2025 Training Camp Thread

[tynimiller]

That's fair about depth charts. Do you feel that the Packers are that low on Monk that he's behind Rhyan at center?

I believe it is just not as natural to Monk and Rhyan seems to have digested everything better and can handle that change easier. Even looking back at Monk's tape at Duke where he played center almost out of necessity - his guard film is better than his center for sure. We are a better team and positioned better if Monk can be that #2 though for sure.

Him proving to be #2 center behind Jenkins and Morgan proving to be the starting RG would be the perfect fiscal storm to maybe resigning Rhyan on a swingman type contract to be our 6th man in future years.

 

[GBkrzygrl]

Thank you! Glad to do it. When I'm working on the computer, sometimes 10 hours aday or more, I always have a tab open in the background with Youtube, listening to either music or podcasts on science, technology, history, etc. - but this time of year, I never seem to get past my playlist of Packer podcasts.

So I figured I may as well share it with people who don't have that kind of time to listen to the computer.

So far today, I've learned that the Packers have finally signed a veteran CB - and it's Corey Ballantine, who left for free agency but was cut today by the Colts.

Things are starting to look dire for former 4th round pick Colby Wooden. He's been losing 2nd team snaps to Nazir Stackhouse , and now they're working Warren Brinson into his spot more and more too. They also started mixing Barron Sorrel into some more complicated pass-rushing packages today, and seem pleased with how he handles it. Lukas Van Ness is sill showing well, registering a sack and a safety on the first snap of one exercise, and then stuffing a run for a loss. Not sure who he beat on those snaps;there was no video of it up yet. But I'll be watching for it.

Competition at linebacker is intense, with Isiah Simmons pushing McDuffie hard for that 3rd LB job, now that Walker is off the field and making a little room for him.

Doubs continues to have a very good camp, and there's a buzz building around Wicks - some people are lightheartedly calling him "Davante Wicks", as apparently he has really stepped up his game. His route running is said to be even smoother than last year, and unlike last year, he is catching everything in sight.

NFL Network called his route-running "spectacular", and someone said that if it weren't for Golden, Wicks would be getting all the WR headlines this year. When he's lined up, players who don't have anything to do gather around to watch him run routes. I'd heard a little bit about this last week, but didn't pay a lot of attention, but several podcasts and writers are starting to talk about it today, so it may become more of a story.

Also, Mercole Hardman and Malik Heath are quietly battling neck and neck for the #6 WR spot. Several sources say that not a single day has gone by without Hardman making at least one big "splash" play. A lot of people are surprised at his consistent playmaking abillity.

And finall, Lafleur will not be calling plays in the pre-season, letting his assistants step up and get some experience at it. This is nothing new; he's been doing this for years now. But hopefully this year one of them will become the "Mathew Golden" of playcallers, and force himself into the position of #1 playcaller for the 2025 season.

Thanks a lot for the info. Sometimes I feel bipolar. I'm happy when the offense does well and a little bummed that the defense didn't. And vice versa.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I will just drop this here...

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[Thirteen Below]

I will just drop this here...

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

Wow, look at all that excitement over Dan Johnson!

The fans outnumber the players. Maybe the Chicago Sky had a WNBA game that night.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Wow, look at all that excitement over Dan Johnson!

The fans outnumber the players. Maybe the Chicago Sky had an NBA game that night.

Meanwhile, the Bears are proposing a new $4.7B stadium and want tax payers to pick up half the cost.

 

[Thirteen Below]

A few more tidbits from the last couple of days...

First of all, Matt announced he will definitely play the starters on Saturday, but he's not sure how long. He cited statistics that show players who do not play at all in pre-season are significantly more likely to suffer soft-tissue injuries in the first part of the regular season. There was a significant spike in early soft-tissue injuries in 2020, the year without a training camp or pre-season, compared to 19, 21, 22, and 23.

And speaking of injuries... we've got a ton. Travis Gordon, a depth OL, is out for the season with a torn lat. But what is more concerning is that Reed (foot), McKinney (calf), Wicks (calf), and Jenkins (back) are all questionable for Week 1, and Hobbs is out indefinitely with a knee (but probably not a longterm issue). Colin Oliver and John Williams are on the PUP list, and Rasheed Walker and Emmanuel Wilson are out with no word on how long. (Edit: Walker returned today).

