Packers Roster Assessment, 2025 Off-Season

[tynimiller]

Wide Receiver:

-Christian Watson: Solid starter entering a contract year but with a torn ACL.
-Romeo Doubs: Solid starter entering a contract year.
-Jayden Reed: Good role-player under contract through 2026.
-Dontayvion Wicks: Developing role-player under contract through 2026.
-Malik Heath: Viable depth piece due to be a RFA in 2026.
-Bo Melton: Currently an ERFA.
-Julian Hicks: UDFA rookie with developmental traits.
-Cornelius Johnson: UDFA rookie with developmental traits.
-Need Level: 8/10-- The Packers still have plenty of roster-worthy players at this position, but the lack of difference-making talent severely hampered the offense in 2024. Teams were able to stifle the passing game by playing man coverage because the receivers aren't capable at defeating it. They need to add to the top of the depth chart while the younger guys hopefully continue to ascend.

Everyone gravitates to this position without folks like you, whom many of us respect a lot, putting such a high need on it LOL I didn't disagree overall, but I'm a 6 or 7, but still even there it places it relatively high on the spectrum of need absolutely but for me is clearly behind iDL and CB by a lot.

That said, I've expressed elsewhere the issue is the WR market as of right now is just weak overall....Tee is going to be the one that is coveted...then you got guys like Diggs, Cooper and liklely Godwin (healed he is a 1,000 yarder each year).

That said a few of the options out there that I think make VASTLY more sense than ever even considering hitching the wagon to Tee for likely $25M/yr MINIMUM......

Stefon Diggs...I'm pushing my disdain for the guy aside, because for the right deal he does a lot of what Godwin would for us...we have seen firsthand what he can do and if he'd not faced a shortened season he'd likely have delivered his 7th straight 1,000 yard season. The issue is will he be happy and can he play nice in the sandbox of guys that would likely still eat before him (Jacobs and Reed with perhaps Doubs being an equivalent eater at times). From a player perspective of what I think he has left in his tank, his familiarity with cold weather games and his pissed off against the world mindset...in truth a little edge added could actually help this team eat more. Most say he's going to demand that $13M-$17M range figure. He made insane money with the Texans (1 year $22.5M all guaranteed) last year...I could see the limited options cause him to rise above or near that figure again...but if he'd sit and talk, have interest and maybe allow us to put a two or three year structured deal that puts some guaranteed money in his pocket early, essentially make it a two year deal with third being some fluff LOL do you consider Diggs for 3 yrs/$45M with like $20M guaranteed? Could eat up $8-$14 of it first year, $15M second year and all your guarantee is gone and you can walk from him after 2026...the time when a ton of contracts come up anyways......I hate it for personal reasons but also understand this well over what many think Tee is getting 4 years and $100M likely for sure from someone...I actually predict he gets in the $27-$30/Yr range (70% or so guaranteed). NOT WORTH IT.

Chris Godwin....he might prefer to do a one year lucrative deal coming off injury rather than risk teams throw big two or three year contracts that everyone including him knows is a one year deal. If that is the case what is the risk of giving him $10M-$15M for one year only and pushing chips in with him. This option provides that guy that has proven himself now producing 800+ yards in 2018-2023 and in 2024 in only 7 games put up 576 yards and 5 TDs before his injury. He's 6'1' has low 4.4 speed....and can assist in handling Watson being out for a while, and no one stepping forward in Doubs/Reed/Wicks to be that alpha...one year deal works for him and perhaps in that year if Doubs explodes he's your extension, if Reed does he's your one year early extension...if no one does but holds serve if you will...perhaps you work out a two or three year deal with the then nearly 30 year old Godwin for another contract that works.

There are a slew of guys that for various reasons should pull around or less than $10M and while not bonafide no doubt WR1s....adding a guy that is used to being dependable and stabilizing presence still is a direction of merit:

D-Hop - Chance he wins with KC and retires...but does the taste of post-season make him wanna stab at it with GB if KC doesn't make offer to have him back. At his age and such he is clearly a one year deal type candidate, but instantly galvanizes the position, great mentor while also easily sliding in as that second or third targeted WR from the go likely. His last deal which was with the Cardinals was for two years and $26M. I'd say we are around that $10M figure and at that figure perhaps a two year 20 million with like $13 or so guaranteed (which is more than the $11M in his last deal). Little strong for an older WR....yes, but also is the timeframe before we have to pay someone likely IF anyone so you're paying for stabilization of the spot and his sure handedness in big moments and games.

