2025 Roster - Semi Live Thread

[Pokerbrat2000]

Earlier this Week Gute quietly improved the depth of the WR room even more. He signed UDFA WR Samuel Brown Jr. The signing might end up being a nothing burger, but after reading about Brown and watching some film, I like this guy.

He was a teammate of Matthew Goldens when they were both at Houston. Brown is very athletic, scoring a 9.89 on his RAS. At 6'2 and 200 lbs., with a 4.42 40, he might push quite a few guys in the WR room.

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[OldSchool101]

I like this breakdown. I'm not sure on Kalen King. As it looks, Alexander is coming back and we didn't sign Hobbs to ride the bench. I think we have too many corners for him to make a difference. I don't think Hopper makes it. He doesn't have the football IQ. I think Doubs is probably gone after this season, but could make a difference in 2025. Still, I like your thoughts there.

So Hopper is morphing into a Teams Ace. He’s been called out several times by Coach as one of our best Teams players (Rich gave him Teams player of the Week) We have to understand that not all players see that regular time on Defense. A big portion of Tyron’s Draft Profile was that he would need time to develop, but would be a good contributor on Teams in the meantime. That actually played out perfectly. Hopper wasn’t supposed to be a starting LB and I guess to us casual fans (myself included) we kind of negate him for that. He was a high upside developmental prospect that needed better play strength to compete in the NFL. Year 1 was he needed to earn his stripes. He got 2 stripes for stellar Teams play in 2024. There’s 0 chance he gets run out of the league after last season if for nothing else than Teams coverage.


He’s a Highlight reel player. Just needs consistency. our Personnel Director praised him for looking better coming into the season. We activated King late in the season also, which is a glimpse of we feel he’s nearing the ability to compete on Defense. Now any player can fall off the map because everyone who makes it to the NFL is substantial. Nearly every scouting report on King dropped him from a Day 2 area to Day 3 selection after a down season. His combine dropped him again. Yet he ran a 4.56 40-time after that at Pro Day. So those are not abysmal numbers or anything he can’t overcome. I want to say that’s faster than HaHa Dix was just for record. What we don’t focus on is his 37” Vertical or 1.57 sec 10-yard split or his 4.13/4.16 pro day/combine shuttle. 8.09/7.69 grade. Those are more than adequate if combined with a high quality, cerebral player who’s self motivated… Similar to how Valentine came in.
Not everyone is meant to be a starter, especially as a Rookie College Junior.

 

[Krabs]

So Hopper is morphing into a Teams Ace. He’s been called out several times by Coach as one of our best Teams players (Rich gave him Teams player of the Week) We have to understand that not all players see that regular time on Defense. A big portion of Tyron’s Draft Profile was that he would need time to develop, but would be a good contributor on Teams in the meantime. That actually played out perfectly. Hopper wasn’t supposed to be a starting LB and I guess to us casual fans (myself included) we kind of negate him for that. He was a high upside developmental prospect that needed better play strength to compete in the NFL. Year 1 was he needed to earn his stripes. He got 2 stripes for stellar Teams play in 2024. There’s 0 chance he gets run out of the league after last season if for nothing else than Teams coverage.

I understand that not every player will work out, and we need to fill special teams too. However, being a 3rd pick, I expected more from him. While on vacation in Jamaica, I met a guy wearing a Badgers hat. Naturally, I had to talk to him. He was a retired professor from Missouri who grew up in Madison. He tutored athletes part-time, and Hopper was one of them. He was shocked that the Packers took Hopper, saying they clearly didn't do their homework on him. He mentioned that Hopper is "dumb as a box of rocks," which is why I don't see him working out. That said, maybe his instincts could take over, and it wouldn't be bad to have a special teams ace if that ends up being his role.

He’s a Highlight reel player. Just needs consistency. our Personnel Director praised him for looking better coming into the season. We activated King late in the season also, which is a glimpse of we feel he’s nearing the ability to compete on Defense. Now any player can fall off the map because everyone who makes it to the NFL is substantial. Nearly every scouting report on King dropped him from a Day 2 area to Day 3 selection after a down season. His combine dropped him again. Yet he ran a 4.56 40-time after that at Pro Day. So those are not abysmal numbers or anything he can’t overcome. I want to say that’s faster than HaHa Dix was just for record. What we don’t focus on is his 37” Vertical or 1.57 sec 10-yard split or his 4.13/4.16 pro day/combine shuttle. 8.09/7.69 grade. Those are more than adequate if combined with a high quality, cerebral player who’s self motivated… Similar to how Valentine came in.
Not everyone is meant to be a starter, especially as a Rookie College Junior.

