Early 53 Man Roster Projection

[gopkrs]

I think that this was always going to be the year for Hopper to take his step forward; from what Green Bay said last year, he was drafted mostly with his 2nd year in mind, not his 1st. They indicated that they expected him to have a slower development curve than Cooper, and I think Oladapo was expected to also take a year to develop.

I hope they give them a real chance.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I think that this was always going to be the year for Hopper to take his step forward; from what Green Bay said last year, he was drafted mostly with his 2nd year in mind, not his 1st. They indicated that they expected him to have a slower development curve than Cooper, and I think Oladapo was expected to also take a year to develop.

Certainly would be good if Hopper and Oladapo take a step up. It's gonna be tough for guys to make the 53, and that's a good thing. A lot of competition on a solid roster.

I did see some highlights of Golden at Texas. The guy catches everything.

 

[Poppa San]

And there is still a long time before the 53 is finalized, and lots of surprises along the way.

Opening night is about 118 days away.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Opening night is about 118 days away.

Yep. But who is counting! A lot of competition this year. That should make for an interesting summer.

 

[OldSchool101]

No matter what we thought of the draft, you’ve got to look at this crop of talent and be pretty happy.

I really don’t see any position that looks notably worse. Almost can’t argue losing Slaton because we brought multiple DL aboard to compete for that Interior DT spot.

I’m looking to LB after losing Eric Wilson, But Colin Oliver, Isaiah Simmons or Tyron Hopper fighting for those open LB snaps should produce a darn good player.

Nothing personal but I think Rookie Golden is every bit as good as Watson even as a Rookie. 600 yards 6 TD’s is not some insurmountable production to achieve. Plus it’s looking more and more like Watson is on the early side of a normal recovery timetable. At least by his camps accounts. So there’s an outside chance that by midseason we see both players simultaneously.

Then we’ve got Sorrell thrown into the DL. Belton thrown at the OL. Marshawn thrown into the RB room. Musgrave into the TE group after contributing like 5-6 games all last season.

If JA stays, we’ve got a couple newer prospects like 2nd year Kalen King and Kaleb Hayes. Then Micah Robinson and Isaiah Dunn, Tryon Herring and Jonathan Baldwin all fighting fur 1-2 spots. covering the losses of Balentine or Rochelle. Not to mention they played mainly on ST so we might even be + on those losses.

 

[Heyjoe4]

No matter what we thought of the draft, you’ve got to look at this crop of talent and be pretty happy.

I really don’t see any position that looks notably worse. Almost can’t argue losing Slaton because we brought multiple DL aboard to compete for that Interior DT spot.

I’m looking to LB after losing Eric Wilson, But Colin Oliver, Isaiah Simmons or Tyron Hopper fighting for those open LB snaps should produce a darn good player.

Nothing personal but I think Rookie Golden is every bit as good as Watson even as a Rookie. 600 yards 6 TD’s is not some insurmountable production to achieve. Plus it’s looking more and more like Watson is on the early side of a normal recovery timetable. At least by his camps accounts. So there’s an outside chance that by midseason we see both players simultaneously.

Then we’ve got Sorrell thrown into the DL. Belton thrown at the OL. Marshawn thrown into the RB room. Musgrave into the TE group after contributing like 5-6 games all last season.

If JA stays, we’ve got a couple newer prospects like 2nd year Kalen King and Kaleb Hayes. Then Micah Robinson and Isaiah Dunn, Tryon Herring and Jonathan Baldwin all fighting fur 1-2 spots. covering the losses of Balentine or Rochelle. Not to mention they played mainly on ST so we might even be + on those losses.

There is a lot to like about this team both before and especially after this draft. Now if Love can play an entire season as well as he's played the back nine the last two years......

 

[Krabs]

QB (2)

-Jordan Love, #10
-Malik Willis, #2

Self-explanatory

Agreed

RB (4)

-Josh Jacobs, #8
-Marshawn Lloyd, #32
-Emanuel Wilson, #31
-Chris Brooks, #30

Wilson and Brooks both looked really good last year, so I have them both making it. I think they want to emphasize the running game, so depth matters here.

Mainly agree. Only changes would be due to injury.

TE (3)

-Tucker Kraft, #85
-Luke Musgrave, #88
-John Fitzpatrick, #86

Self-explanatory

I think there is a possibility that Sims is back.

WR (6)

-Romeo Doubs, #87
-Jayden Reed, #11
-Dontayvion Wicks, #13
-Matthew Golden, #22
-Savion Williams, #83
-Mecole Hardman, #6

Watson starts the season on the PUP. Melton and Heath get beaten out by Hardman because of his punt return ability. One thing that could change here-- I wouldn't be surprised if they trade Doubs before the season.

