2026 Roster Thread - Semi-Live

[mradtke66]

It is an extreme to bring 5 like that

It’ll happen sometimes, but that was more my point. One of our OLBs in base will drop into coverage fairly often when we are in base.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

It’ll happen sometimes, but that was more my point. One of our OLBs in base will drop into coverage fairly often when we are in base.

I'm speculating the secondary will be able to maneuver to keep our olb/de passrushers doing what they do best.

Leaving their #1 receivers 1on 1 instead.

The one thing that can neutralize this defensive scheme is when their 5 blockers can hold our 5 rushers long enough for elite receivers to start breaking off big plays, without adding more blockers...

We have, imo and elite trio of safety's already. The CBs will be the ones who make or break the scheme.... Elite WRs being our kryptonite

 

[mradtke66]

I'm speculating the secondary will be able to maneuver to keep our olb/de passrushers doing what they do best.

Leaving their #1 receivers 1on 1 instead.

The one thing that can neutralize this defensive scheme is when their 5 blockers can hold our 5 rushers long enough for elite receivers to start breaking off big plays, without adding more blockers...

We have, imo and elite trio of safety's already. The CBs will be the ones who make or break the scheme.... Elite WRs being our kryptonite

In the NFL, base scheme regardless of personnel is rushing 4, dropping 7. Sending extra rushers only happens on about 30% of snaps.

Parsons and LVN will primarily be rushing because we’ll be in nickel or dime about 70% of the time.

Even in 2025 base was ran less than 30% league wide. And that’s a sharp increase driven by offensive trends. It was down around 22% in 2024

 

[OldSchool101]

Someone on YouTube said hargraves sacks went way down playing nose last year... If McClellan can take over that nose position, I'm speculating Hargrave will get back to pushing double digit sacks again. 8 sacks from a DT, and a nose forcing the double team... Out pass rushers are going to feast...

Amen.
For me personally, I think Hargrave will flourish because Gannon will want to put him in a position to succeed. I think we all know that was his guy from Philly. I noticed the boys in MN were instantly crushed when they saw the Hargrave deal. I think they (MN) really preferred to keep the band together on a strong MN Defense. I noticed later came excuses that Hargraves being lost wasn’t that big of a deal… in an almost seemingly effort related attempt to pretend like the wound didn’t hurt. I sometimes watch Paul Farrington or Gregg Olsen or similar (because I trust intricate fans viewpoints) to keep a pulse on our Division changes.

Unrelated to your direct post. If we exclude an injury shortened 2024 season, Javon put up 29 Sacks and 3 FF in his last 4 seasons. Thats over 7 Sacks per season from the iDL. Thats pretty stout

 

[OldSchool101]

In some respects this season is a relative gamble at DE. By trading Gary and allowing JJ Enagbare to walk, Brian is relying on his depth and Draft to fill those roles.
Enagbare was proof that players CAN get early production, even from Rookies. JJ played 45% of D snaps in his Rookie season and he was a regular contributor on Teams through his tenure. It’s even arguable that his void on ST will be felt the most. Although I see DDS as a very capable guy to fill that Teams roll and possibly even play some backup Edge.

One thing that happened with the Packers is they had some good talent kinda buried on the depth chart (or IR) Plus an extensive injury list didn’t help. Cox Jr essentially missed the entire season working back from injury and that hurt. IMO he’s a very capable rotational player on the level of JJ impact. I say impact because they are different style players but both play hard and make splash plays, but likely neither are ideal for standing on an island all season as a starter imo.

Bringing McClellan in allows Gannon multiple chess pieces to apply. Hargraves played NT plenty coming into the league and he’s CLEARLY an upgrade over an attempt at a Wooden conversion. Plus McClellan (CM) is sized and talented enough to play NT on Day 1 if needed. This frees up Hargraves to play more 3T area where he flourishes.

Then we bring back Wyatt, who’s an all around versatile player also. He’s above average at wherever he lines up. This spells getting Lukas a higher % snaps at Edge, where he can use his speed to power better imo. Plus we’ve all witnessed his difficult it is to beat LVN to the sidelines. He’s very quick for a 275lb guy.
Karl is now a seasoned veteran. He was actually good from day 1 imo and he’s a reliable rotational Pass Rusher that excels in 3rd down (or 2nd n long) and gets solid push. I always preferred him over Wooden even though he drafted later. Wooden was probably better rounded in Run game but we’ve addressed that aspect in 2026 by adding CM and Hargraves.

 

[OldSchool101]

I summary I don’t think LVN is any worse than Gary if he’s used in a similar role. I think initially we bounced Lukas around with too many roles. He needs to stay at Edge unless it’s an emergency imo. Let Wyatt, Hargraves, CM and possibly one of Stack or Brinson play interior if needed.

