Packers Roster Assessment, 2025 Off-Season

[Heyjoe4]

That's possible. It's also possible that they are negotiating in the media.

Could be they are negotiating in the media. Combine week is a good time for that. I love the idea of getting Metcalf, just not sure of the draft capital required. A lot depends on whether the Hags want or need to move him.

I see Deebo S went to the Commanders for a 5th rounder (and a massive salary). They can have him. He was great at his peak and used as a RB and WR. But imo his best days are behind him.

Finally, Ty brought up Darius Slayton as a FA target for Gluten. Seems like he deserves a look.

 

[Sanguine camper]

That name sounds very familiar. Where did Terry Metcalf play? The Cardinals? That's a total guess...... I'm too lazy right now to look it up..... Regardless, I had no idea they were related. Thanks for the info Sanguine.

Terry Metcalf played for the Cardinals. Part of that time his coach was none other than Don "air" Coryell. They had a great offense and O line spearheaded by Dan Dierdorf and maybe the toughest SOB in football history in Conrad Dobler. Cards couldn't make it very far in the playoffs due to weak defenses.

 

[tynimiller]

Quietly Carrington Valentine might have been the most improved 2023 draft class member (Kraft likely the other up for the title) and if we aren't careful we might just have our future CB1 already on the team and no one noticed.

He had the 26th best of ALL qualifying CBs in the league in coverage grade per PFF last season.
His overall grade was good for 46th best out of 223 qualifying CBs

He improved everything really. His tackling was better, his coverage was as well.

Even if he stays like he is producing currently he is one of the best 50 CBs in the league without question and in reality might just be the second most deserving guy in our 2023 draft class of an extension come the next off season - Tucker Kraft by sheer play and LVN (positional value) both also could make a statement to this as well.

However, I think many are forgetting how quietly Carrington has BEEN SOLID.

 

[OldSchool101]

Interesting you should write that @tynimiller. As you were posting this I was just looking over our own incumbent FA list. The only guys I really might offer a contract to would be Eric Wilson or 1 of 2 CB’s, Ballentine or Rochelle., whoever we think fits the bill. No it’s not imperative nor are we in a hurry, but financially they are easily doable moves.

I think we can get away with 1-2 smaller signings on D with incumbents to create solid depth or boost our Special Teams unit. Also a bi-product of that move, it often reduces the pressure of drafting one earlier. If a CB we have boarded crosses our path in Day 2? Wonderful! If not? No big deal wait until RD4-6 etc

 

[tynimiller]

Interesting you should write that @tynimiller. As you were posting this I was just looking over our own incumbent FA list. The only guys I really might offer a contract to would be Eric Wilson or 1 of 2 CB’s, Ballentine or Rochelle., whoever we think fits the bill. No it’s not imperative nor are we in a hurry, but financially they are easily doable moves.

I think we can get away with 1-2 smaller signings on D with incumbents to create solid depth or boost our Special Teams unit. Also a bi-product of that move, it often reduces the pressure of drafting one earlier. If a CB we have boarded crosses our path in Day 2? Wonderful! If not? No big deal wait until RD4-6 etc

I would like Rochelle back and really do think one of those two CBs will be back again on a small one year deal again.

 

[Dantés]

My biggest roster question coming out of FA is what their plan is for Morgan.

Do they want him to continue competing at RG? Is that the long term plan?

Or do they want him to compete/succeed Walker at LT?

 

[Schultz]

I am thinking both. IMO a final decision has not been made on re-signing Walker or not. How he and this new line play this season will most likely impact that decision.

 

[tynimiller]

I am thinking both. IMO a final decision has not been made on re-signing Walker or not. How he and this new line play this season will most likely impact that decision.

I could also see how the draft falls dictating what we do. Say like Josh Conerly is there and we draft him. Solid chance Gute just replaced Rhyan and Walker…and could move one or both…or they may draft a mid draft LT prospect of more unknown commodity than Conerly and they decide Morgan focus on being the RG

 

[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

Given the strengths in this draft, it would be easier to revamp the defensive line than trying to find corners to improve the defensive secondary including the safety position. I think there are better safeties in this draft than a few of the safeties on this team. With all the draft choices expended on the O-line since Gut became GM, why would that be a high priority. Bringing in competition for Love might improve his sloppy decision making. A second tight end that can be paired with Kraft might be a good idea. I’d bring in a third running back simply because running back is the most brutal position to play and at the end of the season Josh Jacobs looked like he could use some quality relief. The wide receivers are beat up and they need durable depth. There are several linebackers in this draft that could improve the Packers front seven. Improving the front seven can help the secondary.