That season opener with Detroit is looking tougher all the time.

With Mr. X out, the younger safeties are getting a chance to step up, and Bullard and Oladapo are making plays, and getting reps with the 1s. Nixon was out for a "veteran's rest" day, and Melton was paired with Valentine on the first team. Bo intercepted a red zone pass meant for Hicks, and then broke up a pass to Heath in the end zone. He may actually come out of camp as the #4 CB.

Competition is intense on the one-on-one passing drills. Matchups the last couple of days have included Doubs vs Valentine, Reed vs King, Hardman vs Bullard, and the best ones appear to be Golden vs Nixon. They ran 3 reps on Wednesday, and Nixon broke up the first two deep balls before Golden outfought him for the 3rd one. King is having an excellent 2nd year camp, too. Lafleur singled out Bullard, saying he's having "an outstanding camp".

Doubs is having a hell of a camp, too. He worked out a lot in California with Love, and Love and Lafleur both spoke of how much better his route-running is this year. Reporters say there's not a day goes by that he doesn't make at least one highlight-reel type play.

John Fitzpatrick may be gaining ground on Ben Sims for #3 TE. At the start of camp, he was seen as a blocking tight end, but he's been steadily improving as a receiver, and has made some very good plays. He's even run some plays out of the backfield. If he can truly be trusted as a legitimate 2-tool TE, that may be his meal ticket. Sims was a much better receiver in college, and faster, but it sounds like Fitzpatrick is the one who is getting open and catching the passes in camp.

Van Ness continues to dominate his end of the D line, and he beat his man to stuff Jacobs twice on the same series. Also notched another safety. On the other end, Gary "sacked" Love on two consecutive plays.

The loudest noise coming from the D is from the 2nd level, where competition for the linebackers is still intense. McDuffie may be the #3 LB on the depth chart, but Isiah Simmons has his own ideas about that. Lafleur and Hafley seem to be deliberately creating a head-to-head dogfight between the two of them, to see which one wants it more. Simmons is definitely rising to the challenge, and making a number of plays.

But the big news on the linebackers continues to be Cooper - he is on a rampage, all over the field like there's two of him out there. His anticipation of plays is exceptional, and with his explosive speed off the ball, he's often in the backfield before his man is even out of his stance.

He's primed for a strong sophomore season, and mentally prepared to excel.

"I feel like the sky's the limit," Cooper said. "Now, I'm coming for it all. I feel like I have so much more left in my tank. I don't like to stay comfortable at all. I just want to attack it more."

======================================
This isn't the Packers' training camp, but some perhaps ominous news coming out of the Chicago camp. Ben Johnson is demanding his players practice intensely and physically in camp, because that's what he wants his team to be in games. The first day of that mandate, they ran live t6ackling drills in game-like conditions, and there were multiple scuffles and 4 outright fights between teammates.

Reporters and vloggers came away quite surprised; one said it was the most physical practice he's ever seen, and another said he's never seen "such a violent practice".

On the one hand, this is the sort of thing that can create a lot oftension and friction (especially on a team where players have been taking shots at one anotrher in the media for a couple of years), but at ther same time, I'm not looking forward to that team teeing off on Love twice a year. The rivalry may get dialed up a notch or two this season.

 

[gopkrs]

Im looking forward to seeing who's playing L tackle and how they do. With a grain of salt though because I won't know the DE. You can look great against a guy who won't make their team. Also looking forward to watching Bo Melton and Bullard

 

[Pkrjones]

Im looking forward to seeing who's playing L tackle and how they do. With a grain of salt though because I won't know the DE. You can look great against a guy who won't make their team. Also looking forward to watching Bo Melton and Bullard

Jets are expected to play their starters, too, at least for a few series. 1's vs 1's!!

 

[Firethorn1001]

Jets are expected to play their starters, too, at least for a few series. 1's vs 1's!!

1 v 1s. At least we get some fan overreaction training in so social media can be in peak form week 1.

 

[Voyageur]

A few more tidbits from the last couple of days...

First of all, Matt announced he will definitely play the starters on Saturday, but he's not sure how long. He cited statistics that show players who do not play at all in pre-season are significantly more likely to suffer soft-tissue injuries in the first part of the regular season. There was a significant spike in early soft-tissue injuries in 2020, the year without a training camp or pre-season, compared to 19, 21, 22, and 23.

