2026 Roster Thread - Semi-Live

[tynimiller]

Yes. That and if Wicks offer is earlier he’s likely not going to command Big $$

Honestly extending him one year on a low figure now would be a sneaky savvy money move...but sadly it'd tick Reed off for sure

 

[OldSchool101]

Honestly extending him one year on a low figure now would be a sneaky savvy money move...but sadly it'd tick Reed off for sure

Well the more I watch Golden the more I think if pressed into a Slot role is equal to Reed. Plus Golden can lineup up anywhere, so he’s more versatile. I also have a hunch we’re going to go WR again (RD4-5) This class is perfect at WR to prepare for 2027!

 

[tynimiller]

Well the more I watch Golden the more I think if pressed into a Slot role is equal to Reed. Plus Golden can lineup up anywhere, so he’s more versatile. I also have a hunch we’re going to go WR again (RD4-5) This class is perfect at WR to prepare for 2027!

If ted Hurst or Bryce Lance last till then I'd jump at either...

 

[OldSchool101]

If ted Hurst or Bryce Lance last till then I'd jump at either...

That Bryce Lance paired with Watson would be problematic for Defenses especially over the Top. Actually alot of similarities for size to athleticism to program to pedigree.

 

[tynimiller]

That Bryce Lance paired with Watson would be problematic for Defenses especially over the Top. Actually alot of similarities for size to athleticism to program to pedigree.

Jeff Caldwell is another early day 3 guy

 

[OldSchool101]

Jeff Caldwell is another early day 3 guy

I’m not wholly opposed to even replicating an Evan Williams type draft day trade up. Nothing crazy but have like 5 or 6 Day 3 players we’ve contemplated all night. Then at about the #105-110 overall area moving up for someone we think can help us today. Very much like Evan Did. I’d rather get 5 players I really like over stashing players on PS etc.

We also likely have 4 additional draft picks added in 2027. I wouldn’t be afraid to use a future draft pick to get a guy like Sweat or whomever they thought was a sound contract decision. Or add a Reddich etc.

 

[CarryTheG14]

I could see both of them getting better. I hope so. Wicks just has a lot of potential imho. And Musgrave can get open deep. He should be able to take linebackers with him or be open

If Wicks is the separation machine that these charts supposedly say he is, then he better show it this year. He'll have opportunities.

 

[thequick12]

Reeds future has more to do for me in what Golden and Savion do out of the slot. If either or both show to be a weapon at all…Reed is expendable…and Wicks is actually the better extension - due to he is absolutely an outside guy.

For sure Reeds skill set is a bit redundant with Golden and youre right Williams too.

While Wicks is solid outside I think we could do better there. I wouldn't be against resigning him for cheap as a depth piece. But as a starter, hes a spot that cluld be upgraded with a draft pick this year or more likely next year

 

[tynimiller]

For sure Reeds skill set is a bit redundant with Golden and youre right Williams too.

While Wicks is solid outside I think we could do better there. I wouldn't be against resigning him for cheap as a depth piece. But as a starter, hes a spot that cluld be upgraded with a draft pick this year or more likely next year

I know you specifically didn't mean it this way BUT I keep hearing one phrase which is like nails across a chalk board for me this time of year.... "I think we could do better there"

Of course. Let's walk down the Wicks road a bit.

What are some things you have to have out of an outside WR?

- They have to be a man coverage beater, when manned up do they have separation ability to get open? Wicks - yes one of the best (proven in advanced analytics)
- You need a savvy and knowledgable guy that knows and understands zone call openings. He is no elite level guy here but has progressed steadily in his years.
- You need a guy who gells naturally with the QB for timing routes and especially back shoulders. Wicks has illustrated this.

Now, for sure Wicks is not an elite / all pro gamechanger type right now or appears to project to that. However, Watson does so there is your primary outside guy...Kraft is that insanely gifted TE option....what this team needs is someone to produce in the slot and be that place's #1 - whether that is Golden, Reed or Savion it doesn't matter....but having Wicks as that solid WR2 and holding down the outside role for a team being capable and steady has immense value for the system.

