Packers Roster Assessment, 2025 Off-Season

[Heyjoe4]

The Rams were. They were 20 yards away from beating the Eagles.

Yeah thanks for that reminder. The Rams made a furious comeback, I think the score was 28-22 at the time. 20 yards short.

 

[Dantés]

I apologize that I'm creating another post like this. I'm bored.

With Banks and Hobbs in the fold, here's how I would stack up the positions on the roster by need.

1: Nothing but roster competition needed; late round pick or UDFA
2: Only depth needed; middle to late round pick
3: Key depth or future starter needed; day 2 to middle round pick
4: Competition for starting job or key role needed; 1st round or day 2 pick
5: Immediate upgrade needed at starting spot; first round pick or multiple picks

Tier 5:

None; I think the Packers could play a game tomorrow and be competitive with almost anyone.

Tier 4:

-Defensive Tackle: There isn't anyone currently on the roster that I feel great about playing the 1T position. Clark would be the logical option, but he's starting to decline and he doesn't really want the role anymore. His presence keeps this spot from being tier 5, but I could see the right rookie having a big role immediately playing next to the rotation of Wyatt and Brooks.

-Wide Receiver: This has been pretty thoroughly discussed-- they need vertical speed as well as depth to hedge against the fact that the current top 4 are hitting 2nd contracts over the next two seasons.

-Defensive End: The Packers have four guys who are capable of giving them snaps, but they could use a pass rush specialist. The coaching changes they made signal that they saw coaching as a bigger issue than talent last season. I do wonder if Brenton Cox is something of a sleeper. They traded Preston Smith for almost nothing and the main result of that move was that Cox started playing 20-30 snaps/game.

Tier 3:

-Cornerback: While I don't love any of the options here, they clearly plan to play Nixon, Hobbs, and Valentine. Furthermore, Bullard is going to play a lot of slot for the Packers. So depth is technically all that's needed here, but plenty of it.

-Offensive Line: It's difficult to say where the Packers need more depth right now because it's unclear whether they want Morgan to be a tackle or a guard long-term. This isn't urgent, but I could see a middle round selection to continue bolstering depth and guarding against the potential departures of Walker and/or Rhyan. Also worth noting that Jenkins is a candidate next off-season to be released.

Tier 2:

-Tight End: Kraft looks like a long-term fixture and there's still time for Musgrave to materialize, but they could use another player with blocking acumen. If the right guy is out there, I wouldn't be surprised to see an inexpensive veteran addition.

Tier 1:

-Quarterback: If the right player falls in the draft, I could see making the investment in a future QB2, but otherwise all they need here is a camp arm.

-Linebacker: I rank this position here fully anticipating that they will work out an extension for Walker. Allowing that, they have the top 3 guys under control and can continue developing Hopper as the top reserve.

-Safety: Even if Bullard is primarily a nickel, the starters are set and under control in McKinney and Williams. Anderson showed he was a capable player late in the season and they have Oladapo in the pipeline.

-Running Back: They already have more running backs worthy of making the roster than they have room for.

I would not be surprised if they continued to use FA to add at WR, designated pass rusher, or blocking tight end.

 

[gopkrs]

What I'm thinking I'd like for the first pick.
If the Ohio State receiver is there...take him. I would like the Alabama linebacker if he's there. I could see making linebackers the strength of the defense. These guys get nicked up. but I don't think anyone else does...so whichever player is best between DE, DL or corner. No point in reaching for a position. All things equal...Pass Rusher.

 

[Dantés]

I want the best defensive lineman on the board.

I like Matthew Golden a lot but I don’t think he’s what they’re looking for. He’s unlikely to be there anyways.

 

[tynimiller]

I want the best defensive lineman on the board.

*Closes eyes* "Walter Nolen.....Walter Nolen.....Walter Nolen.......or Derrick Harmon.....Walter Nolen......Walter Nolen.....Walter Nolen........or Kenneth Grant....."

Truthfully, I don't think any of those should be there, but if they are....they'd be VERY tough to avoid.

Tyliek Williams might just be the next best available DL - who is no slouch for sure.

 

[Dantés]

*Closes eyes* "Walter Nolen.....Walter Nolen.....Walter Nolen.......or Derrick Harmon.....Walter Nolen......Walter Nolen.....Walter Nolen........or Kenneth Grant....."

Truthfully, I don't think any of those should be there, but if they are....they'd be VERY tough to avoid.

Tyliek Williams might just be the next best available DL - who is no slouch for sure.

Grant, Harmon, Williams at DT

Ezeiruaku at DE

 

[Heyjoe4]

I apologize that I'm creating another post like this. I'm bored.

