The Green Bay Packers continue to own the NFC North. But the team has little to show for its recent record. Can these new additions make a difference?
So much for all those regular-season accolades.
Under the command of head coach Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay Packers have won the NFC North three straight years and totaled 13 victories in each of those seasons.
The club has been the NFC’s top playoff seed each of the past two years. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been the league’s MVP for two consecutive years.
But all the club has to show for that excellence is a 2-3 postseason record, with playoff losses at Lambeau Field in both 2020 (Buccaneers) and 2021 (49ers).
There have been some big-time changes to the Green Bay roster. And while the club dabbled a bit in free agency, general manager Brian Gutekunst wound up drafting 11 players in April.
So which of the new faces in “Titletown” rate as the team’s best?
Green Bay Packers top offseason pickup no. 3: WR Christian Watson (North Dakota State)
Not only was the deal that sent wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders somewhat surprising at the time, but the Green Bay Packers also lost two other pass catchers to free agency in Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chiefs) and Equanimeous St. Brown (Bears).
So now it’s up to 2022 second-round pick Christian Watson to take up some of the slack left by the departure of the prolific Adams. Of course, that’s easier said than done. But the talented performer has drawn some positive attention this offseason.
The Packers also added veteran wideout Sammy Watkins this offseason. But there will be a lot of eyes on the rookie from North Dakota State, who GM Brian Gutekunst grabbed by trading up to the 34th overall pick in the second round.