Ranking the 5 most important players on Green Bay Packers' 2024 roster feat. Jordan Love and Jaire Alexander
Jordan Love's Green Bay Packers, just like any roster, can be boiled down to their stars. If their handful of stars don't perform, the team will crumble. However, there are usually a player or two in a critical position that could compromise the entire operation if they don't do their job well, regardless of their star status. That said, here are the five most important players on the Packers' roster in 2024.
#5 - Jayden Reed
The wide receiver will be heading into his second season. After proving to have strong chemistry with Jordan Love last year, the wide receiver might make up a larger chunk of the offense this season. The team could struggle if he doesn't perform at a high level. Reed earned roughly 800 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
#4 - Christian Watson
The former FCS player has taken the mantle of first-string wide receiver with the Green Bay Packers. However, he hasn't yet given the team a full season of work. For teams to be dominant, they need their first-string receiver to be an ironman. Aaron Rodgers would not have won nearly as many games without Davante Adams.
As such, Watson and Love could have missed out on multiple wins due to Watson's injuries. A healthy Watson could be the difference between a nine-win team and an 11+ win team in 2024.
#3 - Kenny Clark
Without pressure, any NFL quarterback can pick apart any defense. Kenny Clark is the star of the defensive line and the tone-setter for the pass rush. If Clark struggles, the pass rush will struggle. Last season, he turned in 7.5 sacks, per Pro Football Reference. More importantly, he soaked up the offensive line's attention, opening up opportunities for other rushers.
#2 - Jaire Alexander
If a roster's No. 1 cornerback is a turnstile, it is difficult for that team to win. Jaire Alexander has had injury troubles before, so being unavailable is almost as bad as playing poorly. It will be up to Alexander to serve as the first line of defense against the best wide receivers in the NFL. Last year, he posted a 70.2 PFF grade, which was serviceable considering his competition.
#1 - Jordan Love
Almost 95% of the time, the quarterback is the most important player on any roster. They touch the ball more than any other position (except center). As such, they can lose games in just a few plays. However, they also can win them just as fast, although that rarely happens. Jordan Love is set to become the highest-paid player on his team because the Packers are aware of the importance of the position.