And speaking of injuries... we've got a ton. Travis Gordon, a depth OL, is out for the season with a torn lat. But what is more concerning is that Reed (foot), McKinney (calf), Wicks (calf), and Jenkins (back) are all questionable for Week 1, and Hobbs is out indefinitely with a knee (but probably not a longterm issue). Colin Oliver and John Williams are on the PUP list, and Rasheed Walker and Emmanuel Wilson are out with no word on how long. (Edit: Walker returned today).

That season opener with Detroit is looking tougher all the time.

With Mr. X out, the younger safeties are getting a chance to step up, and Bullard and Oladapo are making plays, and getting reps with the 1s. Nixon was out for a "veteran's rest" day, and Melton was paired with Valentine on the first team. Bo intercepted a red zone pass meant for Hicks, and then broke up a pass to Heath in the end zone. He may actually come out of camp as the #4 CB.

Competition is intense on the one-on-one passing drills. Matchups the last couple of days have included Doubs vs Valentine, Reed vs King, Hardman vs Bullard, and the best ones appear to be Golden vs Nixon. They ran 3 reps on Wednesday, and Nixon broke up the first two deep balls before Golden outfought him for the 3rd one. King is having an excellent 2nd year camp, too. Lafleur singled out Bullard, saying he's having "an outstanding camp".

Doubs is having a hell of a camp, too. He worked out a lot in California with Love, and Love and Lafleur both spoke of how much better his route-running is this year. Reporters say there's not a day goes by that he doesn't make at least one highlight-reel type play.

John Fitzpatrick may be gaining ground on Ben Sims for #3 TE. At the start of camp, he was seen as a blocking tight end, but he's been steadily improving as a receiver, and has made some very good plays. He's even run some plays out of the backfield. If he can truly be trusted as a legitimate 2-tool TE, that may be his meal ticket. Sims was a much better receiver in college, and faster, but it sounds like Fitzpatrick is the one who is getting open and catching the passes in camp.

Van Ness continues to dominate his end of the D line, and he beat his man to stuff Jacobs twice on the same series. Also notched another safety. On the other end, Gary "sacked" Love on two consecutive plays.

The loudest noise coming from the D is from the 2nd level, where competition for the linebackers is still intense. McDuffie may be the #3 LB on the depth chart, but Isiah Simmons has his own ideas about that. Lafleur and Hafley seem to be deliberately creating a head-to-head dogfight between the two of them, to see which one wants it more. Simmons is definitely rising to the challenge, and making a number of plays.

But the big news on the linebackers continues to be Cooper - he is on a rampage, all over the field like there's two of him out there. His anticipation of plays is exceptional, and with his explosive speed off the ball, he's often in the backfield before his man is even out of his stance.

He's primed for a strong sophomore season, and mentally prepared to excel.

"I feel like the sky's the limit," Cooper said. "Now, I'm coming for it all. I feel like I have so much more left in my tank. I don't like to stay comfortable at all. I just want to attack it more."

======================================
This isn't the Packers' training camp, but some perhaps ominous news coming out of the Chicago camp. Ben Johnson is demanding his players practice intensely and physically in camp, because that's what he wants his team to be in games. The first day of that mandate, they ran live t6ackling drills in game-like conditions, and there were multiple scuffles and 4 outright fights between teammates.

Reporters and vloggers came away quite surprised; one said it was the most physical practice he's ever seen, and another said he's never seen "such a violent practice".

On the one hand, this is the sort of thing that can create a lot oftension and friction (especially on a team where players have been taking shots at one anotrher in the media for a couple of years), but at ther same time, I'm not looking forward to that team teeing off on Love twice a year. The rivalry may get dialed up a notch or two this season.

Great evaluation. Thanks!

 

[lambeaulambo]

We shall see about Van Ness. If he underperforms this season, it will be his last here.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

We shall see about Van Ness. If he underperforms this season, it will be his last here.

Highly doubt that. He would have to suck really bad for the Packers not to let him play out his 4th year, which will only cost the Packers $1.4M.

I will agree though that if this, his 3rd year as a Packer isn't productive and improved, the Packers will not pick up his 5th year option next Spring.