With Banks and Hobbs in the fold, here's how I would stack up the positions on the roster by need.

1: Nothing but roster competition needed; late round pick or UDFA
2: Only depth needed; middle to late round pick
3: Key depth or future starter needed; day 2 to middle round pick
4: Competition for starting job or key role needed; 1st round or day 2 pick
5: Immediate upgrade needed at starting spot; first round pick or multiple picks

Tier 5:

None; I think the Packers could play a game tomorrow and be competitive with almost anyone.

Tier 4:

-Defensive Tackle: There isn't anyone currently on the roster that I feel great about playing the 1T position. Clark would be the logical option, but he's starting to decline and he doesn't really want the role anymore. His presence keeps this spot from being tier 5, but I could see the right rookie having a big role immediately playing next to the rotation of Wyatt and Brooks.

-Wide Receiver: This has been pretty thoroughly discussed-- they need vertical speed as well as depth to hedge against the fact that the current top 4 are hitting 2nd contracts over the next two seasons.

-Defensive End: The Packers have four guys who are capable of giving them snaps, but they could use a pass rush specialist. The coaching changes they made signal that they saw coaching as a bigger issue than talent last season. I do wonder if Brenton Cox is something of a sleeper. They traded Preston Smith for almost nothing and the main result of that move was that Cox started playing 20-30 snaps/game.

Tier 3:

-Cornerback: While I don't love any of the options here, they clearly plan to play Nixon, Hobbs, and Valentine. Furthermore, Bullard is going to play a lot of slot for the Packers. So depth is technically all that's needed here, but plenty of it.

-Offensive Line: It's difficult to say where the Packers need more depth right now because it's unclear whether they want Morgan to be a tackle or a guard long-term. This isn't urgent, but I could see a middle round selection to continue bolstering depth and guarding against the potential departures of Walker and/or Rhyan. Also worth noting that Jenkins is a candidate next off-season to be released.

Tier 2:

-Tight End: Kraft looks like a long-term fixture and there's still time for Musgrave to materialize, but they could use another player with blocking acumen. If the right guy is out there, I wouldn't be surprised to see an inexpensive veteran addition.

Tier 1:

-Quarterback: If the right player falls in the draft, I could see making the investment in a future QB2, but otherwise all they need here is a camp arm.

-Linebacker: I rank this position here fully anticipating that they will work out an extension for Walker. Allowing that, they have the top 3 guys under control and can continue developing Hopper as the top reserve.

-Safety: Even if Bullard is primarily a nickel, the starters are set and under control in McKinney and Williams. Anderson showed he was a capable player late in the season and they have Oladapo in the pipeline.

-Running Back: They already have more running backs worthy of making the roster than they have room for.

I would not be surprised if they continued to use FA to add at WR, designated pass rusher, or blocking tight end.

Great summary and well done.

Agree with all of this. I'd like to see another LB taken early, if the player represents a value and is a guy who can get after a QB. Gluten has a good eye for the mid to late rounds. I expect Walker's play will continue to improve just from the emergence of Cooper. Maybe Hopper is a sleeper. In any case, it's not urgent.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I want the best defensive lineman on the board.

I like Matthew Golden a lot but I don’t think he’s what they’re looking for. He’s unlikely to be there anyways.

Golden is the WR from Texas, right? He might be available at 23. It's possible he falls to 23 and Gluten pulls the trigger. Depends on who is available on the DL/Edge. Interesting dilemma for the Packers.

 

[tynimiller]

I apologize that I'm creating another post like this. I'm bored.

With Banks and Hobbs in the fold, here's how I would stack up the positions on the roster by need.

1: Nothing but roster competition needed; late round pick or UDFA
2: Only depth needed; middle to late round pick
3: Key depth or future starter needed; day 2 to middle round pick
4: Competition for starting job or key role needed; 1st round or day 2 pick
5: Immediate upgrade needed at starting spot; first round pick or multiple picks

Tier 5:

None; I think the Packers could play a game tomorrow and be competitive with almost anyone.

Tier 4:

-Defensive Tackle: There isn't anyone currently on the roster that I feel great about playing the 1T position. Clark would be the logical option, but he's starting to decline and he doesn't really want the role anymore. His presence keeps this spot from being tier 5, but I could see the right rookie having a big role immediately playing next to the rotation of Wyatt and Brooks.

-Wide Receiver: This has been pretty thoroughly discussed-- they need vertical speed as well as depth to hedge against the fact that the current top 4 are hitting 2nd contracts over the next two seasons.

