The Packers, coming off a largely disappointing 8-9 season, look to rebound back into contention in 2023. Whether that’s with Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love at the command center remains to be seen. Nonetheless, a football deep encompasses more than just it’s Quarterback and the Packers will look for many current players to raise their productivity from last season. In today’s article, I’ve identified 3 guys who I’d love to see raise their game to make the Packers better as a collective unit in 2023.
1) Quay Walker
When I think of Quay Walker, I have visions of a player who could one day impact games like Devin White and Roquan Smith do. Walker has the sideline to sideline speed and physicality to be one of the best inside linebackers in football, a position the Packers have generally underwhelmed at over the last 20 years. If Walker does in fact turn into a monster, the entire Packers defense would flip from a “soft” unit into a formidable one.
Walker, one of two Packers 1st round picks from 2022, is just 22 years old. He flashed his skills last season at times but was very inconsistent, as many rookies are. He also was ejected in two games, both times because he made contact with an opposing teams staff member. To Walker’s credit, he was remorseful and said the right things after both incidents. Hopefully, he can put those behind him and turn into the football player the Packers hope he can become.
2) Josh Myers
Is Josh Myers just not that good? It’s a question myself and many Packers fans are fair to ask going into the upcoming season. The play of Myers at the Center position wasn’t good enough in 2022. Heading into his 3rd NFL season, the 2021 2nd round pick from Ohio State needs to elevate his play.
Some people say the offensive line starts with the center, who’s the anchor of the unit. The Packers running game was too inconsistent last season and needs more physicality moving forward. Also, the pass protection wasn’t as good as it’s been in years past. Obviously, that doesn’t all fall on Myers but the difference between him and a guy like, say, Corey Linsley, was stark.
If Packers fans have to watch another season of Myers being far too inconsistent, it might be time for a change. We’re not at that point yet and giving him the benefit of the doubt (he only played in 6 games as a rookie due to injury and he’s only 24 years old), hopefully we see a far better player moving forward. The Packers need him to be that rock in the middle for their offense to reach its potential.
3) Christian Watson
I’ll admit, this is a greedy selection on my part. Watson was a shining star for the Packers offense from the Cowboys game onward. One could argue that Watson is fine as is – and I would agree, partially.
The thing is, I want Watson’s rookie season to be the preview, the trailer, for what his career will become. He’s that good, he’s that special. Watson, who already has elite size and speed, could become one of the best receivers in the NFL in a matter of years if he continues to dedicate himself to his craft (Route running and hands).
I want that, you want that, the Packers want that. Imagine Christian Watson taking a sizable leap from Year 1 to Year 2 and what that would unlock in the offense. I get excited at the mere thought of it.
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Alex grew up in a family of Chicago Bears fans in the suburbs of Chicago but was always a Packers guy. Alex’s AIM name when he was in elementary/middle school was PackerAlex. He now lives in Nashville, Tennessee and you can follow him on twitter at @Alex_Mayer93.
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The post Three Packers that need to take a Leap in 2023 first appeared on PackersTalk.com.