I don't disagree with your assessment. I just think we have better players and it will be hard for him to get on the field. It is also good depth in terms of injuries that will inevitably take place. The Pack also landed him in the 7th round, so taking a flyer on a guy that was projected as a 1st round pick at one point isn't bad.

 

[Krabs]

Earlier this Week Gute quietly improved the depth of the WR room even more. He signed UDFA WR Samuel Brown Jr. The signing might end up being a nothing burger, but after reading about Brown and watching some film, I like this guy.

He was a teammate of Matthew Goldens when they were both at Houston. Brown is very athletic, scoring a 9.89 on his RAS. At 6'2 and 200 lbs., with a 4.42 40, he might push quite a few guys in the WR room.

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What's the story on why he didn't get drafted? Droppsies?

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

What's the story on why he didn't get drafted? Droppsies?

Could be some inconsistency in his game, but I would say playing for 3 schools over 5 seasons could do that.

Brown's Junior year at Houston, he emerged as a key offensive weapon. In that season, he led the team with 62 receptions for 815 yards, averaging 13.1 yards per catch. His performance earned him Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Conference honors. Brown's ability to create yards after the catch was particularly notable, forcing 20 missed tackles, which ranked eighth among Power 5 receivers.

He then transferred to Miami for his final season. While he had Cam Ward throwing to him, it was Cam's only year at Miami as well. Browns stats dropped a bit (36 receptions and 509 yds.), but Miami spread the ball around to 4 different WR's and of course to 2nd round pick TE Elijah Arroyo.

Interesting enough, Miami's top receiver, Xavier Restrepo was also not drafted and signed with the Titans after the draft.

Like I said, he may not amount to much, but the upside with him might surprise some.

 

[OldSchool101]

I don't disagree with your assessment. I just think we have better players and it will be hard for him to get on the field. It is also good depth in terms of injuries that will inevitably take place. The Pack also landed him in the 7th round, so taking a flyer on a guy that was projected as a 1st round pick at one point isn't bad.

Not that any of us want it but injuries are a pretty common occurrence. I think we forget about that when laying out the starters, but it takes 1 or 2 injuries and it’s next man up.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Not that any of us want it but injuries are a pretty common occurrence. I think we forget about that when laying out the starters, but it takes 1 or 2 injuries and it’s next man up.

This is something a lot of fans forget about. How many times have we seen teams entire season derailed due to a rash of injuries to key players? The 49'ers pop into my head as having that happen a few times in the recent past. Without good depth, a once good team is just average.

Gute has been pretty good at building solid rosters, from top to bottom. Hopefully, without jinxing things, I would say that the Packers have avoided seasons where a lot of injuries test their depth.

The path to a Super Bowl win isn't just having solid starters, but a team needs quality depth and of course, a little luck.

 

[OldSchool101]

This is something a lot of fans forget about. How many times have we seen teams entire season derailed due to a rash of injuries to key players? The 49'ers pop into my head as having that happen a few times in the recent past. Without good depth, a once good team is just average.

Gute has been pretty good at building solid rosters, from top to bottom. Hopefully, without jinxing things, I would say that the Packers have avoided seasons where a lot of injuries test their depth.

The path to a Super Bowl win isn't just having solid starters, but a team needs quality depth and of course, a little luck.

Oh yeah. The ones that come to mind are Atlanta with Matt Rhyan. They started hot one season and I believe they lost their entire starting OL. If not it was like 4 starters. The Lions on Defense last year are another more recent example.

 

[tynimiller]

Cameron Young DT formerly picked in the fourth round of the 2023 draft was signed.

Not a crazy athletic guy, but has big mitts (10 inches) and long arm length (34.5) which at times illustrates great ability to move people with those mitts/arms.

2023 he saw 200+ snaps but last year a knee injury essentially stole the season from him....and with Rylie Mills drafted this year (5th), Byron Murphy (1st round), resigned Jarran Reed, restructured Leonard Williams, plus other guys there...Young simply was not in their long term plans.