-Defensive End: The Packers have four guys who are capable of giving them snaps, but they could use a pass rush specialist. The coaching changes they made signal that they saw coaching as a bigger issue than talent last season. I do wonder if Brenton Cox is something of a sleeper. They traded Preston Smith for almost nothing and the main result of that move was that Cox started playing 20-30 snaps/game.

Tier 3:

-Cornerback: While I don't love any of the options here, they clearly plan to play Nixon, Hobbs, and Valentine. Furthermore, Bullard is going to play a lot of slot for the Packers. So depth is technically all that's needed here, but plenty of it.

-Offensive Line: It's difficult to say where the Packers need more depth right now because it's unclear whether they want Morgan to be a tackle or a guard long-term. This isn't urgent, but I could see a middle round selection to continue bolstering depth and guarding against the potential departures of Walker and/or Rhyan. Also worth noting that Jenkins is a candidate next off-season to be released.

Tier 2:

-Tight End: Kraft looks like a long-term fixture and there's still time for Musgrave to materialize, but they could use another player with blocking acumen. If the right guy is out there, I wouldn't be surprised to see an inexpensive veteran addition.

Tier 1:

-Quarterback: If the right player falls in the draft, I could see making the investment in a future QB2, but otherwise all they need here is a camp arm.

-Linebacker: I rank this position here fully anticipating that they will work out an extension for Walker. Allowing that, they have the top 3 guys under control and can continue developing Hopper as the top reserve.

-Safety: Even if Bullard is primarily a nickel, the starters are set and under control in McKinney and Williams. Anderson showed he was a capable player late in the season and they have Oladapo in the pipeline.

-Running Back: They already have more running backs worthy of making the roster than they have room for.

I would not be surprised if they continued to use FA to add at WR, designated pass rusher, or blocking tight end.

I do think something many don’t see coming because out of sight and out of mind is next year we have a ton of contracts hitting towards the end of their life (which means their highest points in most cases) AND a TON of starters and contributors contracts expiring.

It’s one reason I could see Gute go LB early if he likes one - and you let Quay walk…the right DL may mean Wyatt or Clark walks/cut after the year…the right TE means you let Musgrave go…there is a lot of change coming next year

 

[shockerx]

I do think something many don’t see coming because out of sight and out of mind is next year we have a ton of contracts hitting towards the end of their life (which means their highest points in most cases) AND a TON of starters and contributors contracts expiring.

It’s one reason I could see Gute go LB early if he likes one - and you let Quay walk…the right DL may mean Wyatt or Clark walks/cut after the year…the right TE means you let Musgrave go…there is a lot of change coming next year

Tyni, Question on Musgrave...is there a place and time that would make sense to split Musgrave out wide, like maybe the redzone. when he played with the duck's I thought he did some of that. Be interesting with Luke and Kraft on the field together,then motion him outside. Could it be a mismatch for NFL CBs...or is it the the other way around.

 

[tynimiller]

Tyni, Question on Musgrave...is there a place and time that would make sense to split Musgrave out wide, like maybe the redzone. when he played with the duck's I thought he did some of that. Be interesting with Luke and Kraft on the field together,then motion him outside. Could it be a mismatch for NFL CBs...or is it the the other way around.

I know we split him out slot a decent amount, not sure if we have done wide wide a lot. If you roll out three TE set and then motion could be deadly in zone

 

[Heyjoe4]

I do think something many don’t see coming because out of sight and out of mind is next year we have a ton of contracts hitting towards the end of their life (which means their highest points in most cases) AND a TON of starters and contributors contracts expiring.

It’s one reason I could see Gute go LB early if he likes one - and you let Quay walk…the right DL may mean Wyatt or Clark walks/cut after the year…the right TE means you let Musgrave go…there is a lot of change coming next year

Agree. If Jihaad Campbell falls to 23, he would be a great pick.

 

[McKnowledge]

-Cornerback: While I don't love any of the options here, they clearly plan to play Nixon, Hobbs, and Valentine. Furthermore, Bullard is going to play a lot of slot for the Packers. So depth is technically all that's needed here, but plenty of it.

Ballentine just signed with the Colts.

JA is unknown, Nixon is solid, and Hobbs is suited for the slot.

FA? Draft?

Gute better have a plan.

 

[Magooch]

Ballentine just signed with the Colts.

JA is unknown, Nixon is solid, and Hobbs is suited for the slot.

FA? Draft?

Gute better have a plan.

You know he’s talking about Carrington Valentine, not Corey Ballentine, right?

I would agree that we still need some help at that position though.

 

[McKnowledge]

You know he’s talking about Carrington Valentine, not Corey Ballentine, right?

I would agree that we still need some help at that position though.

