2026 Roster Thread - Semi-Live

[lambeaulambo]

Well J’aire, Stokes, Quay all started year 1

I’d say yes to Love it’s worth the investment. I’d say Wyatt was worth waiting a year.

Rashan got behind ZaDarius and Preston but you could argue that 5 years he played as a FT starter. We don’t know with Golden because he hasn’t played in his 2nd season yet. Chances are he’s a yes on worth investment wait.

Really the only players you can really argue might not be worth waiting for are Morgan and Van Ness (but Morgan also missed his entire Rookie season). It’s entirely possible he would’ve won a starting role faster but he injured. Yet you could arguable slide him to questionable. College Sophomore Lukas Van Ness is the only solid player you can definitively argue was not worth his draft placement (yet). He’s also the only true projection type after Barely seeing the field before being drafted.

Are 2 players a trend? Out of 6 qualifier? (excluding Golden and Cisse because jury is out). I’d give you Lukas but he is closer to anomoly than a trend in GB to not recover investments on Day 1’s. See I don’t agree with you saying it’s a trend that we don’t recover investment until it’s too late. I flat out disagree with the basis of that question with all due respect it’s a form of leading.

Stop making sense. I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue.

 

[gopkrs]

For me it's very simple. Taking someone in the draft based on the fact that he's 2 years younger is just not an important consideration. It's like you have decided to flip a coin instead of taking responsibility for a choice.

 

[OldSchool101]

For me it's very simple. Taking someone in the draft based on the fact that he's 2 years younger is just not an important consideration. It's like you have decided to flip a coin instead of taking responsibility for a choice.

Yes that part is true. I’d look at the bigger picture though. The same philosophy of drafting for upside over immediate benefit has very arguably proved underwhelming with Lukas?
just got us our franchise QB.

 

[OldSchool101]

For me I’m in the middle of this immediate benefit over long term benefit debate. First of all I don’t think most teams expect a day 1 starter (much less a great one) just because he’s drafted Day 1. I think that goes for nearly every NFL team. That might be a Wish or desire but it’s just not reality.

The area of RD1 does matter. I think you’d agree we draft later than the average team. That goes with the territory of contender. If we had recent draft picks at #3 overall #6 overall and drafted, Im grading those with higher expectations. Thats your best player at a position or Blue Chip athlete. Thats why I could agree with an argument of a player like Van Ness being too raw. Yet many of our other players were picks 17-32 or back half of Day 1. Those Top 5 or maybe Top 10 types are pretty much picked over imo.

 

[DoURant]

For me it's very simple. Taking someone in the draft based on the fact that he's 2 years younger is just not an important consideration. It's like you have decided to flip a coin instead of taking responsibility for a choice.

I don't think they are taking them just because they are younger, but age is a consideration when comparing 2 players they are looking at. What I mean by that is do they feel, when comparing Player A (21), when he turns the same age as Player B (23), is the projection curve that Player A will be a better player at that age (23), and beyond? If not you take Player B. Drafting is projection for how will they will adapt and progress to the NFL game. We know they were good in college, but does their game project to being a successful Pro. Gute even said they are now taking NIL transfer portal success into consideration... After they transferred, did they adapt and pick up the new system quickly and improve from the prior year, because that is basically what happens when moving from college to the NFL. If they struggled, is that a sign that they aren't as good at adapting to change?

Aside for the early 1st Rd elite Draft picks, these guys are all really just depth pieces, who you hope can contribute in year one as rotational pieces, or can step in to start, due to a veteran injury. Year 2 and 3 is where they truly compete to being starters, and I think that is where the casual fan struggles with the Draft aspect of the NFL. They think that every draft pick needs to be a starter in year one, or why did we draft him, we have 2 good players there right now. Executives think of it as who is up for a contract extension, do we want to pay that guy another contract? No, we don't, so let's draft his replacement now, so next year he can be their replacement, or this year if we have an injury he would be better option than what we have at backup right now. A position of strength can become a position of weakness quickly with injuries.

