Every NFC North defense ranked from worst to best in 2023

1. Green Bay Packers

Even though the Packers fell short of expectations, they still comfortably had the best defense in the NFC North last season. And that hasn't changed.

Green Bay moved on from Adrian Amos, Dean Lowry, and Jarran Reed this offseason, but Amos is the only significant loss.

Lowry and Reed's departure creates an opening for last year's first-round pick Devonte Wyatt to play a featured role, while the Packers drafted defensive linemen Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks.

With the addition of Lukas Van Ness and the return of Rashan Gary, the Packers' pass rush should bounce back this season. Green Bay also hopes for a second-year jump from Kingsley Enagbare.

The Packers' cornerback depth is a major strength. All-Pro Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Rasul Douglas make up one of the league's best trios, while Keisean Nixon is a perfect fit to start in the slot.

Safety is the No. 1 concern for the defense. The Packers signed Tarvarius Moore and Jonathan Owens and drafted Anthony Johnson, but they have still taken a step back after losing Amos. Darnell Savage is coming off a disappointing year, leaving Green Bay with uncertainty at the position.

Still, edge rusher and cornerback are strengths for this defense, and that should lead to success in 2023.

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