the youngest team in the National Football League. The Packers’ have an average of 25.7 years for the entire active roster with only four players above the age of 29.
The team’s success is due to the change of mentality from one quarterback to another and everyone gelling better under Jordan Love. Love has also made sure to care for ALL of his receivers and not humiliate them when they make mistakes. Due to this, the Packers’ receiving core is not only deep but will be one of the best in a year or two.
Aaron Jones believes this as well. Jones, a fifth round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, was selected by the Green Bay Packers of the University of Texas-El Paso.
Aaron Jones on Dontayvion Wicks: “I’m always huge on 5th-round picks. I try to take them under my wing, because that’s where I was drafted, but just huge on him. His ability to get open, his knack for finding the ball, finding space.”
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 8, 2024
Dontayvion Wicks was the Packers’ fifth round pick in 2023. For a fifth-rounder, he has made quite contribution for a team that features wide receivers such as Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and the now sudden emergence of Bo Melton in the past few weeks as well as other options such as running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon and tight end Tucker Kraft. However, despite all that weaponry, Wicks has managed 581 yards on just 39 receptions with 4 touchdowns. He has played in 15 games with only 6 starts meaning he has stayed healthy most of the season.
The stats for most of the Packers receivers have been elevated as Jordan Love has been tremendous this season. Love finished the regular season with 4,159 yards on 372 passes with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
The Green Bay Packers Will Be Contending for Championships Once The Wide Receiver Core Has More Experience.
With Jordan Love at the helm, as long as they can retain the receivers and perhaps even a running back(or move on), the Packers will be set for the future with the youth of the team. With later draft pick this year, the Packers are in a prime position to land a player that such as Michigan running back Blake Corum or Texas running back Jonathan Brooks. Depending on how they do in the playoffs, they could even go after someone on defense as there is a bit more need there if the Packers plan to move on from bigger names like they did from Rasul Douglas in the middle of the season and dealt him to the Buffalo Bills.
We could also see any number of trades that could occur prior or during the draft that could see the Packers acquire new players/more picks in the draft in order to land the players that they want. Regardless of this, expect the Packers to be fighting the Lions for the division crown next season.
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