The Inexperienced Bay Packers exceeded expectations in 2023, coming inside a win of advancing to the NFC Championship Sport. Expectations are excessive heading into the 2024 marketing campaign, however the group might want to see enchancment from a number of gamers if it needs to take the following step.
With that in thoughts, listed here are three Packers on the most popular seats.
Broad receiver Christian Watson
A second-round choose in 2022, Watson was speculated to be quarterback Jordan Love’s No. 1 goal this previous season. As an alternative, after a promising rookie 12 months, he had a disappointing season, ending with 28 catches for 422 yards and 5 touchdowns.
A nagging hamstring harm reduce his season to only 9 video games, however one other quick season may need the Packers trying elsewhere.
The Packers are undoubtedly hopeful that Watson generally is a important a part of the group’s offense this season. Nonetheless, if they can not depend upon him, loads of choices are able to take his reps, together with Dontayvion Wicks, Romeo Doubs and Inexperienced Bay’s main receiver, Jayden Reed (64 catches, 793 yards, eight TDs).
Cornerback Jaire Alexander
A shoulder harm and one-game suspension restricted Alexander to solely seven contests in the course of the common season earlier than he returned for the Packers’ playoff run. Nonetheless, when he was on the sphere, the previous All-Professional regarded like a shell of his former self.
The sixth-year professional struggled, particularly in protection. Alexander allowed a 64.6 reception share, the best since his rookie 12 months (71.8 p.c).
Including stud free-agent security Xavier McKinney shores up a shaky Packers secondary. Nonetheless, they’re going to be counting on Alexander to bounce again and lead a cornerback group with its personal query marks, together with the oft-injured Eric Stokes, veterans Corey Ballentine and Keisean Nixon and second-year participant Carrington Valentine.
Cornerback Eric Stokes
On the subject of gamers needing to show they will keep wholesome, Stokes may be on the high of the record. After staying wholesome throughout his time at Georgia, the Packers first-round choose in 2021 hasn’t had the identical luck in Inexperienced Bay.
After surgical procedure on a Lisfranc fracture prematurely ended his second season with the Packers, a hamstring harm in 2023 derailed his comeback, limiting him to solely three video games. Since beginning 14 of 16 video games his rookie 12 months, Stokes has performed in simply 12 video games over the previous two seasons and in solely three video games since Week 9 of 2022.
Stokes probably exhibits as much as coaching camp able to contribute with a clear invoice of well being. Nonetheless, after such an extended street again and an prolonged time away from the sphere, he should present he is worthy of being leaned on.
