Young talent is bubbling up all over the Green Bay Packers roster.

Rookie defenders Edgerrin Cooper, Evan Williams and Javon Bullard are playing meaningful snaps and making weekly impacts. Similarly, on offense, rookie Jordan Morgan is good enough to be on the field when healthy. Meanwhile, second year pass catchers Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft are on the cusp of being stars. 2nd and 3rd round steals, they may be the best at their position from the ’23 draft—a draft that was loaded at WR and TE.

Don’t forget grizzled vets

Calling out the young talent completely ignores “old” players like Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Zach Tom and Devonte Wyatt who are only in their third year. Green Bay isn’t just young, they’re young, talented, and deep.

If Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur won’t say they’re giddy about the young base of talent on this roster, they’re lying or afraid to say it out loud.

Just as important, LaFleur and first year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley seem to be doing a fantastic job of rotating their young talent to get them onto the field. Against Arizona, 10 players had receptions and 7 different players ran the ball. That’s crazy balance.

Dragging down the average

To be sure, there are red flags. Quay Walker, Lukas Van Ness and Luke Musgrave and Eric Stokes are playing well below their draft position. None of them look like busts, but at this stage of their careers, they’re underperforming the spots where they were picked.

Injuries will take a toll on every NFL roster. It’s not if, but when. Before this season is complete any or all of Jacob Monk, MarShawn Lloyd, Ty’Ron Hopper, Kitan Oladapo or Luke Musgrave will likely get chances to show they belong in the NFL.

Trades coming home to roost

The NFL is decidedly a young man’s game. For the second-straight year, Green Bay has the youngest roster in the league, and most of them are contributing. GM Brian Gutekunst has been on a several year hot streak of drafting talent and value. The added picks that came from the Rodgers, Adams and Rasul Douglas trades, are icing on the cake.

In terms of talent across the roster, the Packers are top 10 in the league. Can they keep it together and grow to compete with the toughest teams in the NFC in January? It’s too soon to know, but it’s a real possibility.

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