Before training camp each season, ESPN surveys over 70 league executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the top ten players at each position. The goal wasn’t to rank careers or project who will be the best in the future. It was to decide who the best players are at each position today. The Packers had a number of players appear in this series of top-ten lists.

A few evaluations were more than fair, others left room for debate. There are some notable emissions. The Packers don’t have any representatives on the lists for cornerbacks, wide receivers, or off-ball linebackers. But without further ado, it’s time to find out which Packers were recognized as being amongst the best at their respective positions.

Making The List

Xavier McKinney

McKinney came in at #3 on the ranking of the top ten NFL safeties. The only players ranked higher than McKinney were Kyle Hamilton and Brian Branch. Other than Hamilton, McKinney received the most first-place votes. After McKinney’s performance in 2024, there’s no doubt that he is one of the best defensive players in the league. McKinney was named a 1st Team All-Pro, had the second-most interceptions, and produced an 84.8 PFF grade. Here’s what voters said about McKinney:

“Multidimensional traits, high football IQ, range over the top with the ability to play man coverage over slot receivers. Has the playmaking element to his game. Whoo, that guy’s a player — one of the first safeties that can do it all.”

All things considered, being ranked as a top-three safety shows McKinney is well-respected around the league. The only real gripe to have is that there was a voter who ranked McKinney as low as tenth. There’s no decent argument to justify ranking McKinney that low. Fortunately, the majority of voters saw McKinney as the top-tier player that he is. 

Josh Jacobs

Jacobs showed up at #6 on ESPN’s list of top-ten running backs. In Jacobs’ first season as a Packer, he rushed for 1,329 yards, 15 touchdowns, produced a 91.5 PFF grade, and was selected to his third Pro Bowl. ESPN notes that Jacobs is the only player to have 1,000+ scrimmage yards and five touchdowns every year since 2019. He’s been steady and durable. While he might not possess the same flash as some of his peers, he’s been one of the most effective backs across the league.

“Elite balance, strength, vision, feet, and determination with the ball in his hands,” a high-ranking NFC personnel executive said. “He catches it well. True difference-maker. And he plays every week. Availability. I tend to lean toward well-rounded backs that are elite runners and huge threats in the passing game, and Jacobs fits that bill.”

As good as Jacobs was a year ago, it’s hard to argue that he should be higher. The backs ranked ahead of Jacobs were Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, and Christian McCaffrey. All five have been elite players in their own right, and the league is full of talented running backs. Jacobs was everything the Packers could’ve hoped for in 2024, so sixth seems like a very fair and appropriate ranking for Jacobs. 

Elgton Jenkins

Coming in at #9 on ESPN’s list of top-ten interior offensive linemen was Jenkins. Jenkins has been widely considered the Packers’ best offensive lineman of the last few seasons. At least one voter ranked him as high as second. PFF gave Jenkins a grade of 83.1 in pass protection last season, which was the third-highest score amongst guards. ESPN also rightfully lauded his positional flexibility, noting how impressive it is that he logged snaps at left guard, center, right guard, and right tackle in 2024.

“Last season, Jenkins logged 942 snaps at left guard, 68 at center, one at right guard, and three at right tackle. His pass block win rate was higher at center (96.6) than at guard (92.4). ESPN attributed two sacks to Jenkins all season, and he added 316 run-block wins. The guy is so underrated. (Jenkins) can play anywhere; tough, physical, smart.”

Ranking interior offensive linemen is not an easy job. For this list, ESPN combines three separate positions into one group. The fact that Jenkins made the top ten is an accomplishment. It’s now expected that he will move to center. It’s hard to project how well he will perform in 2025 at a new position, but it’s fair to assume he’ll be the same, dependable force he’s been for years.

Honorable Mention

Jordan Love

Love didn’t make the top ten on ESPN’s list of quarterbacks; his appearance on the list came as an Honorable Mention. There were 11 names ahead of Love’s, making him the 12th-ranked quarterback. Love was a very good quarterback in many different aspects throughout 2024, despite his receivers leading the league in errors and having to deal with nagging injuries.

While he wasn’t ranked higher, Love still got some Love. ESPN shared a quote from one personnel evaluator that stated, “He was f—ing outstanding (at the end of 2023). Play-action on time, big arm, confidence. It looked like it took him time to work through managing that injury. Another full offseason with [head coach Matt] LaFleur and more receiving options and he’ll be fine.”

It’s hard to argue with this analysis of Love. #12 seems like a fair ranking for the Packers’ signal caller. He wasn’t outstanding in 2024, but he still had a strong season. It would be fair to argue that he is better than some of the guys ranked above him, like Matthew Stafford, Justin Herbert, and Baker Mayfield. Love is just as good as they are, if not better. If Love performs the way he’s capable of in 2024, he should easily be a top-ten quarterback next season.

Also Receiving Votes

Kenny Clark

Clark’s appearance on ESPN’s list of top-ten defensive tackles came in the “Also Receiving Votes” category. There are at least 15 players ahead of Clark, which should come as no surprise. The players ranked ahead of him are all quality defensive linemen, and Clark had a down year in 2024. Clark had the fewest pressures, sacks, and tackles of his nine-year NFL career, but he played most of the season injured. The Packers are certainly hoping he bounces back in 2025. If he does, he may find himself back on this list next year.

Rashan Gary

Gary also only showed up on the list of top-ten edge rushers in the “Also Receiving Votes” category. The NFL is full of strong pass rushers, so making the list is not an easy feat. Gary has still never produced a double-digit sack season, and his number of pressures didn’t increase either. That said, his pressure rates have been strong. Could his lack of production be due to how the coaching staff is utilizing him? Either way, Gary likely won’t be considered a top-ten player until he can produce higher sack totals.

Tucker Kraft

There were 18 names listed before Kraft’s name, leaving him off both the top-ten and the honorable mention lists. It should go without saying, but there are not 18 tight ends better than Tucker Kraft. Kraft hasn’t exactly had his “breakout” season yet, but he showed several elite characteristics in 2024. He was not featured much in the Packers’ passing attack in 2024. Amongst all NFL tight ends last season, Kraft was…

  • 17th in routes run (377)
  • 16th in targets (70)
  • 19th in catches (50)
  • 19th in target share (15.09%)

While his utilization in the passing game was minimal, Kraft was still one of the most productive tight ends in the league.

  • 7th in receiving yards (707)
  • 6th in touchdowns (7)
  • 5th in yards after the catch (456)
  • 1st in yards after the catch per reception (9.1)

It’s one thing for Kraft to be left off the top-ten list, but the fact that he’s not even an honorable mention is unacceptable. Kraft is well on his way to being one of the top-tier tight ends in the league. He’s productive in both the run and pass game. If the Packers make him a focal point of their offense, he will undoubtedly be one of the NFL’s best tight ends.

Zach Tom

ESPN’s list of top-ten offensive tackles had as many as 20 names listed before Zach Tom. Tom’s omission might’ve been the biggest error on all of ESPN’s lists. A season ago, Tom was one of the elite tackles in the league. He had a PFF grade of 87.5, which was good for the fourth-highest score amongst all tackles. Tom also had a Pass Block Win Rate of 91%. Tom is expected to receive a large contract extension at some point in the coming months. He might not be the biggest guy with the best draft pedigree or have the accolades of some of his peers, but he is unquestionably a top-ten tackle.