 

[tynimiller]

Given the strengths in this draft, it would be easier to revamp the defensive line than trying to find corners to improve the defensive secondary including the safety position. I think there are better safeties in this draft than a few of the safeties on this team. With all the draft choices expended on the O-line since Gut became GM, why would that be a high priority. Bringing in competition for Love might improve his sloppy decision making. A second tight end that can be paired with Kraft might be a good idea. I’d bring in a third running back simply because running back is the most brutal position to play and at the end of the season Josh Jacobs looked like he could use some quality relief. The wide receivers are beat up and they need durable depth. There are several linebackers in this draft that could improve the Packers front seven. Improving the front seven can help the secondary.

I’m genuinely confused if we are discussing the same team.

The running back thing I mean sure go for it but how are we ignoring how well Emanuel Wilson did in his first year actually playing, Chris Brooks was an awesome change of pace and hungry runner and Marshawn Lloyd is explosive and will be back…that RB room isn’t bare it’s actually quite full.

I embrace the concept of TE, but you make it sound like Musgrave isn’t expected to be healthy and back?

The OL thing I broke down elsewhere but it appears you ignore it. OL is less a need now with Banks brought in but we still only have 6 guys that have illustrated NFL worthy and then Telford, Glover and Monk in reserve. Plus you have three guys currently not signed beyond this season (ALL STARTERS, all drafted by Gute) as well.

 

[Dantés]

Given the strengths in this draft, it would be easier to revamp the defensive line than trying to find corners to improve the defensive secondary including the safety position. I think there are better safeties in this draft than a few of the safeties on this team. With all the draft choices expended on the O-line since Gut became GM, why would that be a high priority. Bringing in competition for Love might improve his sloppy decision making. A second tight end that can be paired with Kraft might be a good idea. I’d bring in a third running back simply because running back is the most brutal position to play and at the end of the season Josh Jacobs looked like he could use some quality relief. The wide receivers are beat up and they need durable depth. There are several linebackers in this draft that could improve the Packers front seven. Improving the front seven can help the secondary.

Clearly the Packers FO agreed on the priority of the offensive line given the investment they made into it.

They already have three roster-worthy backs competing behind Jacobs in Lloyd, Wilson, and Brooks.

 

[gopkrs]

I've actually never read on a forum such a negative person. Any guesses who I might be talking about?

 

[Firethorn1001]

Given the strengths in this draft, it would be easier to revamp the defensive line than trying to find corners to improve the defensive secondary including the safety position. I think there are better safeties in this draft than a few of the safeties on this team. With all the draft choices expended on the O-line since Gut became GM, why would that be a high priority. Bringing in competition for Love might improve his sloppy decision making. A second tight end that can be paired with Kraft might be a good idea. I’d bring in a third running back simply because running back is the most brutal position to play and at the end of the season Josh Jacobs looked like he could use some quality relief. The wide receivers are beat up and they need durable depth. There are several linebackers in this draft that could improve the Packers front seven. Improving the front seven can help the secondary.

I should have just stopped reading after drafting a QB for competition for Love came up. So the Packers should draft a QB, RB, TE and S when pretty much the consensus is DL, Edge, WR, CB and OL depth. Like Tynimiller said, are we even talking about the same team?

If I woke up on the Monday after the draft and learned they had drafted no QBs, RBs, TEs or S guys.. I would not be upset.

 

[OldSchool101]

I guess it’s good for laughs. I do get a good chuckle out of some of the stuff in here.

 

[Schultz]

Given the strengths in this draft, it would be easier to revamp the defensive line than trying to find corners to improve the defensive secondary including the safety position. I think there are better safeties in this draft than a few of the safeties on this team. With all the draft choices expended on the O-line since Gut became GM, why would that be a high priority. Bringing in competition for Love might improve his sloppy decision making. A second tight end that can be paired with Kraft might be a good idea. I’d bring in a third running back simply because running back is the most brutal position to play and at the end of the season Josh Jacobs looked like he could use some quality relief. The wide receivers are beat up and they need durable depth. There are several linebackers in this draft that could improve the Packers front seven. Improving the front seven can help the secondary.

