Jordan Love 2025 Version

El Guapo

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Exactly, I think that Gutekusnt has done a good job of drafting young guys to back up and hopefully replace some of the guys up front. I like Walker, but salary cap will necessitate one or several of those young guys stepping up.

It would be interesting to see a breakdown of what percentage of the available cap is allocated to each position group. I'm sure that it changes over time as you pay a top player or two, but historically there is likely a trend for each GM.
 
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As we all know, the success of a QB is only as good as his OL.
On one hand, I agree with not extending Walker. With more consideration of recent events? I’m thinking more not extending Jenkins could be a very workable avenue.

Jenkins would free up around ~$14Mil cap (estimates I’ve heard and seen vary by a Mil or so, which is why I’m not confident in that exactly). As someone in here correctly pointed out (PikeBadger?), The Packers FO does a nice job of keeping the Guarantee around 1/3 of the Big picture Contract number. Having $14mil tossed in the $Capital$ pot actually makes it very doable to offer Walker a 3yr extension and guaranteeing his first year plus a few Mil$ For hypothetical purposes that Jenkins Cap savings likely cover in a neighborhood of 2/3 of any Guaranteed $ Walker would get in a new deal.

I see the argument about not tying up too much $ in 1 position group. However if there is a positional exception or going heavier in 1 area? IMO It’s QB and LT/OL.

Keep in mind that once Walker finishes out his 2025, 2026 seasons? he’s really got a contract out there because we can apply the +$14M Jenkins $$ already accounted on our schedule + a couple $5Mil more in 2026, we’ve got the Cap position to easily do this without much risk. That’s $19mil of Jenkins 2026 Cap covered there, yet it only feels like a $5-7mil Cap spent in 2026 (Ive also accounted for Roster replacement Rookie $$ etc)

The point is not that it SHOULD be done. However it 100% COULD be done. The advantage here is you’ve got Walker locked down through ‘26 in that option.
 
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With that said. If you told me we could hold on to Walker through 2026 and it would cost us $5Mil more in 2026 but have maintain his Dead $ <$5mil if we sent him out to pasture in 2027? (Contract out 2027) I think that’s a very reasonable avenue for a 2nd or 3rd option.

Much of this really depends on what Jenkins is wanting $$ wise. If Elgtons camp is thinking of exploiting us in the $22m yearly and 50% guaranteed on a 4yr deal? I’d wait him out until he asks for a trade. His value drops slightly with each passing week where he’s not playing. He is not in the drivers seat imo. It’s even conceivable we saw this Contract dilemma approaching just didn’t know precisely when. So we drafted and went FA accordingly. TWO potential replacements on hand when we asked Elgton to move over.

This is all to say what I’ve always promoted. If something is working on OL let’s keep it intact if it’s reasonable to do so. If not keep stocking options at OL regularly through the draft. That continuity at LT/RT is super important in regard to keeping our QB on his feet. In 2024 we were one of the best teams in Sacks allowed. Much of that comes from Tackle continuity. Add to that upgrading the Run block lanes in the middle?

Walker-Banks-Rhyan-Morgan-Tom
IF for any reason Jenkins couldn’t/woouldnt go..
 
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Curly Calhoun

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With that said. If you told me we could hold on to Walker through 2026 and it would cost us $5Mil more in 2026 but have maintain his Dead $ <$5mil if we sent him out to pasture in 2027? (Contract out 2027) I think that’s a very reasonable avenue for a 2nd or 3rd option. Much of this really depends on what Jenkins is wanting $$ wise. If he’s thinking $22m yearly and 50% guaranteed on a 4yr deal? I’d wait him out until he asks for a trade. His value drops slightly with each passing week where he’s not playing. He is not in the drivers seat imo.

I feel bad for Rasheed Walker. He's done nothing wrong, and it's hard to argue he hasn't exceeded expectations of a late seventh-round pick starting at left tackle.

And now he's in a contract year - If he doesn't win the starting job, he's left on the bench and not likely to get any solid offers from anyone next season.

Still, GB spent a first-round pick on Morgen, and they want him to succeed, so he'll get every chance to unseat Walker.

Is that fair? Maybe, maybe not, but that's life in the NFL.
 
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Still, GB spent a first-round pick on Morgen, and they want him to succeed, so he'll get every chance to unseat Walker.
All very well said. It’s exactly why I’m offering another avenue. I know we see Morgan as the future at LT and maybe he is? However when he was being drafted he was never a sure fire, high caliber LT blue chip type player. I repeatedly saw one of his biggest assets was positional flexibility mixed with athleticism. Almost exclusively, the Scouting community said if he reduced inside he’d be a Probowl level Guard and with his 1st or 2nd season.