 

[OldSchool101]

I don't think they are taking them just because they are younger, but age is a consideration when comparing 2 players they are looking at. What I mean by that is do they feel, when comparing Player A (21), when he turns the same age as Player B (23), is the projection curve that Player A will be a better player at that age (23), and beyond? If not you take Player B. Drafting is projection for how will they will adapt and progress to the NFL game. We know they were good in college, but does their game project to being a successful Pro. Gute even said they are now taking NIL transfer portal success into consideration... After they transferred, did they adapt and pick up the new system quickly and improve from the prior year, because that is basically what happens when moving from college to the NFL. If they struggled, is that a sign that they aren't as good at adapting to change?

Aside for the early 1st Rd elite Draft picks, these guys are all really just depth pieces, who you hope can contribute in year one as rotational pieces, or can step in to start, due to a veteran injury. Year 2 and 3 is where they truly compete to being starters, and I think that is where the casual fan struggles with the Draft aspect of the NFL. They think that every draft pick needs to be a starter in year one, or why did we draft him, we have 2 good players there right now. Executives think of it as who is up for a contract extension, do we want to pay that guy another contract? No, we don't, so let's draft his replacement now, so next year he can be their replacement, or this year if we have an injury he would be better option than what we have at backup right now. A position of strength can become a position of weakness quickly with injuries.

Well said @DoURant. Across all Rounds it’s really about wanting that high ceiling Boom without the Bust risk. We do see teams with a plug n play Starter but it’s most often a top 3 drafted QB or top 5 Drafted RB. This year I’d expect Jeremiah Love won’t be warming a bench. RB is a position of more immediate value. That’s a position and Day 1 pick I’d want to get on the field yesterday.

 

[OldSchool101]

I really liked what GB did with their 6 picks. All of them are battle tested. Each draftee even down to PlaceKicker was a Starter in the SEC or Big 10 Conference. These draft picks have played against the best competition possible. They’ve also signed 5 of them already.

 

[DoURant]

Well said @DoURant. Across all Rounds it’s really about wanting that high ceiling Boom without the Bust risk. We do see teams with a plug n play Starter but it’s most often a top 3 drafted QB or top 5 Drafted RB. This year I’d expect Jeremiah Love won’t be warming a bench. RB is a position of more immediate value. That’s a position and Day 1 pick I’d want to get on the field yesterday.

Definitely OS! Some times a guy is drafted to start, because there is a clear hole to fill, or they are that Top 10 pick. Love will be a starter day one for the Cardinals, he is an elite prospect coming out, and RB is a position that can happen at quickly. I just feel that injury put LVN behind his projection when drafted. His flashes have been good, but he needs a full season, no injuries keeping him out of games, to really untapped that beast in him. This is what we got in year 3 for pressure rate, in only 300+ snaps... he is competing at a high level when he's out there.

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[DoURant]

I really liked what GB did with their 6 picks. All of them are battle tested. Each draftee even down to PlaceKicker was a Starter in the SEC or Big 10 Conference. These draft picks have played against the best competition possible. They’ve also signed 5 of them already.

2nd rd picks usually take time to sign, due to guaranteed money in their contracts now.

 

[OldSchool101]

Definitely OS! Some times a guy is drafted to start, because there is a clear hole to fill, or they are that Top 10 pick. Love will be a starter day one for the Cardinals, he is an elite prospect coming out, and RB is a position that can happen at quickly. I just feel that injury put LVN behind his projection when drafted. His flashes have been good, but he needs a full season, no injuries keeping him out of games, to really untapped that beast in him. This is what we got in year 3 for pressure rate, in only 300+ snaps... he is competing at a high level when he's out there.

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I really like Lukas. Had he played 15+ games and Micah not injured, I think we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I do understand the frustration and why we look to the question “what can we do better to maybe find more prepared players”
Yet it’s hard to shut down the draft n develop mentality like a circuit breaker. You can bend a little, but for the most part, you either stand by that philosophy or not.

 

[DoURant]

I really like Lukas. Had he played 15+ games and Micah not injured, I think we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I do understand the frustration and why we look to the question “what can we do better to maybe find more prepared players”
Yet it’s hard to shut down the draft n develop mentality like a circuit breaker. You can bend a little, but for the most part, you either stand by that philosophy or not.