I'd be surprised with Doubs being traded. I don't think he has a lot of value on the market. Much more valuable to the Pack. I don't think Hardman makes the roster.

OL (9)

-Rasheed Walker, #63
-Zach Tom, #50
-Jordan Morgan, #77
-Aaron Banks, #65
-Sean Rhyan, #75
-Elgton Jenkins, #74
-Anthony Belton, #??
-Jacob Monk, #62
-John Williams, #??

This is pretty straightforward. I just have Williams beating out the competition for the last spot as he was a pick in a class that was much deeper than last years.

Agreed

DT (6)

-Kenny Clark, #97
-Warren Brinson, #??
-Nazir Stackhouse, #??
-Devonte Wyatt, #95
-Karl Brooks, #94
-Colby Wooden, #96

Last year, they started with 11 DL but the ratio was inverted (6 ends and 5 tackles). I am flipping it as I think they need numbers behind Clark, plus Brooks and Wooden can be emergency depth for end.

I think there is a good chance that Silvera is on the roster.

DE (5)

-Rashan Gary, #52
-Lukas Van Ness, #90
-Brenton Cox, #57
-Barryn Sorrell, #??
-Collin Oliver, #??

I'm projecting that Enagbare gets traded/cut before the season. The top 4 guys can all be relied upon as 3 down players and Oliver is the DPR.

This is a tough one to read. We know what we have in Gary. LVN is going to get his chance. Cox is on the roster for sure. The rest is tough. I'd wager Enagbare is on the team.

LB (5)

-Quay Walker, #7
-Edgerrin Cooper, #56
-Isaiah McDuffie, #58
-Isaiah Simmons, #??
-Tyron Hopper, #59

I am projecting that the Simmons signing happens. Oliver could also be a backup SAM to McDuffie as needed.

And it did. This is probably accurate.

CB (5)

-Kesiean Nixon, #25
-Nate Hobbs, #21
-Carrington Valentine, #24
-Micah Robinson, #??
-Kalen King, #34

I am projecting that Jaire is traded/cut, but I also expect one or more corners to be added to replace King.

I see this was put out over a month ago. It's looking more likely Alexander is back. I like Alexander, Hobbs, Bullard and Nixon. King is the odd man out.

SAF (5)

-Xavier McKinney, #29
-Evan Williams, #33
-Javon Bullard, #20
-Zayne Anderson, #39
-Kitan Oladapo, #27

Self-explanatory

Agreed, Bullard got moved to the slot. We will see where he lines up this season.

ST (3)

-Brandon McManus, #17
-Daniel Whelan, #19
-Matt Orzech, #42

Self-explanatory

Agreed.

I don't see a lot to argue with here.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Agreed

Mainly agree. Only changes would be due to injury.

I think there is a possibility that Sims is back.

I'd be surprised with Doubs being traded. I don't think he has a lot of value on the market. Much more valuable to the Pack. I don't think Hardman makes the roster.

Agreed

I think there is a good chance that Silvera is on the roster.

This is a tough one to read. We know what we have in Gary. LVN is going to get his chance. Cox is on the roster for sure. The rest is tough. I'd wager Enagbare is on the team.

And it did. This is probably accurate.

I see this was put out over a month ago. It's looking more likely Alexander is back. I like Alexander, Hobbs, Bullard and Nixon. King is the odd man out.

Agreed, Bullard got moved to the slot. We will see where he lines up this season.

Agreed.

I don't see a lot to argue with here.

Good points. I think Dantes is right and they go with depth at DT. Someone, preferably two guys, need to step up and have career or near-career years. As or Edge, pretty much the same thing. Clark is near the end, and Wyatt desperately needs a career year. Desperation can be a good thing. And LVN must prove he belongs in a starter role.

Overall it's a very good roster. The most interesting position battle to me is RB (all the guys behind Jacobs). Wilson and Brooks have been very good. Lloyd will have to shake off last season and produce, early and often.

 

[tynimiller]

Hardman last one out and Wooden last one in and I could easily swap those honestly.

QB (2)
-Jordan Love
-Malik Willis

RB (3)
-Josh Jacobs
-Marshawn Lloyd
-Emanuel Wilson

I feel bad for Chris Brooks, but I think we pull back to three and he is out...Savion's versatile offering is an emergency back up 4th back.

TE (3)

-Tucker Kraft
-Luke Musgrave
-Ben Sims

I predict Sims has a camp that cannot be ignored and Fitz is pushed out of his TE3 position.

