The 2023 season has been a struggle for the Green Bay Packers at times. Following their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10, their record has dropped to 3-6. While they are not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, it is hard to envision a scenario for them to advance to the postseason.
A lot has gone into the team’s lack of success in the win column. The defense has not performed up to expectations and has been hit hard by injuries. Offensively, the risk Green Bay took with their youth movement has led to predicted hurdles.
The offense has not been able to consistently move the ball. The offensive line has not opened up many holes for running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon to run through. After a hot start to the season, quarterback Jordan Love has cooled off considerably as well.
It isn’t all of Love’s fault, as the Packers’ pass catchers have been plagued by dropped passes. But, the organization will have a tough decision to make this offseason as they will have to determine if Love is their long-term quarterback.
Given their record, there is a chance the Packers could be near the top of the 2024 NFL Draft, putting them in a position to select one of the top quarterback prospects. That is what Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes they could do, as he named North Carolina signal-caller Drake Maye as a draft target for the team.
“Jordan Love hasn’t inspired much confidence that he can be the Packers’ quarterback of the future and the organization can recoup some of the money he’s owed for next season with a post-June 1 release in the offseason, according to Spotrac.
While the Cheeseheads would likely have to move up to get Maye in the draft, the Tar Heel might just be worth the investment,” wrote Holder.
The Packers do have an extra second-round pick coming their way in the 2024 NFL Draft courtesy of the Aaron Rodgers blockbuster. That could be used as ammunition to jump up the draft to snag Maye, who looks to be in the race with Caleb Williams out of USC as the No. 1 quarterback in the draft class.
The last eight weeks of the 2023 season are very important for the Packers. Even if they aren’t going to make the playoffs, it will be a time for the coaching staff and front office to evaluate who is worth keeping as part of the long-term core and where they need to make improvements.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