This to me is a guy that will be battling with Brinson, Wooden, Randolph, Jade Silvera for bottom of the DL room spots...maybe throw Stackhouse in there too if we envision using Clark in my of a nose role.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Not sure if it is a sign of great depth at WR and/or a sign of the lack of depth at CB, but Bo Melton is getting some reps at CB. Might also be a sign of the Packers not having a whole lot of plans for Bo as a WR.

Bo Melton on Two-Position Future with Packers: ‘I’m Still a Receiver’

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Bo Melton was a receiver on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad in 2023 when coach Matt LaFleur first mentioned it. “He was like, ‘You ever

www.si.com

 

[tynimiller]

Not sure if it is a sign of great depth at WR and/or a sign of the lack of depth at CB, but Bo Melton is getting some reps at CB. Might also be a sign of the Packers not having a whole lot of plans for Bo as a WR.

Bo Melton on Two-Position Future with Packers: ‘I’m Still a Receiver’

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Bo Melton was a receiver on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad in 2023 when coach Matt LaFleur first mentioned it. “He was like, ‘You ever

www.si.com

Where have you been lol - this is being discussed on numerous threads since yesterday - catch up my friend. LOL

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

What are peoples thoughts on Elgton Jenkins? He skipped voluntary OTA's, has now shown up for mandatory minicamps, but isn't participating. I realize he wasn't exactly happy about being moved to Center and wants his contract reworked to reflect changes in guaranteed money and incentives. However, imagine had this been Aaron Rodgers or another star player, fans would be losing their sh*t.

​

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Where have you been lol - this is being discussed on numerous threads since yesterday - catch up my friend. LOL

I've been working and haven't checked in for a few days.

 

[tynimiller]

I've been working and haven't checked in for a few days.

Packerforum is life man!!!!! C’mon lol

 

[tynimiller]

@Pokerbrat2000 oh before it goes too long…Jaire was released as well FYI

 

[gopkrs]

What are peoples thoughts on Elgton Jenkins? He skipped voluntary OTA's, has now shown up for mandatory minicamps, but isn't participating. I realize he wasn't exactly happy about being moved to Center and wants his contract reworked to reflect changes in guaranteed money and incentives. However, imagine had this been Aaron Rodgers or another star player, fans would be losing their sh*t.

​

I'm just not worried about it. And this gives Monk and ? a chance to work out there. Though I imagine that Jenkins also needs reps. Sorry, but I always think our O line is overrated. For years not real good at the runblock and no one cared. I'm hopeful this is now going to change for the better. Got a couple of high picks. A big new guard. And Tom.

 

[Sanguine camper]

What are peoples thoughts on Elgton Jenkins? He skipped voluntary OTA's, has now shown up for mandatory minicamps, but isn't participating. I realize he wasn't exactly happy about being moved to Center and wants his contract reworked to reflect changes in guaranteed money and incentives. However, imagine had this been Aaron Rodgers or another star player, fans would be losing their sh*t.

​

Given the fiasco with the David Bakhtiari contract and what looks to be a poor return on investment with Clark's extention, the Packers are more prone to make a hard bargain with veterans past their second contract. They never really got serious with Aaron Jones and let Zadarius walk.

Jenkins has a lot of leverage because nobody else on the line has much experience at center. That said, I can see Gute trading Jenkins in a heartbeat if he holds out too long and goes with reshuffling the O Line with the new picks and additions.

I know that sounds extreme, but the Packers jettisoned Lang and Sitton when they were still good players. Jenkins could be gone very soon and it wouldn't surprise at all.

 

[OldSchool101]

Where have you been lol - this is being discussed on numerous threads since yesterday - catch up my friend. LOL

I Thought it JUST happened!

 

[OldSchool101]

Jenkins has a lot of leverage because nobody else on the line has much experience at center.

Actually Monk (5th Yr Senior) played an adequate amount of Center. He played College ball for 5 seasons as a starter. Tom has also played quite a bit at Center throughout College.
Monk was mostly RG/OC with some RT sprinkles in. Tom played mostly LT and Center and scored high marks at both positions. Not sure we need to go there yet, but we actually have guys that have played sufficient amount at the Center position. That’s one good thing about Gute is he goes after prospects that play multiple positions.

