Coming into this season, everyone knew that the Green Bay Packers offense would be young. There was uncertainty around the quarterback, and Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon were expected to be the veterans guys to ride. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs were the second-year guys expected to make a big jump.
With three weeks left in the season, not many of us could have predicted the production from the 2023 rookies.
Green Bay Packers Wide Receivers
Jayden Reed
The second-round pick out of Michigan State impressed early in camp and was with the starters quickly. He was a productive receiver at Michigan State. He has taken on a role that was needed in this offense. Reed primarily plays in the slot, accounting for 74% of his snaps on offense.
This year, he has recorded more than 100 yards rushing and more than 500 yards receiving with eight total touchdowns. He has 54 catches, one shy of the rookie record held by Sterling Sharpe dating back to 1988.
Reed, at 5’11” and 187 pounds, plays much more physical than his frame suggests. He has checked all the boxes that the Packers look for in a receiver—his ability and willingness to run block and finish plays. Reed has settled in as one of Jordan Love’s favorite targets.
Donatyvion Wicks
The 5th round receiver from Virginia has been coming on as of late. He posted his career-best game against Tampa last Sunday with six receptions for 97 yards. PFF has Dontayvion Wicks as the highest-graded receiver for the Packers, with a 75.5 grade. He leads the wide receiver room with an average of 6.1 yards after catch per reception.
Wicks has taken the role of Watson in his absence, lining up outside 65% of the snaps. He is another tough guy, battling injuries and doing what he can do. Wicks played against the Buccaneers with a high ankle sprain and said,” If it’s something I can push through, something I will, the team needs me, and I’ll do whatever I can.”
Most high ankle sprains sideline guys for a few weeks; regardless of the severity, Wicks showed his toughness.
Green Bay Packers Tight Ends
Tucker Kraft
The third-round pick has been a curse for the Packers, a round that has not led to much production. Tucket Kraft, out of South Dakota State, looks to change that narrative. He has taken a more significant role on the offense, with Luke Musgrave recovering from a lacerated kidney.
Kraft recently tweeted,” There’s no limit on the savagery you’ll encounter when you back a hungry predator into a corner. I’ve bled for this. Believe it. See you cheeseheads in a few days.”
He has brought grit and physicality that the team was missing at tight end. Kraft has been physical in run blocking and has shown his athleticism with the ball in his hands.
Fellow rookie tight end Luke Musgrave gets more of the buzz for athleticism due to his quickness and speed, but Tucker Kraft is a freak. On the season, he has 216 yards and averages 12 yards a reception. Though that isn’t a gaudy stat line for 14 games, of those yards, 158 have come in the last three games.
Luke Musgrave
When the Packers took Luke Musgrave in the second and Tucker Kraft in the third, many fans hoped they would hit on one. Though we are not a full season in, both guys have brought an element to the team.
The second-round pick out of Oregon State suffered a lacerated Kidney against the Chargers and played the entire game with it. He has 35 receptions for 341 yards on the season with one touchdown.
His speed and athleticism have shown to be a nightmare for defenses.
LaFleur mentioned that he’s cautiously hopeful that he can make a return this season. With the emergence of Tucker Kraft, the Packers playbook can open up with two tight end sets.
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