I can tell ya this much if Golden grows and shows...I think Wicks back for $6M/Yr type level deal is worth far more than paying Reed $10+M/Yr...can you do better at your WR2 absolutely, but only so much money and only so many draft picks with no guarantees...better doesn't always mean a 1 v 1 player comparison but a roster A or roster B comparison.

 

[gopkrs]

For sure Reeds skill set is a bit redundant with Golden and youre right Williams too.

While Wicks is solid outside I think we could do better there. I wouldn't be against resigning him for cheap as a depth piece. But as a starter, hes a spot that cluld be upgraded with a draft pick this year or more likely next year

I agree that Golden could and should get reps at the slot, but I don't think we have too many receivers. I guess it will have to come down to cost for Reed. And what about running a few double slot plays? Reed has shown a knack of being able to find the hole middle deep and come up with the catch. And Golden could go deep from the slot. I'm also looking forward to see those good hands for shorter routes also. I guess we don't have to resign Reed right away, but if he stays healthy; he will be valuable. I'm leaning towards another bonafide wide out. Melton, I don't think, really fills that role well. imho. Not a starter. Just a player with good hands and length. I'd prefer to see Golden flexible as far as the position he starts at. Actually, I forgot about Watson. Maybe we don't need another wide out. I'm just not a Melton fan anymore. I hope he proves me wrong.

 

[OldSchool101]

Jeff Caldwell is another early day 3 guy

The more I ponder WR. Just in general and nothing directed at Caldwell. I think it’s a thick enough class to stand pat and someone good will come rolling along in RD4 Or RD5 that is starter potential within 2yrs. If we make a trade I’d prefer it’s at QB2 where we can pay a guy $1.5M for 4 years of reliability.

I say this because for 4 rounds there’s a consensus 5-6 athletes graded per round at WR. It thins a little around top 150-175, but the supply will push a RD3-4 prospect into our lap imo.

If Wicks is the separation machine that these charts supposedly say he is, then he better show it this year. He'll have opportunities.

Just my opinion but at this juncture Wicks looks like a bonfafide WR3-4 that can serve as a WR2 for several weeks. I see him as a 600-700 yards, 5-6 TD when offered opportunity. 13.5 per target Wideout with adequate targets. Maybe clipping 800 yards if he’s thrust into Full Time action. He’d be a low end #2 but upper end #4.

Now I hope I’m wrong and he shoots up towards 1,000+ but I think it’s just as likely he’d go back to 200 yards or less. Unlikely. 750 yards ceiling guy and that’s a compliment in this league and he’s as already met RD5 expectations and still grinding.

 

[gopkrs]

The more I ponder WR. Just in general and nothing directed at Caldwell. I think it’s a thick enough class to stand pat and someone good will come rolling along in RD4 Or RD5 that is starter potential within 2yrs. If we make a trade I’d prefer it’s at QB2 where we can pay a guy $1.5M for 4 years of reliability.

I say this because for 4 rounds there’s a consensus 5-6 athletes graded per round at WR. It thins a little around top 150-175, but the supply will push a RD3-4 prospect into our lap imo.

Just my opinion but at this juncture Wicks looks like a bonfafide WR3-4 that can serve as a WR2 for several weeks. I see him as a 600-700 yards, 5-6 TD when offered opportunity. 13.5 per target Wideout with adequate targets. Maybe clipping 800 yards if he’s thrust into Full Time action. He’d be a low end #2 but upper end #4.

Now I hope I’m wrong and he shoots up towards 1,000+ but I think it’s just as likely he’d go back to 200 yards or less. Unlikely. 750 yards ceiling guy and that’s a compliment in this league and he’s as already met RD5 expectations and still grinding.

I don't like trying to make draft picks based on them maybe being ready to play in two years. It tries the patience and takes up space.

 

[OldSchool101]

I don't like trying to make draft picks based on them maybe being ready to play in two years. It tries the patience and takes up space.

I agree with that. There’s a big difference between playing and starting. You said “playing” I said “starting”.

