The Green Bay Packers’ two preseason games against the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots have been highly analyzed by fans and media alike. The new-look offense under Jordan Love, who has taken the reins from four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, is loaded with young but inexperienced talent. Similarly, the defense is loaded with young yet unrealized talent with eight former first round picks.
Last season, both the offense and the defense struggled mightily at times. Green Bay finished 12th in offensive grading by PFF with an overall grade of 81.3 (thanks in large part to their 91.5 running grade, which was second-highest in the NFL). Defensively, PFF graded them 21st in the NFL with an overall defensive grade of 67.4. The unit’s 53.1 run defense grade ranked 25th.
While the preseason, when it is all said and done, means very little in terms of indicating regular season success, it is noteworthy that, through two games, the Packers have earned PFF’s highest overall offensive and defensive grades.
The Green Bay Packers Offensive Grades for the 2023 NFL Preseason
According to PFF, the Packers’ offense has earned an overall grade of 80.6, which is the highest in the NFL this preseason. The Kansas City Chiefs are second with 80.1, and the Las Vegas Raiders (79.0), Chicago Bears (76.3), and Atlanta Falcons (74.2) round out the top five.
Related: Green Bay Packers: 5 Highest and Lowest PFF Grades from 36-19 Win Over Cincinnati Bengals
Of course, it is only preseason; however, it is noteworthy that the Packers have seemed to transition from Rodgers to Love so well. There certainly seems to be a newfound energy on this team, and it is showing up on the field.
Related: Green Bay Packers: 5 Highest and Lowest PFF Grades from 21-17 Loss vs New England Patriots
Now, the overall grade consists of the combined grades from each player. Obviously, the Packers have had several players grade out very well over the first two preseason games. Some of these players will make the team; others will be signed to the practice squad or released. Here are the Packers’ top-10 graded offensive players so far this preseason:
- Emanuel Wilson- 90.5
- Romeo Doubs- 89.9
- Jordan Love- 87.1
- Sean Clifford- 79.7
- Jon Runyan Jr.- 79.5
- Malik Heath- 77.9
- Luke Tenuta- 76.5
- Rasheed Walker- 75.7
- Dontayvion Wicks- 75.1
- Cody Chrest- 74.2
The Green Bay Packers Defensive Grades for the 2023 NFL Preseason
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
According to PFF, the Packers have the NFL’s highest overall defensive grade with 76.0. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are second with 75.4, and the Los Angeles Chargers (74.2), Las Vegas Raiders (71.5) and Seattle Seahawks (70.5) round out the top five.
As mentioned earlier, the Packers have eight former first round picks on defense. However, it has been later round picks and undrafted free agents who have contributed the most to the team’s success on the defensive side of the ball.
As on offense, some of the players with the highest grades will make the team and have significant roles. Others will make the team, but as reserves. Others will be signed to the practice squad or cut. The top ten highest graded Packers defensive players are:
- Kingsley Enagbare- 93.9
- William Hooper- 90.3
- Darnell Savage- 84.2
- Karl Brooks- 82.7
- Tarvarius Moore- 81.1
- Quay Walker- 77.3
- Justin Hollins- 75.2
- Keshawn Banks- 74.9
- Anthony Johnson Jr.- 74.3
- Keiseasn Nixon- 74.2
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