I do @Magooch

 

[Heyjoe4]

I do @Magooch

You and Magooch have made great observations on the state of the CB group - it's shaky. I argue that starters Valentine, Hobbs, and Nixon are a little above average. Bullard needs to take a big sophomore jump. Beyond that, I think FA is a dead end and Gluten will add another two corners in the draft.

I've said I'd like to see him take Texas WR Matthew Golden at WR. That's a luxury pick and he doesn't have a lot of luxury.

 

[gopkrs]

A guy that could step up is Zayne Anderson. Not sure if he is flexible as far as being able to play slot but I have liked the football player I have seen.

 

[David Ciembronowicz]

I apologize that I'm creating another post like this. I'm bored.

With Banks and Hobbs in the fold, here's how I would stack up the positions on the roster by need.

1: Nothing but roster competition needed; late round pick or UDFA
2: Only depth needed; middle to late round pick
3: Key depth or future starter needed; day 2 to middle round pick
4: Competition for starting job or key role needed; 1st round or day 2 pick
5: Immediate upgrade needed at starting spot; first round pick or multiple picks

Tier 5:

None; I think the Packers could play a game tomorrow and be competitive with almost anyone.

Tier 4:

-Defensive Tackle: There isn't anyone currently on the roster that I feel great about playing the 1T position. Clark would be the logical option, but he's starting to decline and he doesn't really want the role anymore. His presence keeps this spot from being tier 5, but I could see the right rookie having a big role immediately playing next to the rotation of Wyatt and Brooks.

-Wide Receiver: This has been pretty thoroughly discussed-- they need vertical speed as well as depth to hedge against the fact that the current top 4 are hitting 2nd contracts over the next two seasons.

-Defensive End: The Packers have four guys who are capable of giving them snaps, but they could use a pass rush specialist. The coaching changes they made signal that they saw coaching as a bigger issue than talent last season. I do wonder if Brenton Cox is something of a sleeper. They traded Preston Smith for almost nothing and the main result of that move was that Cox started playing 20-30 snaps/game.

Tier 3:

-Cornerback: While I don't love any of the options here, they clearly plan to play Nixon, Hobbs, and Valentine. Furthermore, Bullard is going to play a lot of slot for the Packers. So depth is technically all that's needed here, but plenty of it.

-Offensive Line: It's difficult to say where the Packers need more depth right now because it's unclear whether they want Morgan to be a tackle or a guard long-term. This isn't urgent, but I could see a middle round selection to continue bolstering depth and guarding against the potential departures of Walker and/or Rhyan. Also worth noting that Jenkins is a candidate next off-season to be released.

Tier 2:

-Tight End: Kraft looks like a long-term fixture and there's still time for Musgrave to materialize, but they could use another player with blocking acumen. If the right guy is out there, I wouldn't be surprised to see an inexpensive veteran addition.

Tier 1:

-Quarterback: If the right player falls in the draft, I could see making the investment in a future QB2, but otherwise all they need here is a camp arm.

-Linebacker: I rank this position here fully anticipating that they will work out an extension for Walker. Allowing that, they have the top 3 guys under control and can continue developing Hopper as the top reserve.

-Safety: Even if Bullard is primarily a nickel, the starters are set and under control in McKinney and Williams. Anderson showed he was a capable player late in the season and they have Oladapo in the pipeline.

-Running Back: They already have more running backs worthy of making the roster than they have room for.

I would not be surprised if they continued to use FA to add at WR, designated pass rusher, or blocking tight end.

Just the facts, Tier 4 Needs: Current roster PFF ratings: DT = 85 clark, 90brooks, 47wyatt (PT), 159Wooden out of 219 rated in NFL; DE= 140Enagbare, 36(Gary), 161 (VanNess), 96 Mosby, 40Cox jr. out of 211 rated in NFL. Slaton now gone was 177 of 211 last year. Points out DI/DT definitely a need must have more than 1-2 playmakers and consistency across the front. Only 1 player in top 20% of NFL at position (Gary), two PT players in that range.
Tier 1 LB: McDuffie 137 of 189 by PFF, Q. Walker 127-189, TyRon Hopper 108-189, Edg. Cooper 10 of 189... E. Wilson now a Vike ranked 82 of 189 by PFF..... Suggest maybe LB also a greater need. Stats don't always tell the whole story, however, they can be indicative of potential future success and are indicative of performance in a year.

 

[tynimiller]

A guy that could step up is Zayne Anderson. Not sure if he is flexible as far as being able to play slot but I have liked the football player I have seen.

He played very little but some slot snaps at BYU...not really where he has experience.