2026 Roster Thread - Semi-Live

[Heyjoe4]

Actually that’s not entirely true. Don’t take it from me though. I didn’t write this article. Also PFF had Elgton and Sean at 25th/40 31st/40 respectively at Center. Considering Elgton had lots of work at Center in 2024, the disparity is tiny.

Stats show Packers OL Elgton Jenkins had worst year of career at center

Moving Elgton Jenkins to center did not pan out as the Packers hoped, and he has almost certainly played his final snap in Green Bay.

packerswire.usatoday.com

Also our Center, Jacob Monk week 17 was the highest graded Offensive player on the field that day. That was against a red hot MN starting Defense also. Monk played lights out level. Monk can also play Guard as a 5 year starter at Duke. He’s YEAR 3 in the NFL.

You also might have missed that Travis Glover returns. He was our 2024 RD6 Tackle who has extensive experience playing LT After being the second longest tenured Tackle in program history (55 starts) He also played his last full season at LT and was the #1 ranked LT in the Sunbelt. He was gaining attention of our staff in house prior to injury and I recall Matt speaking to him being a player on the rise and how discouraging it was when he tore a Lat D. muscle just before Regular season (August 2025). He now comes into his YEAR 3 Pro Camp as one of our top options at backup Left Tackle. Kinnard is an option but he played primarily RT, TE and a few snaps at LT in 2025. He’s also A YEAR 4 Veteran now. It’s possible he’s a more dedicated RT if Glover impresses again at Blindside.

Behind them you have 2025, RD7 John Williams, who broke the USC record for most games played on OL in program history. Those things go a long ways into getting an earlier transition to Pro. Going into year 2 We really only have 1 true rookie at this point. That’s Jager and he’s more an interior G/C, where we are already covered up with Monk, Williams and Jennings fighting for a Roster spot. We are nowhere near as bad of shape as you’re portraying.



Not really. I mean surface level you could argue yes. Don’t think for one second that of Lloyd can’t go we give up at RB. GB has plenty of Monetary and Draft Capital to perfect a trade or sign a good Veteran from FA.

I wouldn’t be shocked if we even upgraded into a household name at RB if Marshawn is out. We’d have to prepare for not just this year, but the next couple. There are several RB’s in FA coming off 2025 injuries that should be considered in that Sept-Oct range. That doesn’t negate the option of working a trade for a surprise high caliber RB2 that would fill or + exceed a Marshawn Lloyd type role. In order to firm up RB, We have the collateral, the capacity and are just waiting to see if there’s also Need there. Brian won’t leave the RB position unattended it’s too important.

Yeah Gluten will do something to improve the current RB group. He might use FA next year to get a replacement for Jacobs, or use a round 2 oe 3 pick on a RB. He'll find someone to replace Wilson before TC, or after/during TC as players are cut.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I really liked Will Sheppard last year after we picked him up as a UDFA. I noticed he jumps off the page over guys in preseason work. He failed his physical at Tampa Bay and wasn’t signed, then GB picked him up later and he bounced a roster cut, to landing on our PS, to the active Roster and back and forth. It fits his draft profile most considered him a RD7-Priority FA. I like to call those Smack types “8th Rounders” if there was such a thing.

Sheppard played 4 years in the SEC for Vanderbilt. Freshman on Teams. He posted a pair of 600-700 yard seasons and garnered a 2nd Team ALL SEC award at Vanderbilt in 2022. He flipped to the Big 12 in his last season of eligibility, becoming a Colorado Buffalo. He finished College adequately, logging nearly 2,000 yards and 23 TD’s in his final 3 seasons.

In some ways, he reminds me of a taller (call it poor man’s) Davante Adams. I say poor man’s because Davante dominated in the lower Mountain West. Sheppard Beat Adams with a Massive 40.5” vertical, good short range burst, matched Adams 4.3 shuttle and both had very middling long speed (also like Davante a 4.56 to 4.59) He tested at 6’2.6” 203lb, so he has a nice, tall athletic build. He can also play at PR and lined up both Slot and outside so he has versatility. Consistent ~700 area production across multiple seasons at the highest level of competition. Likely a good WR3-4 ceiling and floor on Teams with availability to produce like typical fill in production. I’d love to at minimum see him make our PS if not our WR6. Year 2 player going into his 2nd season with us on a futures deal.

I didn't know anything about Will Sheppard. Thanks for the details. Interesting guy who looks worthy of a chance to be on a game-day roster.

 

[OldSchool101]

I didn't know anything about Will Sheppard. Thanks for the details. Interesting guy who looks worthy of a chance to be on a game-day roster.

Thanks
I had no idea who Will was also. I just remember him looking very fluid in Canp/Preseason. What stood out to me is his agility. He turned to catch a back shoulder and it was misplaced a little high and outside. I remember him doing a complete 360 degrees and still maintaining his feet. While it was out of bounds on the chalk he still secured the catch and showed terrific balance. It was very reminiscent of how Davante moves so seamlessly. Now I’m obviously just speaking to their similar ability to balance through a play.