 

[Voyageur]

Highly doubt that. He would have to suck really bad for the Packers not to let him play out his 4th year, which will only cost the Packers $1.4M.

I will agree though that if this, his 3rd year as a Packer isn't productive and improved, the Packers will not pick up his 5th year option next Spring.

What's amazing is how people will be down on LVN but not even talk about Colby Wooden who is a million-dollar boat anchor. They need to jettison him, take the somewhat nominal cap hit, and move on with a roster spot used for someone who has a chance at being productive. Wooden just hasn't lived up to any of the hype that surrounded him coming out of college.

 

[OldSchool101]

What's amazing is how people will be down on LVN but not even talk about Colby Wooden who is a million-dollar boat anchor. They need to jettison him, take the somewhat nominal cap hit, and move on with a roster spot used for someone who has a chance at being productive. Wooden just hasn't lived up to any of the hype that surrounded him coming out of college.

Yeah Karl Brooks was the better selection. Might be why they are trying to pinch Wooden inside to find a better opportunity for him to stay. As of now he’s on the bubble imo.

 

[Pkrjones]

Yeah Karl Brooks was the better selection. Might be why they are trying to pinch Wooden inside to find a better opportunity for him to stay. As of now he’s on the bubble imo.

Wooden was drafted as a 6'-4", 273 lb edge who needed to develop counter moves in addition to quick bull rushes. He never did, so the coaches had him beef up & add weight so they could move him inside. He was drafted at 116 (4th round) where "experts" thought he would be. Just never made "the jump" so will probably be a cut in a few weeks to make room for Sorrel or Brinson.

 

[OldSchool101]

Wooden was drafted as a 6'-4", 273 lb edge who needed to develop counter moves in addition to quick bull rushes. He never did, so the coaches had him beef up & add weight so they could move him inside. He was drafted at 116 (4th round) where "experts" thought he would be. Just never made "the jump" so will probably be a cut in a few weeks to make room for Sorrel or Brinson.

yes. Wooden has been ok ish. It’s a tough sport we have to take the emotion out of roster decisions with some rare exceptions. The league evolves and we just added 2 more edge types and imo both will outperform Wooden at least long term.

Stackhouse has been looking pretty impressive albeit against a mix of 1’s 2’s etc. I just think between Brinson and Stack we’re fine. Brinson has been a little banged up and Wooden has an opportunity to showcase growth.

No offense these guys are all Packers. That said if we want to take the next step Defensively? then the status quo isn’t good enough. Other teams are getting better and our attitude should be to shed mediocrity and promote players who show disruption.

 

[Voyageur]

Wooden was fine against college level play. He could overpower offensive players with no problem. In the NFL, you need to learn finesse to accomplish what's necessary as an edge rusher. In a way it's kind of like a ballet of huge men. They need fluid hips and be able to swivel their bodies around in a way that makes them hard to block because the change the angles on you continuously. For Colby it's a game of collision. He hits you head on and hopes he overwhelms you. That's the reason for his move inside. He isn't capable of making those steps necessary to disguise his moves.

I have a hunch he's history in favor of a younger player with a lot of future potential. Like has been stated, Brinson & Stackhouse are candidates. Colby will never reach that next level, and the roster spot is too valuable to waste on someone with no potential to grow.

 

[OldSchool101]

On D we lost a good (but not great) iDL in TJ, but imo he’s not irreplaceable either. We have like 3-4 guys fighting for that hole left by TJ. I think the best of that grouping will offer a similar feel to TJ. I always thought TJ was a better Run Defender but PFF graded him (not that it’s gospel) at 45%. League Average at DL is about 55%. Now in 2024 TJ offered some pass rush but still about league average plus a hair.
TJ was great for a 5th rounder and I don’t want to sound critical in anyway. He played decent, just not enough to offer him $8-10M yearly etc.

Imo iDL is one of our biggest opportunities to step forward. We have 2 Georgia Bulldogs who should provide a good fight. Outside looking in is Wooden, he’s got 3 weeks to showcase he’s made a leap forward.

 

[Voyageur]

I read another article where a bozo named Dave Holcomb who has nothing to do with the Packers is pushing the notion that the Packers are going to trade Doubs to clear cap room because they have a "logjam" of receivers, even without Watson taking the field.

