The Green Bay Packers are more experienced than most think

There are a lot of question marks surrounding the Green Bay Packers as the NFL calendar shifts to the preseason.

Who will emerge in the passing game with Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling both now in the AFC West? How will the offensive line hold up with All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari and Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins still recovering from major knee injuries? Is the Green Bay defense really going to be elite after the additions of Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt in April's draft? 

Those are important questions indeed. However, one thing that cannot be questioned about the Packers is their experience.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had this to say last week about the veterans who are in the locker room and the feeling it gives him: 

"It gives me a good feeling now walking in here and seeing Marcedes (Lewis) still here. Seeing Rashan Gary right next to him. Seeing Kenny (Clark) over here, my workout buddy, and seeing Dave (Bakhtiari) over there on the other side. Seeing 18 (Randall Cobb) still in the locker room. That's what makes this place fun."

There is no question the Packers will have a lot of questions to answer. However, they have 12 players on the roster who are entering their seventh career seasons or later and 16 players entering their fifth seasons or later. That list includes Rodgers (four-time MVP), Lewis (17-year veteran), Bakhtiari (five-time All-Pro), Clark (two-time Pro Bowl selection), Cobb (spent 10 of his 12 NFL seasons in Green Bay), Mason Crosby (16-year veteran) and De'Vondre Campbell (2021 First-Team All-Pro). 

This team is heavy with veterans. They will help guide a squad with four new receivers and a young and talented defense toward February with eyes set on Arizona.