WR (6)

-Romeo Doubs
-Jayden Reed
-Dontayvion Wicks
-Matthew Golden
-Savion Williams
-Malik Heath

Watson starts the season on the PUP...and I think Hardman is actually a cut

OL (10)

-Rasheed Walker
-Zach Tom
-Jordan Morgan
-Aaron Banks
-Sean Rhyan
-Elgton Jenkins
-Anthony Belton
-Jacob Monk
-John Williams
-Travis Glover

Those last spots between Telfort/Glover/Williams is going to be a battle.

DT (6)

-Kenny Clark
-Warren Brinson
-Nazir Stackhouse
-Devonte Wyatt
-Karl Brooks
-Carl Wooden

I think Wooden might get pushed out...

DE (5)
-Rashan Gary
-Lukas Van Ness
-Kingsley Enagbare
-Brenton Cox
-Barryn Sorrell

*I share Dantes prediction that Enagbare could be on the way out in a trade but not before initial 53

EDGE/LB (1)
-Collin Oliver
I genuinely think we see him at both spots, each as a depth reserve position in 2025 - but there is too much there to not like and expect he sticks.

LB (4)
-Quay Walker
-Edgerrin Cooper
-Isaiah McDuffie
-Isaiah Simmons

I am projecting Dumas-Johnson puts serious heat on Hopper though and I struggled...ultimately I think neither make it and we see who clears waivers...Oliver's hybrid offering edges them both.

CB (5)
-Jaire Alexander
-Kesiean Nixon
-Nate Hobbs
-Carrington Valentine
-Kalen King

I think Micah Robinson doesn't make it...and him or Kamal Hadden go PS (or both)

SAF (5)

-Xavier McKinney
-Evan Williams
-Javon Bullard
-Zayne Anderson
-Johnathan Baldwin

Kitan is overcome by the playmaking Johnathan Baldwin UDFA

ST (3)

-Brandon McManus
-Daniel Whelan
-Matt Orzech

With Jaire gone, I think actually will keep my DBs at 10 and would actually project we keep Dumas-Johnson OR we keep 4 RBs due to us loving them all and Brooks stays.

 

[Heyjoe4]

With Jaire gone, I think actually will keep my DBs at 10 and would actually project we keep Dumas-Johnson OR we keep 4 RBs due to us loving them all and Brooks stays.

You mention some of the personnel upside of releasing JA. My understanding is the release frees $17 mil in cap because he was released post-June 1. That will allow the Packers to give Tom a new contract as soon as possible, and make it easier to pay for an extension of Walker and/or Wyatt, assuming they want to do that.

It will be interesting to see where JA lands and the type of contract he gets. It will also be interesting to see if he can get through a season without a major injury. He was set to make, I think, $17 to $18 mil if he stayed in GB and under his current contract.

FWIW - I was surprised he was cut. Maybe the decision was made long ago and the Packers waited until post-June 1 for cap reasons and before the mandatory minicamp.

 

[tynimiller]

You mention some of the personnel upside of releasing JA. My understanding is the release frees $17 mil in cap because he was released post-June 1. That will allow the Packers to give Tom a new contract as soon as possible, and make it easier to pay for an extension of Walker and/or Wyatt, assuming they want to do that.

It will be interesting to see where JA lands and the type of contract he gets. It will also be interesting to see if he can get through a season without a major injury. He was set to make, I think, $17 to $18 mil if he stayed in GB and under his current contract.

FWIW - I was surprised he was cut. Maybe the decision was made long ago and the Packers waited until post-June 1 for cap reasons and before the mandatory minicamp.

We by many sources have the fourth or so highest amount of cap space now releasing Jaire presently.

We cannot carry over the entire amount so yes, the Packers likely will start using some of that - with Tom for sure being one of the first you would assume...or Jenkins one year extension that I feel both sides will do; which would essentially shift his contract another year back (both sides know full well his 2026 cap hit scheduled means cut).

 

[Heyjoe4]

We by many sources have the fourth or so highest amount of cap space now releasing Jaire presently.

We cannot carry over the entire amount so yes, the Packers likely will start using some of that - with Tom for sure being one of the first you would assume...or Jenkins one year extension that I feel both sides will do; which would essentially shift his contract another year back (both sides know full well his 2026 cap hit scheduled means cut).

Hey Ty I thought unused cap could be carried over. What are the exceptions? I thought if the cap wasn't used it could all be carried forward.

Anyway, it would be good if the Packers can get deals done with Tom and Jenkins before the season starts.

 

[tynimiller]

Hey Ty I thought unused cap could be carried over. What are the exceptions? I thought if the cap wasn't used it could all be carried forward.

Anyway, it would be good if the Packers can get deals done with Tom and Jenkins before the season starts.