He's just another guy who picked up on the glitch that happened last year with Doubs and is turning it into a nightmare scenario that the Packers will do almost anything to rid themselves of him. The writer is another idiot, and he actually writes for Sports Illustrated. His beat, from what I gathered is the Falcons and let's face it, covering them is like covering events at the port-a-potties.

Right now, Doubs & Golden are the only two receivers that the Packers have that I'd say are a sure thing to move the chains. Doubs spent a lot of time this past off season working with Love so they can get their route timing down to where they can link up for even better results. Why would you trade the one guy you have in practice to this point that has experience and shows how good he is nearly every practice.

I wish there was a better understanding by "news services," as it were, what it means to give honest reports and evaluations based on common sense and real investigation of the circumstances surrounding where the team stands in regard to their talent.

 

[Voyageur]

On D we lost a good (but not great) iDL in TJ, but imo he’s not irreplaceable either. We have like 3-4 guys fighting for that hole left by TJ. I think the best of that grouping will offer a similar feel to TJ. I always thought TJ was a better Run Defender but PFF graded him (not that it’s gospel) at 45%. League Average at DL is about 55%. Now in 2024 TJ offered some pass rush but still about league average plus a hair.
TJ was great for a 5th rounder and I don’t want to sound critical in anyway. He played decent, just not enough to offer him $8-10M yearly etc.

Imo iDL is one of our biggest opportunities to step forward. We have 2 Georgia Bulldogs who should provide a good fight. Outside looking in is Wooden, he’s got 3 weeks to showcase he’s made a leap forward.

Exactly the point. It isn't just how good the guy is, but often how good the guy they have on the bench is, who can replace him. If you have a guy with an 80-rating backed by a guy with a 70, and the guy who is at 80 is looking for a salary 4 times what the guy rated at 70 is getting, and you have the guy at 70 locked in for a couple of more years, it's adios to the 80. That isn't "throwing away the best players on the team" because you're more than likely going to get a draft pick next year, and you're freeing up cap room to build another position up that needs bolstering.

Anyhow, that's my opinion.

 

[tynimiller]

We shall see about Van Ness. If he underperforms this season, it will be his last here.

Zero reason even if his role is diminished to depth his rookie contract is one you don’t walk from before the option year.

 

[Voyageur]

Zero reason even if his role is diminished to depth his rookie contract is one you don’t walk from before the option year.

Trust me on this one. His role is going to be of great importance. We're going to be hearing from a lot of people how he was an underachiever, but the reality is, it was his learning curve and the coaching staff's modifying the role he's going to play.

 

[tynimiller]

Trust me on this one. His role is going to be of great importance. We're going to be hearing from a lot of people how he was an underachiever, but the reality is, it was his learning curve and the coaching staff's modifying the role he's going to play.

Oh for sure but even if he flopped at being a starter this year - would be a BONEHEADED move to cut him with a year left on rookie deal.

 

[Thirteen Below]

I wish there was a better understanding by "news services," as it were, what it means to give honest reports and evaluations based on common sense and real investigation of the circumstances surrounding where the team stands in regard to their talent.

The internet has been a major contributory factor in the destruction of journalism, IMO. The public in general no longer values good journalism, and the crap that floods social media makes it increasingly difficult for average people to assess the accuracy of information. At the same time, newspapers lost readership, and could no longer afford to pay their reporters.

As media outlets lost staff, the quality of journalism inevitably declined. People became accustomed to immediate information, and in their haste to be the first to break a story (any story), fact-checking became almost irrelevant. When I was a reporter, I never ever stated something as a fact - no matter how minor - without confirming it thoroughly, and documenting my source material so that I didn't have to rely on memory. My name was at the top of every article, so in a way, I was attesting with my signature that every single thing I wrote was true to the best of my knowledge.

Now? The media is infested with "journalists" who just repeat what they see other "journalists" are publishing on other websites, like a dog chasing its own tail. I can hardly blame people for not trusting the "media." The so-called "media" is (overall) not the least bit concerned about being accurate about anything; they only care about being first.

I can completely understand why the public is losing so much respect for the media. There are no more Cronkites, Sevareids, or Murrows out there.

 

[gopkrs]

It's important to try and be an educated consumer. Even if that means checking up on things a little before deciding. Googling, I think, is one way. Sometimes using common sense helps. And of course, try and understand what agenda the media you are reading or listening has.imho