We’re finally here. The end of the season. After Monday’s game all attention shifts to the offseason. When asked about his offseason plans, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst had this to say:
“Competing for championships”. An obvious answer but easier said than done. In light of this I started looking at the two Super Bowl team rosters and wondering how the Packers stacked up. Because how better to measure a roster that believes its ready to push for a Super Bowl, than by comparing it to the roster of a team that’s there now. A team that beat the Packers on the way.
So lets look as though the two teams were going to be combined. Of the starting 22 players, which Packers would start for the NFC Champion Eagles?
Offense
Offensive Line:
- – LT Jordan Mailata
- – LG Elgton Jenkins
- – C Cam Jurgens
- – RG Mekhi Becton
- – RG Lane Johnson
A rough start for the Packers. Jenkins is the only player I felt would start. I could hear an argument for Rhyan over Becton, but at the end of the day I just couldn’t see it.
Wide Receivers:
- – WR AJ Brown
- – WR Devonta Smith
- – WR Christian Watson
Another group where the Eagles clearly have the advantage. I slotted in Watson for the third spot, but you could honestly take Doubs or Reed here as well.
Running Back:
- – Saquan Barkley
I love what Josh Jacobs did his first year with the Packers, but he’s not Barkley.
Tight End:
This could be a bit of homerism on my part, but I think you can make a genuine argument for Kraft over Goedert. Goedert hasn’t played a full season since 2018, and averaged 3 yards fewer per catch. They did this on nearly the same amount of targets, despite Goedert playing only 10 games. Give Kraft that kind of volume and I think he puts up better numbers.
Quarterback:
- – Jordan Love
I listed quarterback last because I think the other positions inform this decision. Statistically the two QB’s were fairly similar this year. But Hurts is doing it with a clearly superior group of players surrounding him. Love’s injury however clearly impacted him even when he returned. If you gave Love the Eagles roster with a healthy lower body I don’t think it ends up that close.
Defense
This is a little harder to compare given that the Eagles run an odd front while the Packers flipped to an even front with Jeff Hafley. So this will require a little creativity.
Defensive Line:
- – LDE Milton Willams
- – NT/LDT Jordan Davis
- – RDT Jalen Carter
- – RDE Rashan Gary
As I mentioned above, this isn’t apples to apples. But if the Eagles ran a similar front I think this is how it plays out. Gary didn’t have the season many Packers fans hoped he would, but his run defensive improvement shouldn’t be ignored.
Linebackers:
- – WLB Edgerrin Cooper
- – ILB Zach Baun
- – SLB Josh Sweat
Under the idea of a 4-3 this seemed pretty clear. Cooper has legit superstar potential, Zach Baun was a superstar this year. Quay Walker was making some real strides before he got hurt, but Sweat was clearly the better player this year.
Secondary
- – RCB Darius Slay Jr
- – LCB Quinyon Mitchell
- – NCB Cooper Dejean
- – SS Evan Williams
- – FS Xavier McKinney
Jaire Alexander likely takes one of the corner spots if he had been healthy this year. But given that he seems incapable of staying that way recently. Combined with rumors that the team may be looking to move on this offseason I decided not to include him. You could argue that Blankenship belongs over Williams, and I wouldn’t push back much. That being said PFF had Williams as its best safety in the league at one point last year, so I’ll give the nod to upside in this case.
Special Teams
- – P Branden Mann
- – PK Brandon McManus
- – KR Keisean Nixon
I debated even including special teams, but given how many times they’ve ruined games for the Packers before I felt like I had to. Mann was 4th in average yards per kick this year, while McManus missed only one FG all year. Jake Elliot missed eight along with an extra point miss.
So, out of 22 starting spots, Green Bay players would start at fewer than half the positions. Does this mean the Packers are far off? Not at all. This will sound repetitive but it can’t be ignored, this is the youngest team in the league by far. If even a couple of players can take steps, this exercise could shift their way as soon as next year. Green Bay has their full complement of draft picks, and for the first time in several years actual cap space.
Add a another impact FA or two, and nail this upcoming draft, and there’s nor reason Green Bay can’t do exactly what Gute wants. Compete for championships.