 

[gopkrs]

I agree with that. There’s a big difference between playing and starting. You said “playing” I said “starting”.

I don't see a big difference

 

[OldSchool101]

I don't see a big difference

Ok. See I see a big difference between a player winning a starter role (Reed) as a Rookie. Versus a player getting playing time as a Rookie (I’ll use Tae Wicks because he played about as much as any example I can think of from Day3.

Romeo is a good example of a guy you snag in RD4-7 that “plays” significant time but isn’t a FT starter for 15-17 games. He might at best fill in as a starter for injury or develop into a starter as season progresses. He started I think 7 games so that’s pretty high level for a Rook.

I think expecting a Rookie from Day 3 to be our starter is going to regularly bring disappointment. Specifically on this Roster though? A Rookie WR in 2026 would have to beat out Reed or Golden or Watson. I suppose it’s not impossible but highly unlikely or not expected for sure. So we can all hope together but be realistic about those chances.

 

[gopkrs]

I'm thinking more in terms of mindset while drafting.

 

[mradtke66]

And what about running a few double slot plays?

Almost any receiver can be the second slot guy for a few plays, large part because your 2nd slot player is going up against the other team's 6th best DB.

At a high level, I understand the idea of considering moving on from Reed. In a world where we have Reed and we are running 11 personnel, Watson is one obvious split end, Golden the other, Reed the slot. It would be complicated in base. Golden might be the better player in that situation, thus making Reed less valuable. That's a bit of a guess and projection.

In a world where we don't have Reed, Golden and Watson are your two starters in 21 or 12. In 11, Golden is either your slot or your split depending on who else is on the roster. Wicks would be an obvious choice, kicking Golden into the slot.

 

[OldSchool101]

I'm thinking more in terms of mindset while drafting.

Sure we all have a mindset of drafting each player as if they could start. However on Green Bay we’re looking for longer term effect and these guys have to earn the term Starter. Look at Golden was a #23 overall and wasn’t really a starter. Heck Golden filled in admirably a few games. I just think if I’m drafting in RD4-RD5 like I mentioned I’m tempering expectations to reality. Most often that’s not my starting WR. Wasn’t long ago we had 4th RD WR that got here and couldn’t even catch a dang ball.

I’m certainly not of a mindset “let me draft a Day 3 WR that will not be a starter for awhile” I think that would be a little silly to assume I meant that.

 

[tynimiller]

I don't see a big difference

What!?? How do you see them as the same? Playing and starting are crazy different, especially at nearly every position not OL and QB….

 

[gopkrs]

What!?? How do you see them as the same? Playing and starting are crazy different, especially at nearly every position not OL and QB….

Yes. Of course. I was referring to drafting someone with the idea he can be a starter in two years. I think it is sometimes too tempting to draft on potential. I might prefer a guy that I don't think will be a starter but I think has other attributes that can help the team now.

 

[OldSchool101]

Yes. Of course. I was referring to drafting someone with the idea he can be a starter in two years. I think it is sometimes too tempting to draft on potential. I might prefer a guy that I don't think will be a starter but I think has other attributes that can help the team now.

Oh I see what you mean. No I’m in 100% total agree. Matter of fact I just replied to Tyni how I think our first pair of selections should be guys who can have a serious chance of fighting fit a starting spot.

The least difficult are DT, ILB, RB. I’d consider RB2 getting starter snaps as we often see a 600+ yard all purpose producer at RB2. An earlier Day3 RB has a legitimate opportunity if he impresses to win RB2.

DT might be another area with some legitimate chance in Day2. Particularly if we move up the draft board slightly using 52 or 84. Such as a top 45 or even top 75 selection. Heck Wyatt might be slow ramped into starting in September so it’s a perfect chance to shine.

that 3rd LB might not be a “starter”. That said if we drafted a LB
RD2-RD5 it’s not uncommon to see those guys get regular rotation. Here might be an issue.