I was mistaken - sorta...all of it can be rolled over but Ken Ingalls told me a team has a minimum they must spend of the cap over a time frame (believe he said 4 years) so yes and no...depending on their minimum needing spent.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I was mistaken - sorta...all of it can be rolled over but Ken Ingalls told me a team has a minimum they must spend of the cap over a time frame (believe he said 4 years) so yes and no...depending on their minimum needing spent.

That makes sense. And really, it is seldom a problem. Few teams have a hard time spending cap money.....

It is interesting that the Packers are among the teams with the most cap space. There wasn't a noticeable falloff from Rodgers departure to Love starting. That is amazing. Russ Ball, MLF, and Gluten managed that transition very, very well.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

That makes sense. And really, it is seldom a problem. Few teams have a hard time spending cap money.....

It is interesting that the Packers are among the teams with the most cap space. There wasn't a noticeable falloff from Rodgers departure to Love starting. That is amazing. Russ Ball, MLF, and Gluten managed that transition very, very well.

This organization enjoyed great success over the entirety of Mark Murphy's tenure, both on and off the field. Mr. Policy has big shoes to fill.

 

[Heyjoe4]

This organization enjoyed great success over the entirety of Mark Murphy's tenure, both on and off the field. Mr. Policy has big shoes to fill.

No kidding. I was a huge fan of Bob Harlan. Murphy? Not so much but primarily because he seemed to like the limelight a bit too much, and I don't care for his org structure. But he presided over a very tricky transition from Rodgers to Love and deserves credit for that. And of course the team won a lot of games while he was president.

Murphy, TT, Gluten, MLF all got (get) the job done - giving us a reason to watch the Packers every week (until the mostly bitter end!). We have a lot to be happy about in Packerland.

And yeah, Policy has a big job ahead of him. I wish him well.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

No kidding. I was a huge fan of Bob Harlan. Murphy? Not so much but primarily because he seemed to like the limelight a bit too much, and I don't care for his org structure. But he presided over a very tricky transition from Rodgers to Love and deserves credit for that. And of course the team won a lot of games while he was president.

Murphy, TT, Gluten, MLF all got (get) the job done - giving us a reason to watch the Packers every week (until the mostly bitter end!). We have a lot to be happy about in Packerland.

And yeah, Policy has a big job ahead of him. I wish him well.

That, and the Titletown district and securing the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay.

The Packers have been Blessed with good people at every level.

 

[Voyageur]

Something to consider. Will the Packers resign Rasheed Walker? My opinion? I'd let him walk after this season because I haven't seen enough growth in him at left tackle to be an impact player worthy of the big bucks he'd command to stay. I believe the job will fall to Jordan Morgan, who should have the experience by then to give the Packers solid left tackle play. Anthony Belton would give them a guy who could step up and play in the interior. If so, the Packers could simply use the "next man up" philosophy to move forward. It allows for more flexibility in manipulation of the salary cap, and opportunities to invest nothing more than mid-rounds picks to continue stocking this shelf.

I'm really impressed by the way Gutekunst has structured the roster. I can see a lot of input from the coaches has been involved, more than a one-man decision-making hierarchy.
When he started out, it didn't look like they were headed in the right direction, but I have to say I'm impressed.

 

[OldSchool101]

Something to consider. Will the Packers resign Rasheed Walker? My opinion? I'd let him walk after this season because I haven't seen enough growth in him at left tackle to be an impact player worthy of the big bucks he'd command to stay. I believe the job will fall to Jordan Morgan, who should have the experience by then to give the Packers solid left tackle play. Anthony Belton would give them a guy who could step up and play in the interior. If so, the Packers could simply use the "next man up" philosophy to move forward. It allows for more flexibility in manipulation of the salary cap, and opportunities to invest nothing more than mid-rounds picks to continue stocking this shelf.

I'm really impressed by the way Gutekunst has structured the roster. I can see a lot of input from the coaches has been involved, more than a one-man decision-making hierarchy.
When he started out, it didn't look like they were headed in the right direction, but I have to say I'm impressed.

Imo Belton within a year could play Walker level. He’s a little grabby but really quite athletic and he just does not give up real estate if you try and run through him. He also has the measurable advantage to be a success at Tackle once seasoned. He reminds me of a OL drafted a couple seasons ago that just mauled players. Maybe a Day1 selection but can’t think of his name now.