Darius Slayton - I've always felt there is more there with Slayton than NYG have gotten...now granted he's had four 700+ yard seasons and only once under 500 yards...two years ago he was a guy that NYG spent a two year $12M deal on....can you convince him of something similar?? Something less...doubtful...likely touch more.

MVS - We are all familiar with MVS, is he still the exact same guy? No and Yes. He's now at the age and after the failed expanded role in KC not taking flight, he knows he's not a primary guy, but plays to his role quite well. There is a real chance you can grab him for less than $2M and at that rate and for added insurance best to make it a two year deal or more as the cost/risk is so little. Would love a 2 year $3M Deal and just guarantee like $250,000 of it in year one. MVS is still proving to be that DEEP target that once a game can absolutely get you CHUNK yards. Yes he's going to have drops given the depth of target but he is that role to a T still. He also is an experienced blocker and actually solid blocking WR which is an added bonus. He stabilizes the room but doesn't at all slow down or limit target shares likely already going to Doubs/Reed and Wicks...but if one falters he can in a pinch be that guy. He provides security and that year for you to see if Heath, Melton or perhaps like a fourth or fifth rounder shows promise. I've already said I'm a big fan of a reunion with MVS if for NO reason than to be that field spreader that Watson is for us so often till his return.

Josh Palmer - Another mid-tier type guy like Slayton with little less proven...
Dyami Brown - is in that batch of did Gute like him as a prospect that has never panned out but maybe in a new environment he could excel type...

DJ Chark - He's an interesting one...still under 29 years old which suprised me a bit...LA tried giving him a chance this year but IR issues took TOO long and it was a failed year entirely. He proved just in 2023 in Carolina he can be depended upon to be that say WR3 type on a team...am I throwing money at him no...but dang close to minimum or like MVS type number would make a lot of sense potentially...again is a insurance hedge your bets type guy for sure.

Tyler Boyd - He is also another interesting one...everyone knows he proved himself as very capable in Cinci...and many forget he produced over 750 yards 5 straight seasons (2018-2022) and twice over 1,000. Even in 2023 his final year he still put up 667 yards. He was solid for the terrible team and passing game in TN...so maybe this year he underachieved what is still there for him...but he's NOT a WR1 but he either is a SOLID WR2 or a guy slipping into that WR3 range....so if we signed him he isn't going to slow down growth of our current to a measurable degree, but he's also not going to cost a ton...I'd guess no more than $2M or so as last year he got $2.4M and had a down year, but that is very much the team he was on and QBs he worked with.


There just isn't that guy that jumps out to me.....if I were forced to pick who out of the "bargains" might turn into a dude that puts up good numbers for someone in 2025....I'd likely pick Slayton or Boyd....but still it is just not a good year for WR need and is partially why I think we grab a Chark or MVS, a mid draft pick and call it a day.

 

[Sanguine camper]

I like Gute's policy of signing free agents at or near the end of their rookie contract. That worked well with McKinney, Jacobs, both Smith's. You're getting a player who is still relatively young and is likely to be more durable and in their prime. Other than a kicker, I would hesitate to sign guys in the 28-30 age class. Most of those players are going to be less durable and are on the way down in terms of production. Other than Higgins, who will be too expensive, most of the free agent WR'ers are well past their rookie deal. I'd prefer that Gute drafts more WR'ers. He has a good record when it comes to that position. I can be critical of Gute regarding other moves but his free agent track record is very good.

 

[tynimiller]

I like Gute's policy of signing free agents at or near the end of their rookie contract. That worked well with McKinney, Jacobs, both Smith's. You're getting a player who is still relatively young and is likely to be more durable and in their prime. Other than a kicker, I would hesitate to sign guys in the 28-30 age class. Most of those players are going to be less durable and are on the way down in terms of production. Other than Higgins, who will be too expensive, most of the free agent WR'ers are well past their rookie deal. I'd prefer that Gute drafts more WR'ers. He has a good record when it comes to that position. I can be critical of Gute regarding other moves but his free agent track record is very good.

