Two Green Bay Packers named to the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023
Leading cornerback Jaire Alexander received 26 votes, and Aaron Jones, a running back, received 64 votes.
This year, the NFL conducted things a little differently by posting some of the poll results on NFL+, its new streaming service. The lists were released almost every day, as opposed to once a week on NFL Network. It all culminated with a Top 10 reveal on Monday night.
Two Green Bay Packers made the list this year.
Which Packers made the Top 100?
Cornerback Jaire Alexander was voted to the No. 26 spot on this year’s list.
Widely considered one of the best defensive backs in the NFL, Alexander was named second-team All-Pro and received a Pro Bowl spot last season. He receives a lot of praise for his role in holding division foe and one of the best receivers in football, Justin Jefferson, to just one catch and 15 yards in their week 17 matchup.
“When he’s on his game, it’s hard to beat,” said teammate Aaron Jones in the NFL+ clip announcing Alexander’s ranking. “Jaire wants to show that he is the best corner in the league by covering the best receiver and taking on that challenge.”
In2022, Alexander signed the biggest contract ever given to a cornerback in NFL history. He promptly responded by registering five interceptions, which is the second-highest total in the league.
Jones, a Packers running back, came in at No. 64.
Longtime division foe and former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks, who now plays for the Los Angeles Chargers, said during the NFL+ clip announcing Jones’ ranking that “I respect his game because his ability to make the moves and use his speed to his advantage. He is a tough dirty back, though, especially when it comes to the tough dirty downs.
Jones rushed for over 1,000 yards for the third time in his career last season. He scored seven touchdowns, with five of those coming through the air. This year marks Jones’ third appearance after previously being ranked 30th in 2021 and 33rd in 2020.
Which other Packers had a chance at making the list?
The Packers’ performance in 2022, finishing with a 8-9 record, and injuries likely affected where players ranked.
David Bakhtiari, Jones, Alexander, and De’Vondre Campbell are the four current Packers who were on the list in the past. Bakhtiari only started 11 games last season due to injury and that likely affected how players voted. And after a breakout season in 2021, Campbell fell off the list this year.
Defensive lineman Kenny Clark made a top 100 in at leastย one media outlet’s list. Clark is regarded as one of the league’s top nose tackles even though he did not win any awards the previous season. Offensive guard Elgton Jenkins is also considered one of the best in the NFL. Both did not make the NFL Top 100 this year.
Of the nine games that linebacker Rashan Gary played, he was impactful. But like Bakhtiari, lack of games due to injury resulted in him not making the Top 100 this year. Similarly, wide receiver Christian Watson had a strong rookie outing, but injuries and the depth chart affected his targets.
Where did Aaron Rodgers land?
If you believe in the quarterback rating statistic, Aaron Rodgers had the worst season of his career as the starting quarterback for the Packers last season. As a result, the players held Rodgers in much lower regard. Rodgers was voted to the No. 51 spot.
Rodgers was named No. 1 following his first MVP award in 2012 and was named No. 2 in 2015 following his second time receiving the award.ย He’s been named to the top 10 nine times and to the top 3 four times.
Rodgers is the only player to make the Top 100 in every year of its existence, beginning in 2011. Last year, he was voted the third-best player in the league. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald was voted No. 2. Quarterback Tom Brady came in at No. 1.
Rodgers threw for 3,695 yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season with the Packers.
Any other former Packers?
Voted to the No. 95 spot is New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams, who played for the Detroit Lions last season.