As NFL training camps loom on the horizon next month, every team in the league, including the Green Bay Packers, is surrounded by storylines and speculations. With the conclusion of OTAs and mandatory minicamp, the stage is set for a competitive training camp where numerous positions will be hotly contested.
For teams such as the Green Bay Packers, the pathway from now until Week 1 of the 2024 NFL regular season is clouded with uncertainty. Their offense boasts the potential to rank among the NFL’s elite, provided the offensive line steps up to the challenge.
A major off-season talking point revolves around when quarterback Jordan Love will secure his contract extension. The Packers are hopeful it will be ironed out before the season kickoff.
According to Ryan Fowler from Bleacher Report, the biggest narrative for the Green Bay Packers as they enter training camp is their transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive scheme under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. This shift has raised eyebrows among Packers fans, who are eager to see if the change will fortify their defense.
Fowler emphasized, “The Packers have traditionally relied on a 3-4 defensive setup. Adapting to Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 system might initially present challenges.”
Despite no anticipated surprises in the defensive line positions, questions linger regarding the starters at safety and linebacker.
Quay Walker is expected to progress in 2023, but who will join him at linebacker during training camp is still undecided. The Packers invested in rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper, with 2021 sixth-round pick Isaiah McDuffie also in contention.
In the secondary, while Xavier McKinney is a shoo-in as a starter, the identity of his partner at safety is yet to be determined. Rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams, alongside fifth-rounder Kitan Oladapo, who is recovering from an offseason toe surgery, are in the mix for the position.
Currently, the Packers’ depth chart suggests Javon Bullard will start alongside McKinney. Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes are the expected starting cornerbacks, although Carrington Valentine could challenge Stokes for his spot.
The defensive ends will likely feature Preston Smith and Rashan Gary, with Luka Van Ness expected to contribute. Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt are up for defensive tackle, with Karl Brooks as a potential standout in training camp.
Alongside Quay Walker, linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie are anticipated to fill the starting roles. Last season, the Packers allowed an average of 335.1 yards per game, struggling particularly against the run where they conceded 128.3 yards per game, making them the fifth-worst in the NFL.
The switch to a 4-3 defense is a strategic move aimed at addressing this vulnerability. Despite their challenges on the ground, the Packers managed to limit their opponents to 20.6 points per game last season.