His big swing types are typically this, but we've also seen immense benefits from like Julius Peppers signing, who at 34 came in and gave three solid years and still went back to Carolina and delivered an 11 sack season.

I suspect if Gute is going to swing BIG money at a prospect that's his preference and it will come in at CB or iDL IMO...think Asante Samuel Jr from Chargers exiting his rookie deal but really there isn't any bonafide STUD CBs in that situation....which is why I wouldn't be shocked if Gute tries to nab a veteran of some sort (ala Rasul Douglas or similar) and perhaps wait and see if a guy like one of the rookie CBs in Washington that have underachieved Noah Igbinoghene (former first rounder) or Benjamin St.-Juste (third rounder) might be able to be nabbed for a one year or short two year cheap term to try and play into a big contract.

If he did that at edge a few names to possibly see him target would be:
Josh Sweat - dude would cost us for sure, but he's sub 28 years old and producing at a high clip.
Chase Young - folks forget he's only 25 years old still...he is also someone I think could be a sneaky pick up.
Azeez Ojulari - Rumors were we were discussing trading for at deadline for him from NYG...he's less than 25 years old, has produced 23 sacks across his rookie contract (four years) but hasn't been active over 11 games except for his rookie year and he hasn't been a big snap guy with only around 400 last two years.
Malcolm Koonce - The dude from LV no one is talking about because everyone is focusing on Maxx who is under contract. Under 27 years old, had JUST in 2023 put up big pressure numbers and looked bonafide elite projection...2024 stolen in injury so there is some risk there but many still suspect he's going to garner a serious amount of change on the market.
Michael Hoecht - Here is a guy that just saw bad luck with the drafting of Jared Verse...he's an undrafted dude who has laid down though four solid years...After making a contract for a UDFA and being there in 2021 for the Rams but not playing a lot he did then start 6 games in 2022 and upped his snaps to over 400 and produced 5 sacks and 24 pressures which was awesome...2023 he started all games, delivered 6 sacks, 43 pressures and appeared to be ready to just explode in year four, then Verse gets drafted, BUT this year he still saw 700 snaps, produced 30 pressures and 5 sacks. I have Hoecht as a guy that could be their version of Fackrell, BUT he's produced across two years. Now he isn't a STUD, but man he is intriguing and likely not expensive.


If he did that approach with iDL there are some for sure:
Milton Williams - Milton is a guy I have red circled as what would serve as both an upgrade along our front and a surprise guy no one is talking about. For a rookie contract guy, folks his last three seasons overall PFF grade is over 70 (that's SOLID), his pass rush grade this year was over 90 (that's elite)...his run defense lacked some this year but I think it's because of some of his usage. 12 sack guy over four years from the interior is no slouch either....
Levi Onwuzurike - He came on STRONG for the Lions this year when injuries forced a guy that was a former 2nd rounder that hadn't really played much over first two years. He played nearly 600 snaps, has graded out fairly solid and is still under 27 years old.
Osa Odighizuwa - This young man has played and started ALL games the last three years for Dallas, and this past year played an astounding 860 snaps....our highest was Kenny with 686 amongst our bigguns. I LOVE the idea of bringing Osa into the fold, especially on what is likely Clarks last year with us fiscally unless a rework happens or he rebirths his career...Osa has 18 sacks in his four seasons but an astounding 60 pressures just this past year was NASTY nice.
Chauncey Golston - We will stay in Dallas and mention a guy on a massive upswing of production. In his third season he finally started getting playing time of sizable nature since his rookie year and rounded into form - but in 2024 when he took on his biggest role yet he delivered. 37 total pressures, 7 sacks and played the run actually better than Osa did. Won't garner the money as he laid down slightly less work in his last four than Osa but you could be nabbing a guy right as he's ascending a lot.
Javon Kinlaw - He did get a one year deal post rookie contract with the Jets, but showed this season he can be a solid iDL for a team, started all 17 (saw just shy of 700 snaps), 30 pressures and 5 sacks. I don't think he is the world beater many think he is, BUT I wonder what he could be like in a system that is rotating him, Clark and Wyatt along with Brooks.....that is a lot of interior firepower from a pressure perspective. Sub 28 years old still too.

