Packers rise in latest NFL Spin Zone power rankings
The Green Bay Packers have moved up two spots — from eighth to sixth — in the latest NFL Spin Zone power rankings a week into preseason.
Many of Green Bay’s starters, including Aaron Rodgers, sat out of Thursday night’s game, handing opportunities to many of the young players on the roster.
It was an impressive performance for many of the rookies, in particular fifth-round draft choice Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who made a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Randy Gurzi of NFL Spin Zone wrote about Valdes-Scantling and fellow rookie receiver Equanimeous St. Brown in his power rankings:
"“Also impressive was the play of their young wide receiver. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown. Both could be in line for extended play and showed they’re ready. Valdes-Scantling had 101 yards on five receptions with a touchdown. St. Brown added another 61 yards off four receptions.”"
St. Brown made a number of nice plays during the game, which also improved his odds of making the team.
The only rookie wide receiver who struggled was J’Mon Moore. Moore did a lot right — he showed his ability off the line of scrimmage, and proved he can get open deep downfield. The issue was the easy bit — catching the football. Still, it’s clear he has a lot of potential.
Despite not making the playoffs last season, it’s no surprise to see Green Bay so high in these power rankings. After all, the team has the best quarterback in football returning from injury, and the roster also has a lot of talent across the board.
The Packers have a number of Pro Bowl candidates, from David Bakhtiari to Mike Daniels to Davante Adams. And don’t forget about Muhammad Wilkerson or Kenny Clark or Jimmy Graham. What if Blake Martinez continues to improve? Oren Burks builds on an impressive summer? Kevin King stays healthy?
The Packers have a lot of talent, and the fact their two-time MVP quarterback is healthy turns them into serious Super Bowl contenders.
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For that reason, they deserve to be at number six in the latest NFL Spin Zone power rankings.