PFF ranks Packers receiving corps 14th in NFL entering 2024
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) celebrates with wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during their football game Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Pro Football Focus is using the offseason to go through and rank all position groups from around the league. Recently, PFF did a full 32-team ranking for the NFL's top receiving corps, and the Green Bay Packers' receiver group came in at No. 14.
It's important to note that wide receivers were not the only ones that factored into the rankings. The list includes wideouts, tight ends, and running backs who affect the passing game.
Here is what PFF had to say about Green Bay's receiving corps:
Three Packers wideouts — Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks — earned 70.0-plus PFF receiving grades in 2023, aided in no small part by quarterback Jordan Love's emergence.
Romeo Doubs was right below that, at 68.4, and tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft were both above 64.0. Green Bay lost the running back receiving ability of Aaron Jones but brought in Josh Jacobs. This is a very deep group of young pass-catchers.
Green Bay finishing in the league's top half is high praise for a group of young, talented pass-catchers who expect to be even better in 2024.
Last season, the team relied heavily on first- and second-year players to carry the offensive load, especially at the skill positions.
While Watson battled injuries, Doubs took on a much larger role, logging the most offensive snaps out of players who weren't an offensive lineman or named Jordan Love. The team's decision to build a younger roster also led to more opportunities for Reed, Wicks, Musgrave, and Kraft, all rookies last season.
Reed led the Packers in receptions and yards and tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns. His 64 receptions also set a new franchise record for catches by a rookie, surpassing Sterling Sharpe's total when he caught 55 passes in 1988.
Meanwhile, fifth-rounder Wicks finished third on the team in yards, showing off his skillful route running and reliable hands as the year progressed.
Tight ends typically face a steep learning curve when transitioning to the NFL, but Musgrave was an exception. He became an immediate contributor, emerging into a dynamic target for Love until a lacerated kidney sidelined him for six games. Musgrave did return for the season finale and the team's playoff run and is set to be a prime breakout candidate for the 2024 season.
After a rough start to his NFL career, Kraft showed he was a worthy fill-in during Musgrave's absence, flashing his run-after-catch ability and improved run-blocking. Kraft also expects to have a prominent role in Matt LaFleur's offense.
Despite their success last season, Green Bay still has a lot to prove compared to their peers. 14th overall isn't bad, but it is last in the NFC North behind the Chicago Bears (no. 4), Minnesota Vikings (no. 6), and Detroit Lions (no. 7).
Chicago reloaded on offense this season, pairing receivers Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze with DJ Moore. They also added running back D'Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett and will return Cole Kmet, providing a strong arsenal for first-overall pick Caleb Williams.
Meanwhile, Minnesota's and Detroit's are bolstered by two of the best receivers in the league in Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra. St Brown. Not to mention, TJ Hockenson and Sam Laporta are two of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Regardless of their ranking, Green Bay has to feel optimistic about their pass-catchers heading into next season. But whether this group can emerge as one of the league's top receiving corps will depend on their ability to stay healthy, build off last season, and continue their individual development.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: PFF ranks Packers receiving corps 14th in NFL entering 2024