7 Packers on the hot seat ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft

1. Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry

Matt LaFleur decided to stick with Joe Barry as his defensive coordinator in 2023, but he needs to deliver this season.

The Packers' defense had the potential to be one of the league's best last season. They had Pro Bowl talent at every level in the starting lineup.

Along the defensive line, the Packers had Pro Bowler Kenny Clark, first-round pick Devonte Wyatt, and free-agent signing Jarran Reed. Former first-rounder Rashan Gary and Preston Smith gave Green Bay an excellent pass-rush combination.

Barry had great depth at inside linebacker with first-team All-Pro De'Vondre Campbell, first-round pick Quay Walker, and Krys Barnes.

The secondary featured three first-rounders in Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Darnell Savage, as well as talented starters Adrian Amos and Rasul Douglas.

Despite that, Barry's defense ranked 17th overall and a disappointing 26th against the run. Green Bay allowed five yards per carry, fifth-most in the NFL.

Barry's defense often sat back to prevent big plays, but often allowed simple conversions on third-and-short.

The good news is that the defense showed significant improvements down the stretch, allowing just 17.6 points per game and forcing 12 turnovers in the final five games. It may have saved Barry's job, but he will need to build on this in 2023.