I love our outlook. IF and it’s a big IF. IF CM ends up hitting gold? This D will be better than 2025 and noticeable. We invested heavy at D all offseason and we did it early. From CB to DL we have similar to better backup options. Guys that can Start and probably play above average as our 3rd guy up.

Micah Parsons will flourish if he recovers. As long as he’s 90% + off last season when he returns, this D will impress as they gain continuity. Too much talent mixed with raw experience not to.

I haven’t even spoke of Oliver or Sorrell now in their 2nd Camp. I think those were 3rd and 4th Round graded prospects we drafted, but due to being diluted in an extra heavy DL class they both fell about a solid Draft Round. Oliver for me is similar to Cox Jr level, he was one of the more dynamic players for the Cowboys, he just needs to stay healthy is his issue. Had Oliver simply stayed healthy and along at his impact rate trajectory in college? I think he’s a Top 100 graded impact Draft prospect. Sorrell by 2025 Bears playoff game looked like an average starting DL (meant as a compliment) That guy shows notable effort, he doesn’t take 1 mini second off he reminds me of an OLB version of Wyatt. High effort erases lots of woes and he was constantly in Caleb’s world.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

In the NFL, base scheme regardless of personnel is rushing 4, dropping 7. Sending extra rushers only happens on about 30% of snaps.

Parsons and LVN will primarily be rushing because we’ll be in nickel or dime about 70% of the time.

Even in 2025 base was ran less than 30% league wide. And that’s a sharp increase driven by offensive trends. It was down around 22% in 2024

"Average" I don't see this group as average.

I think a better goal would be to break the mold, and beat their ***** bad enough to force a 6th lineman, and steady dump offs. That's a win..

As Lombardi preached. Force them to play our game....

 

[mradtke66]

"Average" I don't see this group as average.

I think a better goal would be to break the mold, and beat their ***** bad enough to force a 6th lineman, and steady dump offs. That's a win..

As Lombardi preached. Force them to play our game....

Nice in theory, but the quick passing game can shutdown pressure. Three wideouts more or less forces nickel between the 20s. If a team is known to bring a 5th rusher too often, you can beat it. Motion and one step quick throws can do it. Even three step deep shots can do it.

Remember that good quarterbacks WANT to face extra rushers because it makes their job easier. Take a man out of coverage and someone will get open.

 

[OldSchool101]

Nice in theory, but the quick passing game can shutdown pressure. Three wideouts more or less forces nickel between the 20s. If a team is known to bring a 5th rusher too often, you can beat it. Motion and one step quick throws can do it. Even three step deep shots can do it.

Remember that good quarterbacks WANT to face extra rushers because it makes their job easier. Take a man out of coverage and someone will get open.

This is largely what happened to GB last year, especially earlier season how opponents countered our strong pass rush.. We gave up lots of passes but opponents averaged like 4.0 per play allowed total, which tells me the passing game was minimal in yard per play because that’s more a Rushing average. Cleveland was the first team to do this and avoid Sacks, they just relied on lots of quick tempo dump passes. That was a template that was adopted for every team through the season. Until our entire starting DL went out, then they converted to just Run Run Pass, Run, Run Run pass

Joe Flacco threw the ball 36 times and only put up 141 yards for a 26.6 QB rating. They still Won

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Nice in theory, but the quick passing game can shutdown pressure. Three wideouts more or less forces nickel between the 20s. If a team is known to bring a 5th rusher too often, you can beat it. Motion and one step quick throws can do it. Even three step deep shots can do it.

Remember that good quarterbacks WANT to face extra rushers because it makes their job easier. Take a man out of coverage and someone will get open.

I think you you hit it when you said, "good quarterbacks".... Good QBs will beat the passrush more times than not. Not just good, because they're all good. But the great ones. Like Love is.

QBs who aren't as mobile might be another target for our overpowering 5 man front.

I like the bigger CBd we have been picking up. St juste 6'3" 4.52 40. He will be able to beat up the smaller WRs at the line, and disrupt that quick stuff. Or run with the quicker TEs. Jackson 6'1, and Cisse smidge under 6'. Both running 4.41s. Valentine 6' running 4.44. Bartholomew 6'1" 4.45

Where as Nixon is 5'10" at 4.42.... 2+" in height for all of them, over Nixon. Without compromising speed. I think that says something. A trend that will help our CBs be able to be more physical.