 

[Dantés]

I hope that the Packers explore trade availability for Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. Both players are the kind of man coverage beaters who could give the offense a real boost. Wilson has been unhappy in New York and it remains to be seen if that will be smoothed over under Glenn. The Saints are in cap hell and could look to move Olave for something better than the comp pick they would get if he walked.

 

[Dantés]

Here's an approach to the off-season that I think could make some sense.

1) Cut or trade Jaire.

2) Keep the ERFA's at least for camp.

3) Give McManus a deal in the neighborhood of 3/15; keep Wilson for something around the minimum; let the other UFA's walk.

4) Sign:

--Darius Slayton, WR, Giants (~3/40)
--Paulson Adebo, CB, Saints (~4/36)
--Kristian Fulton, CB, Chargers (~4/36)
--Bobby Brown, DT, Rams (~4/36)

Slayton gives you a field stretcher at WR to replace Watson who will miss a chunk of the season and might not be himself for any of it. He could end up being more than that too, given how the Giants have stunted the abilities of their offensive players.

Adebo and Fulton are mid-range dice rolls at corner who could bring some stability to the room. Corner is a position that's hard to project in free agency, so the Packers would hedge their bets signing two guys on the 2nd tier versus going hard for D.J. Reed.

Brown is a run defense specialist who would upgrade over Slaton and wouldn't require them to shove a rookie DT into a huge role, which often doesn't play out well.

Going into the draft then, they could focus their top picks on a WR with separating skills, more OL depth/competition, more DE depth/competition, and more cornerbacks (in no particular order-- just as the board falls to them).

Post-draft, I think you would have a lot of the weaknesses on the roster shored up.

 

[Schultz]

I guess I am nitpicking but................... I see what you see in Slayton but I would not pay him quite that much. Let's say 3/35. I would only sign 1 corner and the best one I could get without breaking the bank.

 

[Dantés]

I guess I am nitpicking but................... I see what you see in Slayton but I would not pay him quite that much. Let's say 3/35. I would only sign 1 corner and the best one I could get without breaking the bank.

I based the number on Gabe Davis’ contract with the Jags— 3/39.

Davis and Slayton are both vertical role players with comparable stats.

 

[Schultz]

I based the number on Gabe Davis’ contract with the Jags— 3/39.

Davis and Slayton are both vertical role players with comparable stats.

I believe perception wise Davis with the advantage of playing with Josh Allen compared to what Slayton has had at QB would be viewed as a better player. IMO. Add that the Jags seem to have no problem overpaying for WRs (Chris Kirk).

 

[Dantés]

I believe perception wise Davis with the advantage of playing with Josh Allen compared to what Slayton has had at QB would be viewed as a better player. IMO. Add that the Jags seem to have no problem overpaying for WRs (Chris Kirk).

If anything it would be the reverse. If Slayton can put up similar numbers despite playing with Daniel Jones, it suggests he’s the better player.

 

[Dantés]

I know that the Kirk contract is kind of old, but he’s now the 25th highest paid receiver by AAV. I think people had sticker shock over that contract partially because they didn’t realize what was beginning to happen to the WR market.

 

[tynimiller]

Adebo and Fulton are mid-range dice rolls at corner who could bring some stability to the room. Corner is a position that's hard to project in free agency, so the Packers would hedge their bets signing two guys on the 2nd tier versus going hard for D.J. Reed.

I am a big fan of two mid-tier dice rolls like this over one basket type guy. Likelihood between those two (or a similar approach), Valentine, King and a draftee we find two starters...I'd bet decently high. Worst case we have the same level we did this year, but most likely better.

 

[Dantés]

As I get to know the strengths and weaknesses of this draft class a little bit better, here's how I'm thinking about the various position groups:

QB-- Mid-Round to UDFA: Could do nothing beyond UDFA and they would be fine, however if the right guy is there in the middle rounds, I could see them taking a guy to develop into the next QB2 as Willis enters a contract season.

RB-- UDFA: The Packers have a great starter, a talented prospect whose rookie season was marred by injury, and two guys in Wilson and Brooks who are roster-worthy. They don't need to do anything other than add UDFA's to fill out the roster in camp.

