Who Will Emerge As New Leaders For The Packers
A lot of long-time veterans have left the Packers in the last year and a half. So who will fill the leadership void in the locker room?
By BruceIrons
In case you haven't heard, Aaron Rodgers is no longer on the Packers.
Neither is Davante Adams.
Those were not only the two biggest stars on the team, but also two of the most tenured veterans. They were guys who younger players looked to for leadership.
Randall Cobb is another veteran presence that is missing and the oldest player remaining on offense, David Bakhtiari, may be viewed as an outsider who might not even be with the team much longer. His uncertain situation may make it harder for younger players to rally around him.
On top of it all, Marcedes Lewis, an incredible locker room presence, is also gone.
So who will the offense look to?
Jordan Love?
He seems to be getting along quite well with his new teammates, but I think he may have to prove himself on the field before players rally around him.
The receivers and tight ends are all pretty new, and the offensive linemen doesn't have many established veterans, either. Elgton Jenkins may be the best bet in that regard, but he hasn't shown that yet, despite playing at a high level.
That leaves Aaron Jones.
He's loved by fans and players alike. He's an established star. And his work ethic and personal morals seem to be top notch, based on his family story and on-field work.
I could see him emerging as leader for the offense, along with his running mate, AJ Dillon.
Dillon is an affable presence off the field, who players seem to easily endear themselves to. He hosts offseason events, gives great interviews, and has a key to Door County.
There's a lot to like, and his quads show his dedication and work ethic. His chemistry with Aaron Jones will help other players see him as a leader, too.
With a new offense that is expected to run more, I could see Jones and Dillon stepping into leadership roles on offense.
The defense is also looking for new leadership voices.
Adrian Amos doesn't look likely to return and Za'Darius Smith is gone - regardless of how he left, he was a guy who led the transformation of the Packers culture on defense.
There's a leadership void growing on that side of the ball, as well.
Jaire Alexander is a superstar and Kenny Clark is a stud, but both of them seem like players who lead by example more than with words (Jaire's trash-talking aside).
Rashan Gary is out for the beginning of the season and guys like Quay Walker are too young to take on that role.
However, the defense has a couple veteran starters who have been on other teams and understand the game and the league in a way that puts them in a position to lead: Preston Smith and Rasul Douglas.
Smith and Douglas have the veteran presence that younger players rally around and the big plays to back up their position on the team. They seem the most likely candidates to emerge as leaders on a defense that is loaded with young, homegrown players.
The Packers have done a good job of keeping the talent pipeline going, but they are a young team. That means the leadership pipeline needs to keep growing, too. There are a lot of young players who can develop into leaders, but right now, veterans like Aaron Jones, Preston Smith, and Rasul Douglas will have to carry the mantle.
Bruce Irons has played, coached, and studied football for decades. Best-selling author of books such as A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Draft, A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Salary Cap, and A Fan's Guide To NFL Free Agency Hits And Misses, Bruce contributes to CheeseHeadTV and PackersForTheWin.com.
Follow Bruce Irons on Twitter at @BruceIronsNFL.
Comments (33)
PackEyedOptimist
June 09, 2023 at 06:15 am
You forgot recent All-Pro DeVondre Campbell.
I think Love will be a leader IF he is reasonably successful on the field.
I was recently thinking about leadership on this team, as I’ve lamented the lack of leadership on the defense ever since Woodson left. When you have a bunch of peers, with no clear leader, SOMEONE (usually) rises up and takes the reins. Pro football rosters are loaded with former leaders of college and high school teams, so I’m sure several will become known. We could be surprised by a guy like Kraft or Nixon.