It so happened when I compared the athletic profiles of Will and Davante and it wasn't a surprise they have similar athletic mapping. Exact same Cone, similar intense vertical and long jumps (2-3” separating both actually favored to Will). A Similar middling 4.56-4.59 40-time favoring Davante. Davante is a little thicker at 6’1” 212lb area which probably helps his Center of gravity. Will has a superior height advantage. He’s a full 2” taller and has slightly bigger 10” mits.
Will has slightly shorter 32.0” arms to Adams 32.65”. We know Davante is a technician on his takeoff separation, but Will closes the gap with a very solid 1.58 sec 10-yard compared to Adams 1.64 sec. Will easily Wins the explosion grade and Davante wins through being an intelligent technician with superior footwork and play counter recognition.

Yet overall Will is Davante athletic profile stretched out into a taller, thinner 203lb version. If Will can continue to mature and develop his routes and footwork (plus improve his contested) he could win a legit backup role. It’s always a fierce competition at that last spot normally favoring Teams.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Keep in mind the WR room also has young '25 PS guys Neyor & Shepard. Both are big-body guys with solid collegiate production. If they learned while on the PS may surprise in camp & make a roster push.

Yup. The fact that they didn't resign Doubs, traded Wicks and didn't draft any WR's, tells me that they like the room. FA Skyy Moore and UDFA J. Michael Sturdivant were the only additions to the group in the offseason.

 

[Poppa San]

Yeah. I was thinking about Gault

Wasn't Lofton some type of track guy in college? Sort of a two sports guy?

 

[Pkrjones]

Wasn't Lofton some type of track guy in college? Sort of a two sports guy?

Lofton was a 3-Time All-American long jumper, winning NCAA in '78.

 

[DoURant]

A couple signings tonight. I believe we had 2 open roster spots, so there shouldn't be any releases to coincide with this.

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[GreenBaySlacker]

I thought the Cowboys signed him after the draft to a 1 year deal at a minimum type salary?

I would rather see young talent get the reps. We have 3 pretty decent young receivers and a guy like Savion that Gute used a 3rd round pick on. While I understand your desire to have a Lazard or MVS deep in the rotation, simply because they are familiar with Love and the offense. I just don't know if that is what is best for a young receiving room. Both Lazard and MVS are on their way down and there isn't any "developing" of either to do.

I'm extremely excited for the watson, Reed, Golden starting line up. When you have a physical wr like Savion coming in on the rotation. I have a feeling he will be getting a lot more looks this year, and will have a breakout of his own. solid depth at 5-7 Shepherd was earning more reps going into the playoffs, than I expected. The coaches only do that for guys who are earning those reps... But as a group. If Savion williams is your #4. Then we are doing dang good. Imo

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

A couple signings tonight. I believe we had 2 open roster spots, so there shouldn't be any releases to co-inside with this.

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The TE was texans 7th round pick last year. 6'6" 251 with a 35" vert? 10' broad jump too.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Ok I've been holding this back. But I think we need to get McClellan to play DE for us. Not like a gimmick or trick play. I'm talking about him being our DE, 1 on 1 against OT the same size as he is.... I bet he collapses the pocket dang near every down he is out there.

 

[Pkrjones]

Ok I've been holding this back. But I think we need to get McClellan to play DE for us. Not like a gimmick or trick play. I'm talking about him being our DE, 1 on 1 against OT the same size as he is.... I bet he collapses the pocket dang near every down he is out there.

Rather he stays inside and blows up the OC or Guard(s). He could slide outside but a collapsed pocket would force the QB out of their comfort zone.

 

[milani]

The TE was texans 7th round pick last year. 6'6" 251 with a 35" vert? 10' broad jump too.

A lot of questions at TE so they have to look at possibilities. Kraft returning when. Wyle role. Fitzpatrick with ACL also. And Musgrave ...who knows.

 

[DoURant]

A lot of questions at TE so they have to look at possibilities. Kraft returning when. Wyle role. Fitzpatrick with ACL also. And Musgrave ...who knows.

I like that they brought in more competition

 

[lambeaulambo]

I'm extremely excited for the watson, Reed, Golden starting line up. When you have a physical wr like Savion coming in on the rotation. I have a feeling he will be getting a lot more looks this year, and will have a breakout of his own. solid depth at 5-7 Shepherd was earning more reps going into the playoffs, than I expected. The coaches only do that for guys who are earning those reps... But as a group. If Savion williams is your #4. Then we are doing dang good. Imo

I see it too but they need to be a big part o the offense this year for sure. The Oline is a ?. The beast can run if they get push. Kicker dont even go there lol. Parsons back even at 85 pct and the D instantly evolves. Interesting year coming.