TE-- Mid-Round to UDFA: If the right kind of player was available in the middle rounds, specifically someone with H-Back skills to be a lead blocker and receiving threat, I could see a pick materializing, but this is another spot where they could do nothing and they could be fine.

WR-- Free Agent & Top 100 Selection: With Watson basically a loss for 2025, the Packers need to find a vertical threat, they need more immediate competition, and they need to prepare for the future. The right free agent addition plus a pick somewhere in the first three rounds could go a long way.

OL-- Draft Early and/or Often: If Jenkins is the solution at center, the starters are basically set. That said, they need depth virtually everywhere and they need to prepare for potential departures as well. I would expect 2+ picks in the middle rounds, but it's never too early to draft OL.

DT-- Top 100 Selection: This DT class is loaded, so it makes sense to get the 1T position onto a cheap rookie contract. I could see addressing that spot by pairing Clark with a rookie drafted anywhere on day 1 or 2.

DE-- Khalil Mack OR Top 100 Selection: I think Mack could make a huge impact on this defense and I think the Packers should make a run at him. However, if that doesn't pan out, I think the Packers should invest a high pick in this rich crop of pass rushers. Right now, DE is the likeliest option at #23 in my opinion.

LB-- Free Agent & Late-Round/UDFA: With Walker and Cooper both being young, I think there's wisdom in backing them up with a veteran. Eric Wilson would be ideal on a cheap contract. If they accomplish that, I don't think you need to invest premium draft assets here, especially as you're continuing to find out what you have in Hopper.

CB-- Multiple FA signings & Mid-Round Picks: The Packers have a huge need at cornerback, but I don't think they will find much immediate help in the draft. I think they should take a quantity over quality approach to the position and both sign and draft multiple players. I'd like to see them add four guys to the room.

S-- UDFA: The safety room is deep, diverse, and young. There's zero need here entering 2025, so just add undrafted guys to fill out the roster for camp.

ST-- In-House Retention: The Packers should re-sign Brandon McManus and Daniel Whelan (he's an ERFA, but they should lock him up longer term).

Conclusion: Given the strength of this draft class (the entire defensive line), I think the Packers should focus FA attention at WR and CB (while also taking a run at Khalil Mack).

 

[tynimiller]

As I get to know the strengths and weaknesses of this draft class a little bit better, here's how I'm thinking about the various position groups:

QB-- Mid-Round to UDFA: Could do nothing beyond UDFA and they would be fine, however if the right guy is there in the middle rounds, I could see them taking a guy to develop into the next QB2 as Willis enters a contract season.

RB-- UDFA: The Packers have a great starter, a talented prospect whose rookie season was marred by injury, and two guys in Wilson and Brooks who are roster-worthy. They don't need to do anything other than add UDFA's to fill out the roster in camp.

TE-- Mid-Round to UDFA: If the right kind of player was available in the middle rounds, specifically someone with H-Back skills to be a lead blocker and receiving threat, I could see a pick materializing, but this is another spot where they could do nothing and they could be fine.

WR-- Free Agent & Top 100 Selection: With Watson basically a loss for 2025, the Packers need to find a vertical threat, they need more immediate competition, and they need to prepare for the future. The right free agent addition plus a pick somewhere in the first three rounds could go a long way.

OL-- Draft Early and/or Often: If Jenkins is the solution at center, the starters are basically set. That said, they need depth virtually everywhere and they need to prepare for potential departures as well. I would expect 2+ picks in the middle rounds, but it's never too early to draft OL.

DT-- Top 100 Selection: This DT class is loaded, so it makes sense to get the 1T position onto a cheap rookie contract. I could see addressing that spot by pairing Clark with a rookie drafted anywhere on day 1 or 2.

DE-- Khalil Mack OR Top 100 Selection: I think Mack could make a huge impact on this defense and I think the Packers should make a run at him. However, if that doesn't pan out, I think the Packers should invest a high pick in this rich crop of pass rushers. Right now, DE is the likeliest option at #23 in my opinion.