T7Steve
June 09, 2023 at 07:21 am
You took my thoughts. The obvious player to lead the D should be Campbell. Lead and HOLD accountable. Who would want to look Ray Nitschke in the eyes after missing an assignment. After that he'd come over and say, "suck it up we'll get em next time, we've got you covered".
greengold
June 09, 2023 at 08:00 am
I was thinking same PEO, but Campbell needs to be a regular in the dominator category. His run D grades dropped from 82.0 in 2021 to 60.2 in 2022 according to PFF. His tackles fell off, naturally with the addition of Quay, but so did his FFs.
Guys like Bak, Clark & Jones have been top notch for years. Campbell definitely brings leadership to that LB Room. No doubt.
SicSemperTyrannis
June 11, 2023 at 04:30 am
From what I've read, the whole locker room rallies around JL10 already. Seems like he could only lose it if he plays terribly, which none of us expect.
In terms of #33 being a leader, maybe he's already done that by rallying around JL10 in interviews and probably much more we haven't heard about with his team mates.
Nixon certainly rallies the troops! If he takes a big step forward on D he might have a natural leadership role, but I'm hoping we have enough depth to be able to use him more sparingly and reduce risk of injury.
Obviously a captain of the defense is needed, but I think there's room for guys like Smith and Douglas to be looked up to without crowding anyone else out.
Savage57
June 09, 2023 at 06:16 am
You pose an interesting question, given the vacuum of locker room leaders the Packers are now facing. Bakhtiari is a tenured veteran, but his allegiance to Rodgers hardly makes him fit for that role in a team looking to turn the page.
That's something that has to develop organically this season, and it's going to be part of the intrigue this season brings. We're getting a chance to witness the birth of a new team, with a new identity that will be formed by their play and who's making them.
Like pornography, we'll know it when we see it.
TxFred
June 09, 2023 at 07:56 am
Agree Bat, does fit a leadership roll. Team will distance from him, because he's AR bud. But not for long. Will be interesting to see who emerges into a leadership roll. I can see, Love, Dillon & Jones all in their own special way. They all have leadership qualities. Clark & Campbell on D. Possibly one or two more. ST leadership is wide open. All part of this team development individually & as unit. Looking forward to a few surprises. GPG !!!!
greengold
June 09, 2023 at 10:51 am
Yeah, maybe Bak really likes his new role as the wise elder team leader of the Packers, removed from AR's shadow...???
SoCalJim
June 09, 2023 at 07:59 pm
I think the world of DB, but he doesn’t strike me as a “leader.”
greengold
June 09, 2023 at 09:14 am
Savage, I find this notion of Bak allegiance to AR fascinating. What if that weren't the case? What if Bak actually relishes his own opportunity to shine outside of the dark AR clouds now enveloping NY???
LOL.
Fire in Canada my ass!
But, seriously. There is a chance Bakhtiari will be very happy to stay in GB, rework his deal to make it far more team friendly, allowing him to ride out the remainder of his career here as a Green Bay Packer. Personally, I think there more players who saw through all the AR BS than we might think. They may feel that Jordan Love is ready, and possibly the better player between those two.
*** Enter Mercedes Lewis. I don't know about anyone else, but if both Bak and Big Dog decide to hitch their wagons to the Love Train... that would be one hell of a statement. I wonder if Lewis doesn't sign onto a team friendly deal to play for the Packers again instead of the Jets. That would be telling.
I don't think for a second the Jets are going to win the Super Bowl. I don't think those remaining Packers veterans do either.
bjkdad44
June 09, 2023 at 05:55 pm
🤞🏻🙏🏻🤞🏻
SicSemperTyrannis
June 11, 2023 at 04:35 am
Is Big Dog staying in GB an option?
Bakh is an intriguing situation; I still think the team is better with him and hard pressed to replace him, but we'll see who steps up.
PackAttack4155
June 09, 2023 at 06:33 am
This young offense is fortunate to have Aaron Jones on the roster. He always looks like he's having a blast while getting the job done. He enjoys being a Packer, and it shows.
greengold
June 09, 2023 at 06:35 am
Dominators = Team Leaders
You don’t become a team leader without exhibiting that quality. As for NEW Team Leaders, I think we’ll see them come from this group:
Love
Watson
Doubs
Wyatt
Musgrave
Brooks
Van Ness
Nixon
Reed
Melton
Moore
Valentine
Walker
Cox Jr.
