The playmaking group of the Green Bay Packers — think receivers, running backs and tight ends — is bursting at the seams with potential entering 2024, but potential is nothing until realized, so their ranking in Bill Barnwell’s assessment for ESPN shouldn’t be super surprising even if it seems low.
Barnwell, in a ranking of top playmaking groups in 2024, placed the Packers at No. 17.
Barnwell’s strategy behind the rankings involved assigning more value to wide receivers, elite players and efficiency.
The Packers have everything they need at receiver, running back and tight end, but it all has to come together around Jordan Love in 2024.
Barnwell was especially optimistic about the Packers receivers.
“There’s no star or household name (yet) in this mix, but this is the youngest, deepest receiving corps in the league, with four different wide receivers credibly competing for the top spot in the lineup when they’re healthy. Their youth suggests those wideouts should be better in 2024 than they were in 2023,” Barnwell wrote.
Barnwell also thinks Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft “flashed potential” at tight end as rookies. His concern was at running back, where Josh Jacobs could, in theory, be a playmaking downgrade from Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon’s developmental path has been a disappointment. Maybe rookie MarShawn Lloyd can help push this position group in an upwards direction.
One thing is for sure: the Packers defense under Jeff Hafley better be ready to go within the NFC North in 2024. For Barnwell, the Detroit Lions ranked No. 7, the Chicago Bears ranked No. 6 and the Minnesota Vikings ranked No. 5 in offensive playmakers.
Still, the future in Green Bay is bright. Jacobs is only 26 and just one year removed from the rushing title. The receiver group is five or six deep with quality players, including a few potential stars. Both tight ends could be difference makers.
“If Jacobs gets back on track and one of the wideouts makes a leap, the Packers should be in the top 10 next year,” Barnwell finished.
The top four teams were the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans. The Packers face all four during the 2024 season.