To summarize. Needs are S-DL-E-QB-TE-RB-WR-LB. Now I got it. Good thing Gute should have 8 picks. Sounds like Wrath would hit on all 8, even the 7th rounders. Hopefully a mere mortal GM can do better than 50% and hit on 5.

 

[tynimiller]

@Wraith09 seriously though go to the draft section and share brother.

But trust me, you’ll find everyone here loves discourse and even disagreement but the childish arrogance…it isn’t needed.

 

[Magooch]

Is this some sort of parody account or joke that’s flying over my head?? lol.

 

[Firethorn1001]

To summarize. Needs are S-DL-E-QB-TE-RB-WR-LB. Now I got it.

On the bright side that means we are set at K, P and long snapper.

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[Heyjoe4]

My biggest roster question coming out of FA is what their plan is for Morgan.

Do they want him to continue competing at RG? Is that the long term plan?

Or do they want him to compete/succeed Walker at LT?

My guess is that Morgan ends up at RG. I think Walker has proven he can handle the starting job at LT, Banks takes over at LG, Jenkins to C and Tom anchors RT. That's a good line. Need some depth, but that's always true.

 

[Thirteen Below]

On the bright side that means we are set at K, P and long snapper.

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Well, let's take a minute and give it some honest thought... the Packers' bus driver - how long has he been around? We may need to start looking for someone to groom now, before we suddenly have an urgent need. A lot of teams make that mistake and put it off until suddenly it's a problem, and then all of a sudden the Bears and the Lions have both prepared for it, but the Packers are stuck in traffic on the way to the stadium.

Blowing the red lights, waiting too long to make a lane change and missing the hole...

My guess is that Morgan ends up at RG. I think Walker has proven he can handle the starting job at LT, Banks takes over at LG, Jenkins to C and Tom anchors RT. That's a good line. Need some depth, but that's always true.

If that had been our OL at Philly, I think it's likely we would probably have gone at least one week deeper into the postseason.

 

[Thirteen Below]

Given the strengths in this draft, it would be easier to revamp the defensive line than trying to find corners to improve the defensive secondary including the safety position. I think there are better safeties in this draft than a few of the safeties on this team. With all the draft choices expended on the O-line since Gut became GM, why would that be a high priority. Bringing in competition for Love might improve his sloppy decision making. A second tight end that can be paired with Kraft might be a good idea. I’d bring in a third running back simply because running back is the most brutal position to play and at the end of the season Josh Jacobs looked like he could use some quality relief. The wide receivers are beat up and they need durable depth. There are several linebackers in this draft that could improve the Packers front seven. Improving the front seven can help the secondary.

Let's look at it from a glass half-full perspective... what do think is right about this team; where are we strong?

 

[Heyjoe4]

Well, let's take a minute and give it some honest thought... the Packers' bus driver - how long has he been around? We may need to start looking for someone to groom now, before we suddenly have an urgent need. A lot of teams make that mistake and put it off until suddenly it's a problem, and then all of a sudden the Bears and the Lions have both prepared for it, but the Packers are stuck in traffic on the way to the stadium.

Blowing the red lights, waiting too long to make a lane change and missing the hole...



If that had been our OL at Philly, I think it's likely we would probably have gone at least one week deeper into the postseason.

I agree 13. The Packers were the toughest challenge Philly faced on the road to the SB win. When Jenkins went down, I think his rookie replacement(s) had three holding calls in the span of only 4 or 5 snaps.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Let's look at it from a glass half-full perspective... what do think is right about this team; where are we strong?

Good point 13 and the glass is way past half full. This is a good team and while the FA additions weren't exciting, they add to both the offense and defense. Nothing wrong with that. And Gluten saved a lot of draft capital and cap $$$ by not chasing trades for Metcalf or Garrett. Sometimes the price is too high. And this is not a desperate team. Quite the contrary.

 

[Thirteen Below]

I agree 13. The Packers were the toughest challenge Philly faced on the road to the SB win. When Jenkins went down, I think his rookie replacement(s) had three holding calls in the span of only 4 or 5 snaps.

Oh, lord, I remember that drive. It broke my heart. I think we had moment going on that drive too, but man, the air went out of the balloon in the snap of a finger.

I still remember the look on Lafleur's face; I thought he was going to bite a piece out of his lower lip.