None of us can know now who amongst all the other new players on our Packers team can be that Bakhtiari, Clark, Jones level dominator. It’s all left to be played out.
Love & Watson are givens in my book.
Wyatt jumped out to me. Many think, “Well, if he can be anything close to Kenny Clark…”
Wyatt has a chance to surpass Clark this season. I believe he & Clark are are going to ball out this season with the adds of very sure EDGE holders vs. the run in Van Ness, Enagbare, Cox Jr. to an already accomplished Preston Smith. Gary enters in here too.
That’s a lot of EDGE talent to funnel rushers into the Wyatt/Clark meat grinder. THE MEAT GRINDER in THE BUTCHER SHOP!!! If Wyatt dominates here, he could easily become that guy, fitting right alongside the vet, Clark.
Nixon seems a natural as a NEW Team Leader, especially if he adds return TDs AND crushes the slot on D. That would make him near legendary. If Nixon piles up INTs into dominator realm… 7, 8 or 9 INTs… ??? Those are Woodson’s numbers.
It wouldn’t be impossible with the amount of pass rush added to this Packers team.
Speaking of INTs, a most unlikely new team leader/dominator could very well be Darnell Savage, with this much pass rush added. Highly unlikely (on the level I wonder if he makes the 53 unlikely) but, maybe he gets that breakout season.
AND if pass rush becomes THAT MUCH of a factor in Packers success? One or more of those guys become instant team leaders.
The cream always floats to the top.
SicSemperTyrannis
June 11, 2023 at 04:42 am
I'm still rooting for Luke Ness Monster, lol.
I agree with your thinking in terms of edge, pass rush, and add to that the versatility JB has valued. MLF kept him around and we aren't going to change that, maybe it pays off?
Pass rush increases turnovers :)
I do agree that defense driving this team makes so much sense if this season is going to exceed expectations ...
GPG!
stockholder
June 09, 2023 at 06:37 am
IMO - The Captains will take over.
Jones was a captain last year.
Jenkins should be.
And I'm going to say Dobbs.
Why Dobbs; - The badge might go to his head.
It's too soon for Love. Maybe next year.
On Defense you had Clark and Campbell.
And Alexander was.
So that works for now.
STs- Crosby is gone so.
So Nixon works.
SicSemperTyrannis
June 11, 2023 at 04:43 am
This team rallies around Nixon :)
NickPerry
June 09, 2023 at 06:58 am
I think you have to look at Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon as the leaders of the offense and hopefully Jenkins takes a step forward to help fill that roll. IMO it's important that one of the "Big Uglies" as Keith Jackson used to refer to them as, is one of your leaders on the offensive side of the ball...
On defense Smith would be a good choice but is he really that type of player? IF Rashon Gary is healthy week one, he would be an obvious pick I think. Campbell could be that guy but I also like Quay Walker. I know, I know, Walker needs to be able to keep his cool and stay on the field, don't do the dumb shit that got you booted TWICE last season. But I expect Walker to be that guy on defense who takes a huge, huge jump this season and can really be a special player.
The best way to lead is by example... If Walker takes the jump I expect him to take, he'd be an easy guy for his teammates to look to. I honestly think this kid will be one of the better ILB in the entire NFL this season.
As each day passes, with each new podcast or article I hear or read about the Packers reminds me just who much is a unknown about this team. It also makes it one exciting and anticipated seasons I can remember in a long, LONG time.
T7Steve
June 09, 2023 at 07:33 am
"Walker needs to be able to keep his cool and stay on the field, don't do the dumb shit that got you booted TWICE last season"
Expect that other teams are going to bait him with sideline people, especially division opponents. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if that didn't happen while that trainer walked by him in the Detroit game. Walker hears someone spouting behind him and just turns and reacts. Hopefully he's learned and can use it against them.