Center of Guard are possible, but really hard to get one to Start unless it’s a Top 75 type selection and they impress. Our OT is locked up. Corey Linsley Started and he was a Day3. Although that was likely not a plan. JC injured and Corey got thrust in there from the Buckeyes program

 

[thequick12]

I know you specifically didn't mean it this way BUT I keep hearing one phrase which is like nails across a chalk board for me this time of year.... "I think we could do better there"

Of course. Let's walk down the Wicks road a bit.

What are some things you have to have out of an outside WR?

- They have to be a man coverage beater, when manned up do they have separation ability to get open? Wicks - yes one of the best (proven in advanced analytics)
- You need a savvy and knowledgable guy that knows and understands zone call openings. He is no elite level guy here but has progressed steadily in his years.
- You need a guy who gells naturally with the QB for timing routes and especially back shoulders. Wicks has illustrated this.

Now, for sure Wicks is not an elite / all pro gamechanger type right now or appears to project to that. However, Watson does so there is your primary outside guy...Kraft is that insanely gifted TE option....what this team needs is someone to produce in the slot and be that place's #1 - whether that is Golden, Reed or Savion it doesn't matter....but having Wicks as that solid WR2 and holding down the outside role for a team being capable and steady has immense value for the system.

I can tell ya this much if Golden grows and shows...I think Wicks back for $6M/Yr type level deal is worth far more than paying Reed $10+M/Yr...can you do better at your WR2 absolutely, but only so much money and only so many draft picks with no guarantees...better doesn't always mean a 1 v 1 player comparison but a roster A or roster B comparison.

Yeah for sure, I agree with all that. I like Wicks. I just hope we draft a guy this year or next that can beat him out for that other outside spot.

Perhaps a Bryce Lance from none other than North Dakota State. 4.34 40 and more importantly 1.49 10 yard split.

But yes if we dont Wicks at 6m is better than Reed at 10m. Personally I think Reed will get more than 10m per. And there's no way Packers can afford that along with Kraft and Watson

 

[thequick12]

I agree that Golden could and should get reps at the slot, but I don't think we have too many receivers. I guess it will have to come down to cost for Reed. And what about running a few double slot plays? Reed has shown a knack of being able to find the hole middle deep and come up with the catch. And Golden could go deep from the slot. I'm also looking forward to see those good hands for shorter routes also. I guess we don't have to resign Reed right away, but if he stays healthy; he will be valuable. I'm leaning towards another bonafide wide out. Melton, I don't think, really fills that role well. imho. Not a starter. Just a player with good hands and length. I'd prefer to see Golden flexible as far as the position he starts at. Actually, I forgot about Watson. Maybe we don't need another wide out. I'm just not a Melton fan anymore. I hope he proves me wrong.

For sure, double slots would be cool. And dont get me wrong I think Golden can play outside.

And thats why I wouldn't want to trade Reed now...we have a nice reciever room now but god forbid we have an injury or two. Now you're not looking so good.

I think melton has to be a serviceable corner to make the team this year. Hes cool as an emergency wr but thats about it

 

[OldSchool101]

Packers resign Josh Whyle. 1yr X $2Mil

So we now have 3 TE’s on contract through 2026. Obviously Kraft will get an extension.

 

[David Ciembronowicz]

Fascinating that the discussion is about WR, no problem with that. From a team roster standpoint with the goal to make a deep run in the Playoffs and possibly get to the SB with a QB, DE and RB the team is paying a lot of money to; the OL IMO should be the primary concern for this team in 2026. The OL that GB plans to field as of today looks like this based on PFF grades (2025): Morgan 95th out of 108 qualified NFL offensive linemen in PFF grade, belton 71st of 81 guards, banks 66 of 81 guards, Rhyan 31 of 40 centers, Thom 7 of 89 Tackles.
Seriously, does anyone believe this line is of a quality that will give the QB time to throw to all these WR's or that Jacobs is going to make needed yardage. Based on 2025 this line outside of Thom is virtually at the bottom of the league in performance. Decker is a FA out there, go get him at least he was 49 of 81 comparitively. GB will not get a replacement for these guys in the draft that can start and it is hard to see anyone currently on the roster that will do better in PB or RBing. The OL should be the #1 concern outside of CB for GB.