Because that is the other half of the coin. If we want 5 rushers, be better have 5 guys in the secondary who can play one on one, and be disruptive. Like back in the woodson/Harris days. Just forget about the opposing #1 and #2 WRs. Lol

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

This is largely what happened to GB last year, especially earlier season how opponents countered our strong pass rush.. We gave up lots of passes but opponents averaged like 4.0 per play allowed total, which tells me the passing game was minimal in yard per play because that’s more a Rushing average. Cleveland was the first team to do this and avoid Sacks, they just relied on lots of quick tempo dump passes. That was a template that was adopted for every team through the season. Until our entire starting DL went out, then they converted to just Run Run Pass, Run, Run Run pass

Joe Flacco threw the ball 36 times and only put up 141 yards for a 26.6 QB rating. They still Won

Flacco..... Where's my angry face emoji. Lol.
Last years injuries were bordering on the twilight zone. The bears comeback looked great for that one simple reason. It was our second string out there.

 

[OldSchool101]

Flacco..... Where's my angry face emoji. Lol.
Last years injuries were bordering on the twilight zone. The bears comeback looked great for that one simple reason. It was our second string out there.

That’s exactly what I was saying earlier. Injury doesn’t always have to be an excuse but it helps to have mostly a starting Cast instead of newer replacements or multiple Rookies etc.

It’s highly unlikely had Wyatt and Parsons been on that field would we allow a 4Q comeback in that fashion. We were 1 possession stop away from Winning that game. We were leading until under 5 min in Q4. The entire first 3Q the Packers dominated the Bears. Gotta finish though.

 

[OldSchool101]

I think you you hit it when you said, "good quarterbacks".... Good QBs will beat the passrush more times than not. Not just good, because they're all good. But the great ones. Like Love is.

QBs who aren't as mobile might be another target for our overpowering 5 man front.

I like the bigger CBd we have been picking up. St juste 6'3" 4.52 40. He will be able to beat up the smaller WRs at the line, and disrupt that quick stuff. Or run with the quicker TEs. Jackson 6'1, and Cisse smidge under 6'. Both running 4.41s. Valentine 6' running 4.44. Bartholomew 6'1" 4.45

Where as Nixon is 5'10" at 4.42.... 2+" in height for all of them, over Nixon. Without compromising speed. I think that says something. A trend that will help our CBs be able to be more physical.

Because that is the other half of the coin. If we want 5 rushers, be better have 5 guys in the secondary who can play one on one, and be disruptive. Like back in the woodson/Harris days. Just forget about the opposing #1 and #2 WRs. Lol

This has been a complaint of mine going back to Capers. We would Rush 5 and then play our CB’s 8 full yards of LOS. I’m not sure if these guys are so smart they outsmart themselves or what. If you know the ball is coming out inside 5-6 yards don’t backpeddle from 8 yards past the 1D marker. Kinda so obvious it’s overlooked. Jam their guys and Harass them for the allowable 5 yards. Make them earn every inch.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Heard rambling of different big name free agents. Kind of not really needed but interesting for rotations. Still talking about sweat. Heard clowney. Heard Kamara.....

Anyone else hear of anyone who is interesting to consider?

Clowney on a one year specialist role? What would he cost you think?

 

[tynimiller]

Heard rambling of different big name free agents. Kind of not really needed but interesting for rotations. Still talking about sweat. Heard clowney. Heard Kamara.....

Anyone else hear of anyone who is interesting to consider?

Clowney on a one year specialist role? What would he cost you think?

Those are not free agents thought if Kamara is being discussed and those people likely should be ignored as fools claiming he is.

Some Free Agents at RB and Edge many bring up we need someone at:

RB
Joe Mixon
Najee Harris
Austin Ekeler
Antonio Gibson
Nick Chubb

Edge
Haason Red****
Joey Bosa
Leonard Floyd
Denico Autry
Yetur Gross-Matos
Von Miller
Bilal Nichols
Jadeveon Clowney

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Those are not free agents thought if Kamara is being discussed and those people likely should be ignored as fools claiming he is.

Some Free Agents at RB and Edge many bring up we need someone at:

RB
Joe Mixon
Najee Harris
Austin Ekeler
Antonio Gibson
Nick Chubb

Edge
Haason Red****
Joey Bosa
Leonard Floyd
Denico Autry
Yetur Gross-Matos
Von Miller
Bilal Nichols
Jadeveon Clowney

I've gone back and forth (in my head) on the "need" for the Packers to sign a FA EDGE player. Really, the possible need (in my head) only stems from the Micah Parson's injury situation. The Packers have a lot of young talent at EDGE and if they do decide to sign a starting caliber EDGE player, that probably puts one of them off the roster.