 

[tynimiller]

Ok I've been holding this back. But I think we need to get McClellan to play DE for us. Not like a gimmick or trick play. I'm talking about him being our DE, 1 on 1 against OT the same size as he is.... I bet he collapses the pocket dang near every down he is out there.

I'd rather not play him out of his best position - for the majority of snaps. I could easily see us playing him at more a customary DE at times for sure.

 

[Half Empty]

A lot of questions at TE so they have to look at possibilities. Kraft returning when. Wyle role. Fitzpatrick with ACL also. And Musgrave ...who knows.

Is Fitz still on the team?

 

[Heyjoe4]

I think the loss of Kraft and then Fitzpatrick was a blow to a thin TE room. Musgrave has been a major disappointment thus far and once again, a high draft pick that the Packers keep depending on to blossom and hasn't.

Musgrave has been a huge disappointment. He can't block. He runs decent routes, but falls down almost instantly after catching the ball, like Richard Rodgers. He cannot get his legs under him. Was that not apparent in his college play?

One of Kraft's many strengths is YAC. Musgrave looks like me when I get up in the morning - I'm 71, tired, and have a lousy lower back. I haven't walked a straight line in years. Maybe I'll be hearing from the Packers soon………. Then again maybe not. My one weakness as a potential GB TE is that I don't fall down.

 

[tynimiller]

Is Fitz still on the team?

No. As of May he is no longer. His achilles injury in December likely meant this season was already lost...and with his expiring contract it spelled the end.

 

[DoURant]

Still churning that roster. Ester has been on the PS for 2 or 3 years.

As for Rice... yes, this is Jerry Rice's son. Played at USC with Caleb Williams as his QB. Good sized WR, 6'3", 210lbs.

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[OldSchool101]

Still churning that roster. Ester has been on the PS for 2 or 3 years.

As for Rice... yes, this is Jerry Rice's son. Played at USC with Caleb Williams as his QB. Good sized WR, 6'3", 210lbs.

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Interesting news thanks.
So Rice is a hard one to predict. He likely got some notoriety as Jerry’s Son. That said he did have a nice college career there in the PAC-12. He’s really a Medium-Deep threat with some YAC scrappy stuff and you see it in his routine 16+ yards per catch.
My guess is he’ll have his work cut out for him in making our Roster though. I’d like nothing more than to see him rise up, but his Pro career is way off path. He’s the quintessential 7th Round to what I’d label “Priorty UDFA type”. If you get him to pop inside 3-4 seasons and just be a reliable depth piece? You’ve covered your investment. Here we really have little to no commitment, so no harm no foul. Let him compete for WR6 or at least a PS spot and possibly be elevated to the roster once someone goes out.

 

[tynimiller]

Interesting news thanks.
So Rice is a hard one to predict. He likely got some notoriety as Jerry’s Son. That said he did have a nice college career there in the PAC-12. He’s really a Medium-Deep threat with some YAC scrappy stuff and you see it in his routine 16+ yards per catch.
My guess is he’ll have his work cut out for him in making our Roster though. I’d like nothing more than to see him rise up, but his Pro career is way off path. He’s the quintessential 7th Round to what I’d label “Priorty UDFA type”. If you get him to pop inside 3-4 seasons and just be a reliable depth piece? You’ve covered your investment. Here we really have little to no commitment, so no harm no foul. Let him compete for WR6 or at least a PS spot and possibly be elevated to the roster once someone goes out.

Yeah his ceiling he can try to get to is WR5 with significant ST snaps....but uphill to even hit WR6 with ST snaps....in truth hitting PS and playing into some elevations is most likely scenario which he should still consider a win.

 

[DoURant]

A couple signings tonight. I believe we had 2 open roster spots, so there shouldn't be any releases to coincide with this.

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TE Luke Lachey has been waived, due to a failed physical.

 

[milani]

Interesting news thanks.
So Rice is a hard one to predict. He likely got some notoriety as Jerry’s Son. That said he did have a nice college career there in the PAC-12. He’s really a Medium-Deep threat with some YAC scrappy stuff and you see it in his routine 16+ yards per catch.
My guess is he’ll have his work cut out for him in making our Roster though. I’d like nothing more than to see him rise up, but his Pro career is way off path. He’s the quintessential 7th Round to what I’d label “Priorty UDFA type”. If you get him to pop inside 3-4 seasons and just be a reliable depth piece? You’ve covered your investment. Here we really have little to no commitment, so no harm no foul. Let him compete for WR6 or at least a PS spot and possibly be elevated to the roster once someone goes out.

If he gets a PS spot there is a chance for him. Since we are a team with historically revolving door receiver injuries GB could be the best place for him. A receiver can be a ride or die prospect.

 

[milani]

TE Luke Lachey has been waived, due to a failed physical.

That is surprising. All that size.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Nice interview with Zaire Franklin. I'm excited to see him play for the Packers, as is he. He and Cooper should be a stronger force in the middle for the Packers.

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