PackAttack4155
June 09, 2023 at 07:41 am
That would make for a good training technique in practice. Send out training staff to get in his way. Test his patience, ad nauseam, before any other team gets the chance. It seems like he takes every touch, push, inadvertent collision, or side glance as a call to arms. This isn't backyard football, it's the NFL. He has to learn to control his fury. Keep it between the whistles.
Can never underestimate the power of a smile in competitive events. It can unhinge an opponent, throwing their attempts to intimidate right back in their face. Win the psychological battle! Could end up where opposing teams are trying to get him to snap, and they get the penalty instead.
Coldworld
June 09, 2023 at 08:09 am
Leadership is a personality thing more than a product of tenure. Leaders emerge you can’t crown them. We will see, but the most likely candidates are guys like Jones and Jaire from what I’ve seen, but it’s not always the extroverts that turn out to be the real leaders. I’d not be surprised if Jenkins isn’t one who folks listen to, but since we do not know the dynamics in the club house, it’s all just a guess.
greengold
June 09, 2023 at 08:38 am
Was thinking that same thing about Elgton Jenkins, and the closest I can come up with as a quiet, dominant team leader in recent Packers history are Nick Collins and/or Ryan Pickett. Previous era would be Sean Jones/Dorsey Levens/Edgar Bennett.
RCPackerFan
June 09, 2023 at 08:20 am
With this team being mostly younger players there aren't a lot of guys with a lot of experience. But experience doesn't always equate to leadership. Some people are naturally born leaders.
Some guys who I would consider leaders on offense based on their experience, it would be Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins. Some of the guys that feel like they maybe leaders on offense, but we don't have the experience are Jordan Love, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Josh Myers.
For defense guys who I think would be leaders based on experience are Kenny Clark, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, De'Vondre Campbell, Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, and Darnell Savage. Some guys who could become leaders on defense are
Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt.
For Special Teams the leaders I feel are Rudy Ford, Dallin Leavitt, Keisean Nixon, Eric Wilson, Pat O'Donnell, Tariq Carpenter
There are a lot of candidates to be leaders. We don't have many 10+ year players on the roster. In fact we have 2. Bakhtiari and O'Donnell. There are only 11 players with over 5 years experience.
It will be fun to watch and see who steps up this year.
croatpackfan
June 09, 2023 at 08:48 am
Well I read that most of the guys from offense were writing down what Jordan Love was telling to them. I believe that is how leadership starts.
Also, leaders do not need to be the loudest voice in the locker room. There is many ways how you can lead a group of people. Sometimes it is calmness when is the most important moments and you'll follow that guy who can gives you security in the mess. Sometimes is necessary to rise the voice to cut turmoil. As I said, there is so many ways you can lead.
If you ask for rah-rah guy, than you can put out Kenny, Preston, De'Vondre, Rasoul, Elgton. Those are guys that speak silently by their practice, behavior and playing.
Who can be rah-rah guy? Well, Jaire looks like one. Maybe Jones or AJ. At this moment is hard to say. We should wait at least 1. preseason game to see who can be that guy.
SicSemperTyrannis
June 11, 2023 at 04:51 am
I think it'll take longer than that for team leaders to emerge. There's so much talent that these guys might just gel and not need this type of thing ...
Untylu1968
June 09, 2023 at 09:40 am
From everything I've seen, Rodgers had nothing but high praise for Love. So if Jordan is as smart as I believe he is, he will carry on and run with the great traits he picked up from #12/8, and shitcan the dark side of Aaron. I for one will not be shocked, and totally expect Love to be a great QB, teammate and leader.
Since'61
June 09, 2023 at 09:44 am
I'm thinking that when Gary returns and is fully healthy he can be a leader for the defense. On offense I think it will be Aaron Jones until Love reaches the point where he can consistently make plays and move the team. That could be half of 2023 or it could take 2 seasons like it did with Favre and Rodgers.
