After falling short in the postseason a few weeks ago, the Green Bay Packers are heading back to the drawing board. Despite finishing with a solid 11-win season, the way their season ended must be disappointing for both the franchise and its fans, and that disappointment will linger for some time.

This team is much better than their playoff performance suggests. On the bright side, their current situation can provide a strong foundation for improvement in all areas for next season. As one of the youngest teams in the NFL, with an average age of 25 years, the Packers can take the next step as a team if they approach it the right way.

It All Starts In April

Besides sorting out player contracts, the best way to improve a roster is to make wise choices in the NFL Draft. Fortunately for the Green Bay Packers, they have a strong history of success in the draft process. Over the past five years, all first- and second-round draft picks are still on the team, and many were starters this season.

Notably, the Packers have found valuable talent in recent years with players like Jordan Love, Jayden Reed, Eric Stokes, Edgerrin Cooper, Luke Van Ness, and others.

General manager Brian Gutekunst will likely make wise selections again in 2025, especially with the Packers holding four picks in the first three rounds. The team could benefit from enhancing their pass rush, and players like Mike Green, Nick Scourton, and Alfred Collins may be available in the mid-20s. Every off-season starts with a solid draft process, which is crucial for developing this young Packers team.

Offense Has Room To Grow

As the season approached, there was a lot of excitement surrounding Jordan Love and the Packers’ offense. Love’s elite pocket presence, strong arm, and downfield accuracy make him one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL on a skill basis.

This year, with the significant addition of newcomer Josh Jacobs, the team was able to rely on the rushing attack during crucial games to help control the tempo. Jacobs’ versatility posed challenges for opposing defenses, often focusing their attention on him. Still, Jacobs finished in the top five among running backs in carries, yards per carry, and yards.

Throughout most games, Love had four primary targets: Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, along with Tucker Kraft. Together, they formed one of the best-receiving corps in the league, all possessing a strong downfield presence and being reliable targets in the red zone. This group struggled to find their rhythm for all four quarters.

Love, in particular, took a step back this year, aside from an early-season injury. He finished with nearly 800 fewer passing yards and seven fewer touchdowns than his previous season. Additionally, he struggled down the stretch, failing to surpass 250 passing yards in the last month of games.

Could having too many options be a factor? Perhaps. Was Jacobs’ presence as a Packer diminishing the impact of other offensive weapons? That’s also a possibility.

As Watson and Doubs approach the end of their contracts, the team may consider adding another weapon through the NFL Draft or free agency. This would provide Love with even more weapons to work with. If the team can retain Love and Jacobs and have Reed along with two other reliable wide receivers next season, the offense will likely see significant improvements in production. There’s even a possibility of returning to their 2023 passing game form, which ranked among the top five in all major passing categories.

Turnover Kings

Jeff Hafley led the defensive unit to an outstanding season in his first year as defensive coordinator with the Packers. With experience from a three-year tenure as head coach at Boston College and over a decade coaching defensive backs in college and the NFL.

Hafley demonstrated a strong ability to utilize his players’ specific strengths. Recent reports indicate that Hafley is a top candidate for a head coaching position, either this year or next, following an impressive 2024 season. On the field, the Packers were led by what might be the most dynamic trio of linebackers in the NFL: Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, and Cooper.

On the front line, defensive end Rashan Gary also played a pivotal role alongside the trio. This whole group was crucial in guiding the defense throughout the 2024 season. Although top cornerback Jaire Alexander, the team’s best defender over the last three seasons, was limited to just seven games this year due to various injuries.

The Packers’ defensive backfield exceeded expectations. Instead of struggling, this group came together and performed strongly all season. Xavier McKinney, Keisean Nixon, and Javon Bullard delivered exceptional performances, especially toward the end of the season.

Overall, the Packers’ defense ranked among the top 12 in both yards and points allowed. They finished in the top 8 for total turnovers forced, with 16 forced fumbles (ranking 8th) and 17 interceptions (ranking 3rd). Statistically, this Packers defense had one of its best seasons in recent memory.

They boasted an impressive pass rush, versatility at all three levels, and tenacious defenders in the secondary, making this unit elite. Just like the offensive core, if the Packers can retain most of their defensive players for 2025, we can expect an even better season from this group.

Looking Ahead

You could argue that the Packers are one of the most complete teams in the NFL, top to bottom. They have a top-tier offense, a versatile defense, and a coach who knows how to maximize his players’ potential. In the first round of the playoffs, the Packers faced a tough matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the outcome was somewhat expected. If they drew a different opponent in round one, we might be watching them play next Sunday.

If the Packers can draft wisely, retain most of its roster, and stay healthy at the beginning of the 2025 season, they could emerge as favorites in the NFC. However, one challenge they face is their daunting schedule for 2025. Statistically, the Packers will have the ninth most challenging schedule next season.

Still, with the talent on their roster and a well-organized coaching staff, this team has much to be optimistic about for 2025. The Cheeseheads will be back, better than ever, for the upcoming season.