The Green Bay Packers’ extensive rookie class made a significant impact in their recent victory over the Rams. The performance of these young players is expected to play a crucial role in the second half of the season.
With 11 out of 13 draft picks and four undrafted rookies making the roster, the Packers have a total of 16 first-time players, representing 30 percent of the team. Here’s an updated version of the Packers’ Rookie Power Rankings:
Not Ranked: RB Lew Nichols, seventh round
Nichols, who led the nation in rushing yards in 2021, didn’t find success with the Packers and was released, currently on the Eagles’ practice squad.
No. 17: WR Grant DuBose, seventh round
DuBose was sidelined with a back injury and ended up on the practice squad.
No. 16: OLB Brenton Cox, undrafted
Cox went undrafted due to past issues but remains on the roster, potentially seeing more playing time in 2024.
No. 15: WR Malik Heath, undrafted
Heath, like Cox, has faced character concerns and is yet to make a significant impact on the field.
No. 14: TE Ben Sims, undrafted
Sims, claimed off waivers from the Vikings, has provided decent blocking and caught a couple of passes.
No. 13: RB Emanuel Wilson, undrafted
Wilson has shown some promise with a few decent runs, possibly earning more opportunities.
No. 12: QB Sean Clifford, fifth round
Clifford hasn’t played yet but could be called upon at any moment due to the frequent quarterback injuries in the NFL.
No. 11: P Daniel Whelan
Whelan, although officially a first-year player, has been a solid punter with a few areas for improvement.
No. 10: S Anthony Johnson, seventh round
Johnson made his first NFL start against the Rams and showed potential with an interception and a big hit.
No. 9: TE Tucker Kraft, third round
Kraft has been quiet in the passing game but has been making an impact with blocking assignments.
No. 8: DT Colby Wooden, fourth round
Wooden made a crucial play against the Rams with a big stop on a key fourth down.
No. 7: WR Dontayvion Wicks, fifth round
Wicks has played well and is starting to gain the trust of the team, even with a full-strength receiver corps.
No. 6: K Anders Carlson, sixth round
Carlson has been a reliable kicker, making 11 of 13 field goals and all point-after attempts.
No. 5: DT Karl Brooks, sixth round
Brooks has adapted quickly to play on the interior and has made contributions with sacks and pass deflections.
No. 4: OLB Lukas Van Ness, first round
Van Ness hasn’t been a dominant force yet but is showing promise and is among the top rookie edge defenders in pressures.
No. 3: CB Carrington Valentine, seventh round
Valentine has exceeded expectations and is performing well as a full-time starter after the trade of Rasul Douglas.
No. 2: TE Luke Musgrave, second round
Musgrave has excelled as a tight end, ranking among the top rookies in receptions, yards, yards after the catch, and touchdowns.
No. 1: WR Jayden Reed, second round
Reed has displayed exceptional athleticism and potential, leading the Packers in receiving yards and making a significant impact on the team.
These rankings reflect the contributions and potential of the Packers’ rookie class as they continue to make their mark during the season.