LB-- Free Agent & Late-Round/UDFA: With Walker and Cooper both being young, I think there's wisdom in backing them up with a veteran. Eric Wilson would be ideal on a cheap contract. If they accomplish that, I don't think you need to invest premium draft assets here, especially as you're continuing to find out what you have in Hopper.

CB-- Multiple FA signings & Mid-Round Picks: The Packers have a huge need at cornerback, but I don't think they will find much immediate help in the draft. I think they should take a quantity over quality approach to the position and both sign and draft multiple players. I'd like to see them add four guys to the room.

S-- UDFA: The safety room is deep, diverse, and young. There's zero need here entering 2025, so just add undrafted guys to fill out the roster for camp.

ST-- In-House Retention: The Packers should re-sign Brandon McManus and Daniel Whelan (he's an ERFA, but they should lock him up longer term).

Conclusion: Given the strength of this draft class (the entire defensive line), I think the Packers should focus FA attention at WR and CB (while also taking a run at Khalil Mack).

Two QBs to look into Tyler Shough Louisville…I believe his is a 4th/5th rounder but consensus says he’s lower. He has the toolset, build and throw abilities to do everything IMO and I think a solid backup is in him. Seth Henigan from Memphis is a slightly later and lower ability type guy but man his raw skills pop on film.

The Hback TE role I still have information that Dillon was hoped to fill such a role this past year…could still be that type if he is healthy and ready.

 

[Wraith09]

Quarterback:

-Jordan Love: Starter under contract through 2028
-Malik Willis: Capable backup entering a contract year
-Sean Clifford: PS/camp arm
-Need Level: 2/10-- At most, GB could look to bring in another rookie QB to compete with Clifford for the emergency job. The only caveat here is if they get interest in Willis and decide to trade him (he's only 25 and showed real progress this season).

Running Back:

-Josh Jacobs: Capable starter under contract through 2027
-Marshawn Lloyd: Unknown quantity on rookie contract
-Emanuel Wilson: ERFA due to hit RFA next off-season
-Chris Brooks: Due to hit RFA next off-season
-Need Level: 2/10-- The Packers could add a back to compete with the guys lower on the roster but if they did nothing at the position, they would be just fine.

Tight End:

-Tucker Kraft: Capable starter under contract through 2026
-Luke Musgrave: Under contract through 2026
-Ben Sims: Due to be a RFA next off-season
-John Fitzpatrick: Currently a RFA
-Need Level: 3/10-- This is another position where the Packers are stable at the top and could just look to add competition or a different skill set (e.g. HB) among the depth players.

Wide Receiver:

-Christian Watson: Solid starter entering a contract year but with a torn ACL.
-Romeo Doubs: Solid starter entering a contract year.
-Jayden Reed: Good role-player under contract through 2026.
-Dontayvion Wicks: Developing role-player under contract through 2026.
-Malik Heath: Viable depth piece due to be a RFA in 2026.
-Bo Melton: Currently an ERFA.
-Julian Hicks: UDFA rookie with developmental traits.
-Cornelius Johnson: UDFA rookie with developmental traits.
-Need Level: 8/10-- The Packers still have plenty of roster-worthy players at this position, but the lack of difference-making talent severely hampered the offense in 2024. Teams were able to stifle the passing game by playing man coverage because the receivers aren't capable at defeating it. They need to add to the top of the depth chart while the younger guys hopefully continue to ascend.

Offensive Line:

-Rasheed Walker, OT: Reasonable starting tackle entering a contract season.
-Zach Tom, OT: High quality starting tackle with position flex entering a contract season.
-Elgton Jenkins, G/C: Solid starting offensive lineman with position flex under contract through 2026.
-Sean Rhyan, G: Emerging, inconsistent interior offensive lineman entering a contract season.
-Jordan Morgan, G/OT: Rookie contract OL with position flex.
-Kadeem Telfort, G/OT: Rosterable ERFA at guard.
-Travis Glover, G/OT: Rookie contract OL with some position flex.
-Jacob Monk, C/G: Rookie contract OL who is likely center only.
-Donovan Jennings, G/OT: UDFA coming off rookie season with intriguing traits.
-Need Level: 6/10-- You can squint and see a solid starting five here if Jenkins or Tom move to center and Morgan slots in, but the depth would be lacking and they have three starters in their last season (plus one more in his second to last). Unless Monk is the heir apparent at center, they might be wise to invest in a higher level FA/prospect and allow Morgan to compete with Walker. I would prioritize Tom and then Rhyan as guys to secure long term.

