The Green Bay Packers are not just good—they are a team on the rise. Ranked third in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) for the season, and holding the top spot since Week 11, the Packers have managed to blend a winning formula with a youthful energy that’s catching the eyes of NFL fans and analysts alike. But what truly sets the Packers apart this season isn’t just their record or their efficiency on the field—it’s the undeniable youthfulness that defines them. ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell recently highlighted this by sharing a graphic that shows the Packers as the youngest team in the entire NFL when factoring in snap-weighted age through the first 16 weeks of the season. It’s a staggering statistic that sets the tone for the future of the team.
What’s most impressive about this youth movement is the way the Packers have built their roster. Green Bay boasts the youngest offense and the second-youngest defense in the league. When you look at the entire roster, based on the snaps played by each player, the Packers are head and shoulders above the rest. The age gap between Green Bay and the second-youngest team, the New York Giants, is so wide that it rivals the difference in age between the Giants and the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos, two teams that find themselves in the middle of the pack in terms of roster age. The Packers’ average age for their roster sits at just 25.7 years old, which is a full 2.6 years younger than the Giants, and a staggering 2.6 years younger than the Texans and Broncos, who rank in the 21st and 22nd spots, respectively.
In stark contrast, the rest of the NFC North is aging faster than Green Bay. Despite the Minnesota Vikings’ competitive rebuild, they still hold the title of the oldest team in the NFL, with an average age of 28.3 years. The Detroit Lions aren’t much younger, ranking 12th with an average age of 27.2 years. The Chicago Bears are 19th, at 27.0 years, showing that Green Bay is in a league of its own when it comes to youth.
How the Packers Have Done It
The Packers’ ability to assemble such a young yet talented roster didn’t happen by accident. It’s a result of a highly strategic approach to the draft and player acquisition, with general manager Brian Gutekunst at the helm. Since 2020, Green Bay has added 53 players to the roster, averaging 10.6 draft picks per year. This influx of talent has allowed the Packers to cultivate a deep roster that isn’t just young, but also capable of competing at a high level.
While any team that drafts this many players will have its fair share of misses, the Packers’ scouting department has consistently found gems. The sheer volume of picks means that, with enough opportunities, the law of averages works in their favor. In particular, Green Bay’s ability to find quality contributors late in the draft has been exceptional. Take left tackle Rasheed Walker and cornerback Carrington Valentine, for example—both players were taken in the later rounds but have already made their mark as valuable contributors. These are the types of picks that elevate a team’s depth, especially when the starters may be young but are complemented by solid backups who can step up when needed.
One of the key strategies behind the Packers’ success has been their ability to accumulate draft capital. This has been achieved not only by drafting well but by trading away expendable players and acquiring future picks. A perfect example of this approach came during last year’s draft, where Gutekunst traded down twice in the second round, from pick 45 to 50. This move allowed him to select receiver Jayden Reed while gaining extra picks. With these additional selections, Gutekunst was able to add wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks and defensive tackle Karl Brooks—both players who could play pivotal roles in the Packers’ future success.
This strategy of accumulating draft picks and selecting players who contribute early is part of a larger plan to maintain sustainable success. As these draft picks reach the end of their rookie contracts, the Packers will inevitably face tough decisions regarding extensions and contract negotiations. But the beauty of this approach is that it ensures the team is constantly restocking its talent pool. The future remains bright, and as the current crop of rookies continues to develop, the Packers find themselves on the verge of what could be a new Super Bowl window—a window that could stay open for several years thanks to the team’s youth and the depth they’ve built.
Looking ahead, the Packers are positioned for long-term success. While other teams in the NFC North are dealing with aging rosters and a need for a rebuild, Green Bay is in the enviable position of being one of the youngest teams in the league, with a roster full of players who are not only capable of contributing now but are only going to improve as they gain experience. With a combination of savvy drafting, strategic trades, and a clear vision for the future, the Packers are laying the foundation for continued success. For fans in Green Bay, the next several years could be filled with excitement, as the team’s Super Bowl aspirations are only just beginning to take shape.