 

[Thirteen Below]

Actually Monk (5th Yr Senior) played an adequate amount of Center. He played College ball for 5 seasons as a starter. Tom has also played quite a bit at Center throughout College.

I saw two different talking heads on different websites tonight say that Monk is one of the players who are impressing them the most - that he's looking good, like he's ready to step up. At least one of them singled out Donovan Jennings, as well.

 

[Voyageur]

I saw two different talking heads on different websites tonight say that Monk is one of the players who are impressing them the most - that he's looking good, like he's ready to step up. At least one of them singled out Donovan Jennings, as well.

I wonder if they really mean he's doing that well, or putting it out there to make Jenkins feel just a little nervous about how much they need him on the field? It's hard to gauge a lot of that type of coaching comments.

I hope Monk does step up and can take hold of the position to be honest. It would free Jenkins to play guard, or even move out to tackle if it became necessary. The guy has a multitude of range capability and can pretty much do at least fairly well in all 5-line spots.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I wonder if they really mean he's doing that well, or putting it out there to make Jenkins feel just a little nervous about how much they need him on the field? It's hard to gauge a lot of that type of coaching comments.

I hope Monk does step up and can take hold of the position to be honest. It would free Jenkins to play guard, or even move out to tackle if it became necessary. The guy has a multitude of range capability and can pretty much do at least fairly well in all 5-line spots.

You're right about Jenkins, he can play anywhere on the OL. I wonder if his talent is maximized at C. From the FA and draft moves, it certainly seems like he will be expected to play C. I can't blame him for wanting some financial assurances, given the value he brings to the team and not just as a C.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Packerforum is life man!!!!! C’mon lol

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[Pokerbrat2000]

@Pokerbrat2000 oh before it goes too long…Jaire was released as well FYI

Where have you been? I commented on that already, matter of fact, right after it happened! You even liked and commented on a few of my posts.

Come on man, The Packer Forum is life!

Not all that surprising. Guessing Jaire wouldn't budge on his contract and the Packers weren't going to commit to the money due, given his injury history and lack of being available.

Another team will excitedly pay him more than he is probably going to be worth.

I think we can safely guess that this statement is why Jaire is no longer a Packer.

It appears that the Packers wanted to keep Jaire in Green Bay, but on a redone deal to reflect the probability of his availability for 2025 and beyond.

I may be going out on a limb, but I think there are several current and former Packers that would have agreed to a new deal, Jaire won't be remembered as one that did.

By releasing Alexander after June 1st, the Packers will only be on the hook for keeping his 2025 signing bonus money (just over $7.5 million) as dead money on the 2025 salary cap. The remaining signing bonus money — a shade more than $9.5 million covering both 2026 and the 2027 void year — will hit the cap next year, in 2026.

Concur with these figures.

Agree on everything except "last 2 years". Let's not forget that JA only played in 3.25 games in 2021 due to shoulder issues.

Gute made the right choice based on the existing contract and the past injury history of JA.

Whatever JA does in his career from this point forward, doesn't change my opinion that Gute made the right decision.

Could not agree more.

In case this wasn't mentioned. It sounds like JA was offered a restructured deal. Basically, what we all talked about, a 1 year deal with a reduced salary but incentive clauses, he declined it.

Report: Jaire Alexander turned down one-year, restructured deal before Packers release

CB Jaire Alexander turned down a restructured deal before the Packers decided to release him.

packerswire.usatoday.com

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

For me, once a healthy player, that is under contract, starts making waves by not attending practices, refusing to suit up, report, etc., they have put 1 foot out the door. That isn't a team player for me. Again, I understand Jenkins frustrations, but let your agent and the team work it out behind closed doors.

Jenkins signed a 4 year, $68M contract with the Packers in 2023, including a $24M signing bonus (guaranteed). He is 2 years into that deal, a deal that averages $17M/year. Maybe Jenkins is more worried about 2026, when his contract, if unchanged, would create a $24.8M cap hit. I can't see a situation where the Packers would just let that happen.

Be happy with what you have been paid, for mostly playing LG, be a team player and get to practice and hone your craft at Center. Show the Packers you are willing and able player, that wants to do what is best for the team. Let your agent figure out the rest.