Defensive Tackle:

-Kenny Clark: Solid veteran who is technically under contract, but who could be released after this season.
-Devonte Wyatt: Emerging role-player entering contract season but with club option for 2026.
-Karl Brooks: Solid role-player signed through 2026.
-Colby Wooden: Developmental backup signed through 2026.
-James Ester: Fringe rosterable UDFA coming off rookie season.
-Need Level: 8/10-- You can see a starting duo in Clark and Wyatt, and there are rotating options at 3T, but there is currently no one to spell Clark and unless Wyatt takes a big step, they have no difference making talent here.

Defensive End:

-Rashan Gary: Solid veteran starter who plays hot/cold; likely on the roster at least through 2026.
-Kingsley Enagbare: Solider rotational option entering a contract season.
-Lukas Van Ness: Developmental rotator entering season 3 of a rookie contract.
-Brenton Cox: Emerging rotational talent who will be a RFA next off-season.
-Arron Mosby: Fringe roster-worthy ERFA.
-Need Level: 5/10-- The Packers have four guys who are worthy of seeing the field, three of whom could still ascend. However, there is no difference-making player at this position. I have it at 5 because they could basically ignore it and be viable, but if the right guy is there (Khalil Mack?), I wouldn't rule out a big splash.

Linebacker:

-Quay Walker: Emerging starter who is entering a contract season, but with a club option in 2026.
-Edgerrin Cooper: Rookie who was ascending to high-end status down the stretch.
-Ty'Ron Hopper: Virtual unknown entering year 2 of a rookie deal.
-Need Level: 6/10-- This one is really clear in that you have your starting options for next season and almost nothing else. I would expect multiple additions, though none of them being particularly high end.

Cornerback:

-Jaire Alexander: Highly unreliable starter; under contract through 2026, but a candidate to be released.
-Keisean Nixon: Decent role-playing talent forced onto the field far too much; under contract through 2026.
-Carrington Valentine: Emerging outside corner talent under contract through 2026.
-Kalen King: Fringe rosterable talent entering second season.
-Need Level: 10/10-- This position is a five alarm fire. Alexander can't be trusted to be on the field, so whether he's kept or released, you have to act like he isn't there. Nixon plays a ton, but he shouldn't; he and Stokes severely limited what kind of coverages Hafley could call. Valentine is the only player at the position that intrigues, which is terrifying because you need 3 starters! I expect multiple FA additions AND multiple draft pick additions. Gutekunst has become known for taking lots of shots at positions of need and I bet he sets a whole new standard this offseason at corner.

Safety:

-Xavier McKinley: High end starter under contract through 2027.
-Evan Williams: Emerging 2nd year player on rookie contract.
-Javon Bullard: Developing 2nd year player on rookie contract.
-Zayne Anderson: ERFA with value as ST/depth.
-Kitan Oladapo: Rookie/unknown quantity with developmental ability.
-Need Level: 1/10-- The Packers have a great starter, a good starter, a developing 3rd guy with pedigree, and depth. There's no need here.

Ranking Needs:

Tier One:

1. Cornerback

Tier Two:

2. Wide Receiver
3. Defensive Tackle

Tier Three:

4. Offensive Line
5. Linebacker

Tier Four:

6. Defensive End

Tier Five:

7. Tight End
8. Running Back
9. Quarterback
10. Safety

I think because of the injuries to the wide receivers, that group has to be the top priority. I like the TCU receivers Savion Williams and Jack Bech. I would trade the house to go up and get Tyler Warren.

 

[Dantés]

If the Packers traded a haul to move up in the draft to take a TE, I would lose absolutely all faith in Gutekunst.

 

[Sanguine camper]

I think because of the injuries to the wide receivers, that group has to be the top priority. I like the TCU receivers Savion Williams and Jack Bech. I would trade the house to go up and get Tyler Warren.

The Packers don't have the luxury of trying to get Warren. There are too many roster holes to fill before thinking about another TE high in the draft.