Handing out the Green Bay Packers midseason awards

Ten weeks through the 2023 season, the Green Bay Packers sit at 3-6, third place in the NFC North, with eight games to fight back into playoff contention in a weak NFC.

Predictably, in what has turned out to be a season full of growing pains as the youngest team in football and its first season removed from Hall of Fame quarterback play, the Packers have struggled to get much going consistently.

Despite defensive scheme irregularities and being the lowest-scoring first-half offense, albeit the second-highest second-half scoring offense, there have been youngsters "earning their stripes" in a big way.

While certainly a few players are not meeting expectations, there have also been a few surprise players to ascend to weekly impact contributors, like rookie wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks and third-year defensive tackle TJ Slaton.

Here's a look at the midseason MVP, Least Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, and Most Improved Player.

Least Valuable Player: Josiah Deguara

Entering the season, there was hope that moving Deguara from tight end to fullback would open the door to a Kyle Juszczyk-type role in the Packers offense, where he'd be an asset as a blocker and pass catcher out of the backfield.

In 2021, he showed promise, finishing with 25 catches for 245 yards, playing second fiddle to Robert Tonyan at the position. But he regressed severely in 2022, to the tune of 13 catches for 114 yards.

In 2023, Deguara again has taken a turn for the worse in his overall contributions to the Packers offense. He boasts a measly 52.3 PFF grade, largely due to his failures as a run blocker.

Deguara's blocking in 2023 has arguably been the most unimpressive contribution to the entire offense. It is likely to result in his contract not being picked up in 2024 if he makes it without getting cut before then.

With Deguara's time in Green Bay likely nearing its end, Green Bay could look to further incorporate rookie third-round tight end Tucker Kraft into the offense. Kraft has shown willingness as a blocker in limited snaps and, alongside Luke Musgrave, would give the Packers ample matchup advantages in two-tight end sets.

Runner up: Jon Runyan Jr.