Guessing the Packers will keep 5-7 EDGE players on the final 53 man roster. Obviously, Micah isn't included in the list, since he will start the season on the PUP.

In no real particular order, these are the guys vying for those spots:

- LVN
- DDS
- Sorrell
- Cox
- Oliver
- Mosby
- Kelly

Barring injuries, I think LVN, DDS and Sorrell are all but roster locks. Really, signing a starting caliber EDGE player all depends on just how much of a jump the Packers think they will see out of: Sorrell, Cox and Oliver. With an eye on DDS as a potential 4th round rookie who may see his snap counts go up during the season. Which brings me to the one pitfall of signing a guy like Bosa. Yes, he is an instant starter and brings talent and experience, but he will take snaps, as well as a potential roster spot from the developing guy(s).

 

[tynimiller]

I've gone back and forth (in my head) on the "need" for the Packers to sign a FA EDGE player. Really, the possible need (in my head) only stems from the Micah Parson's injury situation. The Packers have a lot of young talent at EDGE and if they do decide to sign a starting caliber EDGE player, that probably puts one of them off the roster.

Guessing the Packers will keep 5-7 EDGE players on the final 53 man roster. Obviously, Micah isn't included in the list, since he will start the season on the PUP.

In no real particular order, these are the guys vying for those spots:

- LVN
- DDS
- Sorrell
- Cox
- Oliver
- Mosby
- Kelly

Barring injuries, I think LVN, DDS and Sorrell are all but roster locks. Really, signing a starting caliber EDGE player all depends on just how much of a jump the Packers think they will see out of: Sorrell, Cox and Oliver. With an eye on DDS as a potential 4th round rookie who may see his snap counts go up during the season. Which brings me to the one pitfall of signing a guy like Bosa. Yes, he is an instant starter and brings talent and experience, but he will take snaps, as well as a potential roster spot from the developing guy(s).

I don't think it happens unless we see one of their 4 after Parsons tweek something in PS or camp leading up to regular.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I don't think it happens unless we see one of their 4 after Parsons tweek something in PS or camp leading up to regular.

That or the coaches just aren't happy with the progress from 1 or more of the EDGE depth. In either of those situations or at the right price, a guy like Reddick might not be good insurance. While I like Bosa, he just can't seem to stay healthy and unless he is willing to sign an incentive laden contract, probably not a guy you sign.

Von Miller is an interesting idea as well. Yeah, he's 37, but he had a pretty solid year for the Commanders last season, on a mostly incentive laden contract. The guy is a freak of nature.

Him working out last week.....

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[milani]

That or the coaches just aren't happy with the progress from 1 or more of the EDGE depth. In either of those situations or at the right price, a guy like Reddick might not be good insurance. While I like Bosa, he just can't seem to stay healthy and unless he is willing to sign an incentive laden contract, probably not a guy you sign.

Von Miller is an interesting idea as well. Yeah, he's 37, but he had a pretty solid year for the Commanders last season, on a mostly incentive laden contract. The guy is a freak of nature.

Him working out last week.....

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There are some of these athletes that last and avoid major injuries. Watt gets hurt a fair amount and Polamalu did before him in Pitt. Not sure if it is their style of play.

 

[milani]

Those are not free agents thought if Kamara is being discussed and those people likely should be ignored as fools claiming he is.

Some Free Agents at RB and Edge many bring up we need someone at:

RB
Joe Mixon
Najee Harris
Austin Ekeler
Antonio Gibson
Nick Chubb

Edge
Haason Red****
Joey Bosa
Leonard Floyd
Denico Autry
Yetur Gross-Matos
Von Miller
Bilal Nichols
Jadeveon Clowney

Which RB is capable of breaking a long one? Which edge rusher can chase down CW?

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

There are some of these athletes that last and avoid major injuries. Watt gets hurt a fair amount and Polamalu did before him in Pitt. Not sure if it is their style of play.

Probably a combination of things. Style of play and bodies being built differently.

I think a bit of luck, both bad and good, can be sprinkled into the equation too.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Which RB is capable of breaking a long one?

Jonathan Taylor

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[tynimiller]

Which RB is capable of breaking a long one? Which edge rusher can chase down CW?

In truth...one that gets a hole to run through...the length of the long one factors in somewhat to their speed but still... LOL


As for the edge question I don't know why chasing down Christian Watson (CW) in practice is a priority LOL (had to)

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Clowney is another EDGE guy I wouldn't mind seeing in Green and Gold. I thought he was older than 33. He has stayed pretty healthy and is still pretty productive. He only cost the Cowboys $3.5-6M last season. If the Packers could sign him for something similar, that would be a bargain.