Do we possibly force Morgan into a LT role a year or two too early because we feel obligated we spent a Day1? Or do we go prudent and put him where he’s likely grade 70’s and 80’s PFF type graded play inside? Likely in that “Probowl alternate” type play today. That sounds quite appealing to me anyways.

We know what we have at LT and it works. We know what we have at RT and it works also. Upgrade your Center and Guard area across all 3 in the run game without losing much Pass protection if any. There’s multiple avenues for making this a reality.

PS. Elgton is said to have a back injury but it sounded minor. Reports say he’ll be back in practice shortly.

Back to Love I digress!
 
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I feel bad for Rasheed Walker. He's done nothing wrong, and it's hard to argue he hasn't exceeded expectations of a late seventh-round pick starting at left tackle.

And now he's in a contract year - If he doesn't win the starting job, he's left on the bench and not likely to get any solid offers from anyone next season.

Still, GB spent a first-round pick on Morgen, and they want him to succeed, so he'll get every chance to unseat Walker.

Is that fair? Maybe, maybe not, but that's life in the NFL.
Agreed Curly. But I don't think anyone will replace Walker at LT this season, unless he gets injured. Morgan is untested, and even if he has an outstanding TC and PS, Walker is too entrenched and the schedule is just too damn hard to experiment with a new LT.

Morgan will get his snaps, maybe as a backup for a year. The Packers are already paying top $$$ for RT, LG, and C. They probably can't afford Walker next season. That would be Morgan's best chance to earn a starting job, imo.
 

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All very well said. It’s exactly why I’m offering another avenue. I know we see Morgan as the future at LT and maybe he is? However when he was being drafted he was never a sure fire, high caliber LT blue chip type player. I repeatedly saw one of his biggest assets was positional flexibility mixed with athleticism. Almost exclusively, the Scouting community said if he reduced inside he’d be a Probowl level Guard and with his 1st or 2nd season.

Do we possibly force Morgan into a LT role a year or two too early because we feel obligated we spent a Day1? Or do we go prudent and put him where he’s likely grade 70’s and 80’s PFF type graded play inside? Likely in that “Probowl alternate” type play today. That sounds quite appealing to me anyways.

We know what we have at LT and it works. We know what we have at RT and it works also. Upgrade your Center and Guard area across all 3 in the run game without losing much Pass protection if any. There’s multiple avenues for making this a reality.

PS. Elgton is said to have a back injury but it sounded minor. Reports say he’ll be back in practice shortly.

Back to Love I digress!
Good points. I think Walker continues to start at LT and Morgan will be a very capable backup at both T and G positions. This season is just too important (aren't they all?) and the schedule is just too hard to experiment with a new starter at LT. Morgan will eventually start at either T or G. This season, he can play an important role as a very capable backup. But he is still untested. Even so, I expect he will play well, wherever he ends up.
 

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Agreed Curly. But I don't think anyone will replace Walker at LT this season, unless he gets injured. Morgan is untested, and even if he has an outstanding TC and PS, Walker is too entrenched and the schedule is just too damn hard to experiment with a new LT.

Morgan will get his snaps, maybe as a backup for a year. The Packers are already paying top $$$ for RT, LG, and C. They probably can't afford Walker next season. That would be Morgan's best chance to earn a starting job, imo.
I think Morgan or Belton have a chance to beat him out eventually during the year. First they have to prove they can protect and then, if they can make a significant improvement in the run game; that should be enough. A great run blocking L tackle can make a huge difference.
 
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Good points. I think Walker continues to start at LT and Morgan will be a very capable backup at both T and G positions. This season is just too important (aren't they all?) and the schedule is just too hard to experiment with a new starter at LT. Morgan will eventually start at either T or G. This season, he can play an important role as a very capable backup. But he is still untested. Even so, I expect he will play well, wherever he ends up.
Yep. Im not sure what the odds are across the league playing the OL 6th man, but I bet it’s high. With exception of maybe Center or RT, Morgan will instantly come in at LT, LG, RG if there’s an injury etc. imo
 

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Yep. Im not sure what the odds are across the league playing the OL 6th man, but I bet it’s high. With exception of maybe Center or RT, Morgan will instantly come in at LT, LG, RG if there’s an injury etc. imo
Yeah he likely won't start unless there is an injury, but he'll get plenty of opportunity to sub at the positions you mention. He could even spell Tom at RT. It will be good experience, and Gluten and MLF can decide if they want him full-time at LT at some point, probably next season.
 

