Over the four years under the leadership of Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers seemed to consistently fall short of having a complete team.
Each season brought its own set of challenges, whether it was lacking a reliable second option for Devante Adams, a shortage of depth at linebacker, or a vulnerable special teams unit that notably cost them the 2022 Divisional Round game against the San Francisco 49ers.
This game was perhaps their best opportunity to claim a Lombardi Trophy since their last victory in 2011.
However, the Packers are now embarking on a new chapter under the emerging leadership of quarterback Jordan Love, who is poised for a significant payday.
This fresh start is bolstered by three consecutive years of accumulating multiple picks in the first or second rounds of the NFL draft, ensuring that the team is well-equipped at nearly every position.
Yet, despite this promising roster, the youthful composition of the team, which was the youngest in the NFL in 2023, signifies a need for both improvement and veteran experience.
Aaron Schatz of ESPN, the creator of the DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) system for team performance analysis, suggests that the Packers would benefit significantly from adding a seasoned player like Stephon Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year.
Schatz points out that Eric Stokes is currently expected to start opposite Jaire Alexander, but Stokes has been plagued by injuries, playing only 12 games over the past two seasons due to ankle and hamstring issues.
The Packers, Schatz argues, need a more experienced backup than Corey Ballentine or Carrington Valentine. Gilmore, at 33, still has much to offer and could provide valuable depth, even if he doesn’t secure the starting spot during training camp.
Schatz’s assessment is accurate: Eric Stokes, a former first-round pick, has struggled to regain his rookie-year form due to persistent injuries.
Meanwhile, both Stokes and Jaire Alexander missed substantial parts of the 2023 season, necessitating that backups Corey Ballentine and rookie Carrington Valentine step up. Impressively, despite these challenges, the Packers managed to achieve the 13th-ranked passing defense in the 2023 regular season—a testament to their resilience and depth.
Stephon Gilmore, on the other hand, continues to demonstrate his prowess, earning a solid 74.4 PFF grade and an exceptional 90.4 rating when targeted.
While there are questions about whether the Packers can afford Gilmore and if his addition is truly necessary, his continued performance suggests he would be a valuable asset. As long as the former New England Patriot decides to continue his career, he is likely to find a team willing to leverage his talents in 2024.
