Building blocks: who are the Packers mid-season MVPs

The Green Bay Packers are 3-5 at the mid-mark of their season — it’s not exactly as it was during the 16-game schedule era, but you get the point. As an average or slightly below average team so far, there haven’t been great individual performers, but a couple of players have shown how impactful they […]

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer

Nov 6, 2023 9:54 AM EST

The Green Bay Packers are 3-5 at the mid-mark of their season — it’s not exactly as it was during the 16-game schedule era, but you get the point.

As an average or slightly below average team so far, there haven’t been great individual performers, but a couple of players have shown how impactful they are and/or how valuable they can be for the future of the franchise.

So, let’s analyze who the most valuable players at each unit are so far.

Offense: OT Zach Tom

It's hard to find bright spots on the Green Bay Packers offense, but the best and most consistent player is an obvious choice: right tackle Zach Tom. This is his first year as a full-time starter, and the first year in which he plays at a single primary position after rotating through the offensive line as a rookie in 2022. Tom has the highest PFF grade of the offense. The second-year player is establishing himself as a building block.

"He's shown that the moment's not too big for him," Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said during the season.

In a season where every offensive linemen regressed compared to last year, Tom took a step up in his game. He's solid and versatile, being reliable both as a pass protector and as a run blocker.

The Packers long-term situation at tackle is a mystery because of fluid scenarios regarding David Bakhtiari. But Zach Tom is an important part of the equation, either if he keeps playing at right tackle or if he moves to left tackle eventually.

Defense: EDGE Rashan Gary

Gary became the highest-paid defensive player in Green Bay Packers history last week, when he signed a four-year, $96 million extension. And it's fair to say it was a team-friendly deal. Combining these two factors, it's easy to see how impactful Gary is for the Packers.

He's had 28 pressures and 4.5 sacks this season, and he's one of the most efficient edge rushers in the entire league in terms of pass rush win rate.

"Rashan has been an impact player and person for us since he joined the Packers," said Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. "His work ethic is unmatched and he has developed into a team leader and cornerstone of our team. We are very pleased that he will remain in Green Bay for years to come."

Rashan Gary is a great player, he's young, and plays at a premium position. He's the MVP of the defense, and his level and overall impact make him the MVP of the entire roster as well.

Special teams: LB Eric Wilson

Rookie kicker Anders Carlson and first-year punter Daniel Whelan have been decent players for the Packers, but it's hard to overstate how important veteran linebacker Eric Wilson has been for the team's special teams. The unit has had an underwhelming performance (28th in DVOA) considering the investment and the expectations over Rich Bisaccia's job, but Wilson is a bright spot.

Eric Wilson has played almost 70% of the special teams snaps this season, because he is a starter in kick coverage, kick return, punt coverage, and punt return. He has eventually played in field goal and extra point block too.

The Packers have a surprisingly high number of players who are on the 53-man roster specifically to play on special teams. Not many deliver enough, but Eric Wilson is worth every penny.