The case for and against the Packers receiving corps

Predicting how the Green Bay Packers' 2023 season will shake out isn't an easy exercise.

Though Aaron Rodgers is gone, Green Bay still rosters numerous veterans ready to win now. The offensive line and defense especially boast proven, highly paid talent.

Conversely, most of the offensive skill position players are quite young. Jordan Love's elevation into the starting lineup is the most obvious example of the overhaul, but the team's wide receiver room similarly holds limited experience.

This imbalance between longtime Packers and newcomers is a big reason why it's hard to guess how the upcoming season will go. If Matt LaFleur's offense is to maintain success, some of these young pass catchers must step up in a major way.

It's very possible that happens, but also no guarantee.

The positive outlook for the Packers offense

It's easy to be optimistic about the personnel in Green Bay's possession.

Christian Watson's mix of game-altering speed and physical tools grants him all sorts of upside as he enters his second NFL season.

After being limited by injuries for much of his first two months of action, Watson totaled 523 receiving yards and eight touchdowns across the final eight games.

While that scoring pace will be hard to sustain, it's hard to imagine a world where Watson isn't a yearlong top option for Love.

Romeo Doubs slots in as the second option having proved himself as a rookie following his fourth-round selection in 2022. Though he can't turn on the burners the way No. 9 can, he's a technically sound wideout who quickly earned Rodgers' trust despite being a day three pick.

Having shown real chemistry with Love in two straight preseasons, Doubs could post even larger numbers now that he's paired with his fellow up-and-comer.

Additionally, rookies Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks will also compete for sizeable playing time. Reed was selected primarily for his field-stretching abilities, a skill that meshes well with Love's cannon of an arm.

Wicks' status as a fifth-round selection doesn't guarantee him a large role, but a strong preseason showing against the Bengals provided a brief taste of his talents.

Altogether, Brian Gutekunst has assembled a versatile group who can grow alongside their quarterback. If it fulfills its potential, Green Bay's offense will be very effective.

Yet, for all the excitement these players provide, there's also reasons to be skeptical. In the immediate future, it's unclear if this crew is ready to win consistently.

Playing devil's advocate

The array of young talent is exciting, but a glance at Green Bay's entire depth chart posses questions.

No wideout on the roster has played more than one NFL season, and only three of them have ever played an NFL game.

Throw in the pair of rookie tight ends for good measure, and you've got an extremely unproven group.

Even the top options, Watson and Doubs, have only ever caught a combined 83 receptions.

This could be a problem for any franchise, but it's especially notable for a Packers team that is starting a quarterback who has also seen limited NFL snaps thus far.

It's arguable the front office should've made it a priority to add at least one veteran Love could trust during his first year as the starter.

This could've meant finding a way to make sure Randall Cobb retired a Packer, overpaying a bit to keep Allen Lazard around or simply signing or trading for a new face.

No matter which route Gutekunst would've chosen, it would've been more secure than the track he's actually sent the Packers down.

As the offense is currently constructed, there's a ton of pressure on Love and his route runners to produce at a high level quickly. Otherwise, LaFleur's offense generally will struggle despite its above average run attack and offensive line.

Additionally, say Watson or Doubs deal with injuries like they did as rookies. With one of them sidelined, the depth only becomes more troublesome.

So while it's not inconceivable this youthful unit proves itself, it's also not a lock to happen.

Therefore, you have to wonder if the team will make a move to add one more receiver before the trade deadline passes this fall.

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