In any case and whoever it is this team has lacked good, solid field leadership for a long time. At least since the days of Collins and Woodson on the defensive side and since the Rodgers of 2016 when he claimed that Packers would run the table when they were 4-6.
Someone needs to step up and earn it on both sides of the ball.
The bigger question is where is the leadership from the coaching staff? I'm going with Bisaccia and that is a probably a contributing factor in why he was promoted to Assistant HC. That and to keep him from being poached away by another team.
Leaders often emerge from players who we don't expect it from. We'll see.
Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
June 09, 2023 at 10:23 am
You make a great point in referencing leadership within the coaching staff. Now Rodgers-less, that has to start with LaFleur, but we need those below him to earn that of their sides of the ball/personnel rooms if we are to be a success.
One of the signs of a leader emerging in management is his or her influence and involvement spreading organically beyond the strict confines of responsibility. That certainly seemed visibly true of Bissacia last year and has only expanded apparently this year—that’s not always the case with Assistant Head Coach promotions.
As to whether that is an indication of a vacuum at the top, it may be. It’s possible that Bissacia is evolving into a space LaFleur can’t or won’t fill. However, that’s not necessarily so. If LaFleur is, for example, a big picture guy for the most part outside of a narrow focus, his approach maybe to encourage a bigger role for others in other areas. That can work very well. Charitably, I can see indications of both possibilities in LaFleur. Another thing that this season probably sheds light on.
Since'61
June 09, 2023 at 12:56 pm
Yes Coldworld we agree that this season will shed light on numerous issues and questions for the 2023 Packers. Coaching at every level, draft selections, and of course the players themselves. I'm expecting it to be a hell of a ride. Thanks, Since '61
SicSemperTyrannis
June 11, 2023 at 04:55 am
61, I'd certainly love it if RB turns into a leader of the D as well as ST
PatrickGB
June 09, 2023 at 10:51 am
Of course, I am not in the locker or film rooms. But the aforementioned players are more of Rah Rah kinda guys. Lewis was a leader. Everyone else seem like nice guys. I believe that under Matt the team is full of “nice guys”. Don’t get me wrong, nice guys are great but they are not always cut out to be leaders. I see a close locker room but leaders are rare. They are not always the best players or the most vocal ones. On defense I see Clark, Campbell and maybe Alexander as leader types. On offense my hope is that Love becomes one but he does not look like one yet. Bahk is my next choice to finally step into that role.
Since'75
June 09, 2023 at 11:53 am
Off topic, from discussion down the hall where i used to live.
This concerns how people are reacting to Bahktiari's recent comments.
********************
The reason some are hating on Bahk is because, he isn’t ‘carrying the G’.
Here is one reason why Bahk is absolutely correct.
In past years (decades), the goal has always been the Super Bowl.
Or at least getting to the NFCCG.
Yes, we heard Gute say the goal here hasn’t changed recently…I call Bull****.
Right now, there is no realistic goal of a Super Bowl, or even an NFCCG. If it is, those people are living in fantasyland.
The goal here…….is .500, maybe slipping in as a wildcard.
I'm more in the 6-8 game win range.
I’m not (or ever was) an unrealistic dreamer, that’s a naive losers game.
What’s next?…Royce Newman is a 10 year starter?
At the end of the day, it is, what it is, as Bahk stated.
LambeauPlain
June 09, 2023 at 02:05 pm
Also off topic...is your posting photo what you looked like in '75...what has happened since? :-)
Since'75
June 10, 2023 at 10:56 pm
Golly Gee , that's just hurtful....
Maybe i should give you a thumbs down and make myself feel better like some of you do.
Some milk and cookie's wouldn't hurt either i'll bet.
But, as always LP, thanks for trying.
Never give up!! 😏