I still say Green Bay is one of the best in the business at draft n' develop. We are getting 4 comp picks next year, we consistently start the draft with more than 7 picks every year, because of it. Oh, and we are always in the conversation for Playoffs and Super Bowl contender. Yeah, yeah...we haven't made it to the Super Bowl since 2010, but we make the dance more often than not, which gives you a chance, and our last Top 10 draft pick was BJ Raji.

 

[Heyjoe4]

What is lack of production? We looking at solely pressures and sacks or everything?

Now that you mention it, what have been the stats for LVN in his time in GB - pressures, sacks, TFL, the usual things that Edge guys are measured on.

I haven't made it a secret that I'm not a big LVN fan. His inflexible hips are a limitation and I'm not sure that can be corrected with coaching.

That said, he seemed to close the season playing really well last year, after missing a good number of games due to injury. I'd love to see him have a great, great year.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I still say Green Bay is one of the best in the business at draft n' develop. We are getting 4 comp picks next year, we consistently start the draft with more than 7 guys every year, because of it. Oh, and we are always in the conversation for Playoffs and Super Bowl contender. Yeah, yeah...we haven't made it to the Super Bowl since 2010, but we make the dance more often than not, which gives you a chance, and our last Top 10 draft pick was BJ Raji.

Well said DoURant. Everyone wants their team to win the SB. And while I agree that the Packers could have won another two SBs with Favre and Rodgers, it didn't happen. It's in the past.

I don't recall many years over the last 30 plus where the Packers missed the playoffs. They've given us a team worth watching and cheering for. I was around for the glory days of Lombardi and the absolute hell from the early 70s through the arrival of Harlan and Wolf in the early 90s. 20 years of hell followed by 30 plus years (and counting) of great football.

It's been a pretty damn good run for the team in the smallest market in the NFL. "Green Bay" and "Lombardi" and "Campionships" are all phrases the nation's football fans are acquainted with.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I really like Lukas. Had he played 15+ games and Micah not injured, I think we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I do understand the frustration and why we look to the question “what can we do better to maybe find more prepared players”
Yet it’s hard to shut down the draft n develop mentality like a circuit breaker. You can bend a little, but for the most part, you either stand by that philosophy or not.

Agreed. Draft n Develop is one reason the Packers have had 30 plus years, and counting, of winning.

I have not been a fan of LVN. And it's structural - his hips are inflexible. But after missing a lot of games last year to injury, he returned and played very well to close the season. He played faster, was around the ball a lot, and inflexibilty didn't seem to be a problem. Gluten thought enough of him to extend him, and that's good enough for me.

 

[gopkrs]

Agreed. Draft n Develop is one reason the Packers have had 30 plus years, an

It's pretty obviously because of our QBs.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

PFT reporting that WR Chase Claypool is attempting an NFL comeback at the Packer's rookie mini camp this weekend.

It will be interesting to see if the Packers offer him a contract. I believe Claypool was a Gutey crush in the 2020 draft. His 9.98 RAS was outstanding and he ended up getting drafted with pick #42 by the Steelers, way ahead of Gute's pick at #62.

Gute had another shot at getting him in 2022 when the Steelers had him on the trading block mid season. I think it was reported that both the Packers and Bears offered a 2nd rounder for him and the Steelers went with the Bears, thinking that their 2023 pick would be higher.

Well Gutey, he's "free" now, what did you think?

 

[DoURant]

It will be interesting to see if the Packers offer him a contract. I believe Claypool was a Gutey crush in the 2020 draft. His 9.98 RAS was outstanding and he ended up getting drafted with pick #42 by the Steelers, way ahead of Gute's pick at #62.

Gute had another shot at getting him in 2022 when the Steelers had him on the trading block mid season. I think it was reported that both the Packers and Bears offered a 2nd rounder for him and the Steelers went with the Bears, thinking that their 2023 pick would be higher.

Well Gutey, he's "free" now, what did you think?

Makes me think they would have signed him after his tryout. However, if there is an injury in mini camp or OTA's, at least you had a recent look at him, and if you are interested in kicking the tires on him, you have a better feel at where he is at this point of his career.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Makes me think they would have signed him after his tryout. However, if there is an injury in mini camp or OTA's, at least you had a recent look at him, and if you are interested in kicking the tires on him, you have a better feel at where he is at this point of his career.

