Aaron Rodgers has high praise for Packers defense

The Green Bay Packers are slated to have one of the best defenses on paper in 2022. No one appreciates that better than quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The team used 2022 first-round draft picks on Georgia national champion defenders in defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt and linebacker Quay Walker. They join a unit that includes All-Pro linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Rashan Gary. 

Rodgers spoke about the defense Wednesday after the first training camp practice of the season.

"We're a defensive team now," the quarterback joked. "I like our defense on paper for sure...I felt coming into camp, to be honest, we were going to get our butts kicked most days because our defense is talented and deep and athletic."

This was a Packers unit that finished ninth in total defense last year and that has finished in the top 10 in total defense in each of the last two seasons. The team inked Campbell, Alexander, veteran edge-rusher Preston Smith and standout cornerback Rasul Douglas all to major contracts and/or extensions this offseason. The team has arguably the best defensive back room in the league with Alexander, Douglas, the talented Eric Stokes, and an elite safety duo of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage. Also, the linebacking pairing of Campbell and the rookie Walker should be exciting to see on the field too.

In his first season as defensive coordinator, Joe Barry had the Packers in the top 10 in turnovers forced, pass defense, rush defense and points allowed. This was just in year one. With the additions of elite defenders from Georgia and veteran Jarran Reed along the defensive line, Green Bay's defense, which has allowed an average of 32.9 points per game in its 10 playoff losses with Rodgers as quarterback, appears to be primed for its best season in over a decade.