Morgan is more finesse and higher upside. Hoping he works out because we’d have 4 years potential with him being a Day 1 pick.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Something to consider. Will the Packers resign Rasheed Walker? My opinion? I'd let him walk after this season because I haven't seen enough growth in him at left tackle to be an impact player worthy of the big bucks he'd command to stay. I believe the job will fall to Jordan Morgan, who should have the experience by then to give the Packers solid left tackle play. Anthony Belton would give them a guy who could step up and play in the interior. If so, the Packers could simply use the "next man up" philosophy to move forward. It allows for more flexibility in manipulation of the salary cap, and opportunities to invest nothing more than mid-rounds picks to continue stocking this shelf.

I'm really impressed by the way Gutekunst has structured the roster. I can see a lot of input from the coaches has been involved, more than a one-man decision-making hierarchy.
When he started out, it didn't look like they were headed in the right direction, but I have to say I'm impressed.

Walker is better than JAG, but he isn't worth the money he'll likely get somewhere else. Morgan was drafted in the first round as a LT and so I expect he will be a starter there, IF he is as good as his draft position indicates. He hasn't had the chance yet to prove he can hold the job. So I'm expecting to see a lot of him in the PS.

Aside from that, Gluten did a nice job with the Ol in the offseason. He added depth and youth.

 

[tynimiller]

Walker will get likely a $20M/Yr deal in free agency this next off season. Dan Moore the tackle for the Titans is the best age and experience comp for him and he got that figure this past off season.

Jaylon Moore who has far far less starts and such but similar age got $30M/2 Yr deal this off season.

Walker will get paid and honestly I bet it will be a rather big one.

 

[Voyageur]

Walker will get likely a $20M/Yr deal in free agency this next off season. Dan Moore the tackle for the Titans is the best age and experience comp for him and he got that figure this past off season.

Jaylon Moore who has far far less starts and such but similar age got $30M/2 Yr deal this off season.

Walker will get paid and honestly I bet it will be a rather big one.

I agree. I think he's going to get a hefty raise and will be an adequately good LT for some team, but not the kind of guy who should garner break the bank money, and I see that happening with him unless he gets injured this year and it hurts his play.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Walker will get likely a $20M/Yr deal in free agency this next off season. Dan Moore the tackle for the Titans is the best age and experience comp for him and he got that figure this past off season.

Jaylon Moore who has far far less starts and such but similar age got $30M/2 Yr deal this off season.

Walker will get paid and honestly I bet it will be a rather big one.

Wow I didn't realize he could get that much. Thanks for the comps. I like Walker and he has played well. Maybe he has a career year, Morgan doesn't come through, and GB pays Walker. Seems unlikely, but if he takes a big step up.....

I don't quite get the drafting of Morgan in rd 1 last year. He was clearly a LT when the team already had a decent LT. Given the lack of playing time, it's impossible to say how good Morgan could be. The rest of the line is pretty-well filled in, so G, C seem unlikely, and RT will hopefully be locked down soon for Tom. What to do with Morgan?

 

[Heyjoe4]

I agree. I think he's going to get a hefty raise and will be an adequately good LT for some team, but not the kind of guy who should garner break the bank money, and I see that happening with him unless he gets injured this year and it hurts his play.

I agree. He's good but not $20 mil AAV good, at least not yet. But how do the Packers decide if Morgan can be a long-term starter at LT? Morgan seems pretty versatile and so makes a good depth player. Just disappointing for a rd 1 pick. But in fairness, his first year was marred with injury so it was really a redshirt year. But now, where to play him? (Although I wish he had been healthy went Jenkins went down against Philly.)

And somewhere in the back of the Gluten/Ball collective mind lurks Bahktiari, and the disaster that turned into. Can't predict injuries like DB had, but that one really hurt - financially, and then all the starts and stops and additional surgeries and the constant wheel spinning with no progress. I still miss the guy.

 

[tynimiller]

Wow I didn't realize he could get that much. Thanks for the comps. I like Walker and he has played well. Maybe he has a career year, Morgan doesn't come through, and GB pays Walker. Seems unlikely, but if he takes a big step up.....

I don't quite get the drafting of Morgan in rd 1 last year. He was clearly a LT when the team already had a decent LT. Given the lack of playing time, it's impossible to say how good Morgan could be. The rest of the line is pretty-well filled in, so G, C seem unlikely, and RT will hopefully be locked down soon for Tom. What to do with Morgan?

Morgan was drafted for his four position versatility and capability. He was splitting time as a starter at RG out of the gate and if he had not been injured Sean Rhyan would have been riding pine. I think the keeper of where Morgan plays in the future has more to do with where the team figures Belton will end up...if Belton projects as the RG Morgan will be our LT of future...if Belton can go tackle Morgan goes RG and maybe Tom slides over to LT and Belton RT or Belton just goes LT after Walker leaves.