Well, tryouts ended yesterday, so maybe we will hear today/tomorrow if he or any other tryout participants were made an offer.

I thought it was cool that before DDS gave his interview, he asked for every reporters name, so that he could get to know them.

Also notable is the absence of a guy that was reported to have been signed as an UDFA, TE Eni Falayi from Wake Forest. I didn't see his name on the minicamp roster. It is possible he may have failed a physical exam or else the reporting of his signing was inaccurate.

 

[Pkrjones]

Well, tryouts ended yesterday, so maybe we will hear today/tomorrow if he or any other tryout participants were made an offer.

I thought it was cool that before DDS gave his interview, he asked for every reporters name, so that he could get to know them.

Also notable is the absence of a guy that was reported to have been signed as an UDFA, TE Eni Falayi from Wake Forest. I didn't see his name on the minicamp roster. It is possible he may have failed a physical exam or else the reporting of his signing was inaccurate.

Apparently Falayi failed his physical so there may be 1 spot on the 90-man roster available at the moment. Gute will continue to churn the roster bottom.

If Claypool is 240'ish I wonder if he may be an option as receiving TE for GB? His 4.42- 4.5 speed would be intriguing split out wide along with Golden, Watson & Reed at WR.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Apparently Falayi failed his physical so there may be 1 spot on the 90-man roster available at the moment. Gute will continue to churn the roster bottom.

If Claypool is 240'ish I wonder if he may be an option as receiving TE for GB? His 4.42- 4.5 speed would be intriguing split out wide along with Golden, Watson & Reed at WR.

I heard some chatter about playing Claypool at TE as well. I think his blocking abilities are a bit suspect, but as a receiver, he would be a nice TE option.

Honestly, if the Packers like his fit in the locker room and he is in good shape, I see no real downside to signing him. With Claypool you have a very experienced WR with a freak athletic body (9.98 RAS), who has a lot of tread still on his tires and most importantly, a guy that has probably matured while out of football and is now very hungry to get back into it.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Sounds like as of today, no tryout players were signed. Including Claypool and Josh Jacobs little brother, Isaiah.

Based on what Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said to reporters Friday, it doesn’t sound like Claypool and the other tryout players received much of a chance to let loose on the field during the minicamp. Huber reported “quarterbacks didn’t even throw” passes to Claypool and the other receivers.

 

[gopkrs]

Unless he was totally out of shape; I can't think of a good reason for that

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Unless he was totally out of shape; I can't think of a good reason for that

I'd be surprised if he came to tryouts out of shape, MLF seemed to indicate that he looked in shape, but who knows.

Looks like for now, they will stick to the 9 WR's currently on the roster, i guess 10 if you count Bo Melton:

- Christian Watson
- Matthew Golden
- Jayden Reed
- Savion Williams
- Skyy Moore
- Will Sheppard
- Jakobie Keeney-James
- Isaiah Neyor
- J. Michael Sturdivant

 

[gopkrs]

I'd be surprised if he came to tryouts out of shape, MLF seemed to indicate that he looked in shape, but who knows.

Looks like for now, they will stick to the 9 WR's currently on the roster, i guess 10 if you count Bo Melton:

- Christian Watson
- Matthew Golden
- Jayden Reed
- Savion Williams
- Skyy Moore
- Will Sheppard
- Jakobie Keeney-James
- Isaiah Neyor
- J. Michael Sturdivant

It will be interesting. I don't really know most of them and Savion and Skyy are ifs. imho. But we do have a TE. Maybe 2 for catching the ball.

 

[tynimiller]

Now that you mention it, what have been the stats for LVN in his time in GB - pressures, sacks, TFL, the usual things that Edge guys are measured on.

I haven't made it a secret that I'm not a big LVN fan. His inflexible hips are a limitation and I'm not sure that can be corrected with coaching.

That said, he seemed to close the season playing really well last year, after missing a good number of games due to injury. I'd love to see him have a great, great year.

His pressure rate is INSANE. If he keeps that rate at higher snap counts he is gonna be insane!