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I feel bad for Rasheed Walker. He's done nothing wrong, and it's hard to argue he hasn't exceeded expectations of a late seventh-round pick starting at left tackle.

And now he's in a contract year - If he doesn't win the starting job, he's left on the bench and not likely to get any solid offers from anyone next season.

Still, GB spent a first-round pick on Morgen, and they want him to succeed, so he'll get every chance to unseat Walker.

Is that fair? Maybe, maybe not, but that's life in the NFL.
Rasheed may have taken another step forward this season. Im sure he sees what is planned, so maybe he really busted his butt and is now in the best shape of his career.

But even if he gets bumped off the starters. His value won't change. Teams have a grade on him and will pursue him the same whether he is starting or not.

Same logic for Jenkins. Some saying he loses earning potential now that he is a center. Please. The other 31 GMs suddenly don't think he can play OG after doing it at a high level for 6 years? He played some LT as well one year and did pretty good at that. This move doesn't hurt his earning potential one iota. Maybe increases it by showing versatility.
 
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Rasheed may have taken another step forward this season. Im sure he sees what is planned, so maybe he really busted his butt and is now in the best shape of his career.

But even if he gets bumped off the starters. His value won't change. Teams have a grade on him and will pursue him the same whether he is starting or not.

Same logic for Jenkins. Some saying he loses earning potential now that he is a center. Please. The other 31 GMs suddenly don't think he can play OG after doing it at a high level for 6 years? He played some LT as well one year and did pretty good at that. This move doesn't hurt his earning potential one iota. Maybe increases it by showing versatility.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. The GM’s aren’t singularly looking at a prospect to bring on board like he is only going to offer an answer to the last position played.

The other part that I’d expect is when a player holds out for a lengthy time, imo they create doubt (not suggesting Elgton is there he’s out due to injury) Both on the current and prospective teams around the league. Elgton is going to get back in the lineup the second he’s got the medical thumbs up. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the profitable thing to do.
 

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I'm a little surprised that Monk doesn't seem to be getting most of the reps at center. Then again, what do I know? I was hoping Monk would be obvious. I guess not.
 
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I'm a little surprised that Monk doesn't seem to be getting most of the reps at center. Then again, what do I know? I was hoping Monk would be obvious. I guess not.
True. I suspect he just needs to grow into a role. There was some mention of him succumbing to stronger NFL players who master the art of a Bull Rush. The more obvious expectation is you put on a few pounds of muscle while you develop some counter moves. Bakhtiari went through a similar situation (not suggesting he’ll be Bak level) and one offseason he added like 10-15 pounds of muscle, mostly in his lower half.

Jordan Love is Tee’d up for success.
 
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Looking across the O position groups I feel like this is the most complete Offensive Roster I’ve seen since maybe 2011 area. We already saw a #8 ranked points finish unit in 2024. This isn’t all speculation or projection, the outside sources I watch that normally question the validity of our GB Offense are even arguing that the Packers O will be a factor to contend with for 2025.

RB
Much of this Last year we ran the ball at historic levels 526 Att/2496 Yds/23TD. Franchise wise, since 1960 only the Jim Taylor years dominated our 2024 season. I counted 5 notable seasons (mostly with Jim Taylor/Hornung or Anderson from 1960-1964 that take #1-#5 best.
I counted 5 more across the next 63 seasons that are comparable Rushing seasons to 2024. They include John Brockington, Terdell Middleton, Ahman Green seasons and an Aaron Jones honorable mention. After a closer review our 2024 was #7/64 seasons.
2003 Ahman Green’s Probowl season is our last to find a true comparable. (Less TD’s but higher yards per contest)

IMO the 2025 Packers have the legitimate capability or Capacity to match or Top 2024 and stack a Top 6 Best Rushing Ranking in franchise history. While all the Talk is about Jordan Love, teams are proving that getting it done on the ground makes it extremely Difficult to Stop the Bigger picture. Over commit to stopping the Run with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft and Matthew Golden on the field together? That’s a recipe for a couple of quick score disasters for a team used to holding opponents to 16-18 points all game.
 
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TE

GB has only a handful of TE’s make a true high impact in the Passing game across decades of great QB play. Tonyan and Finley are the most notable, but both were more 1-year Wonders than a consistent, dominant force at the position.

-2011 Finley put up 767 yards and 8 TD’s (854 Yards,10 TD’s as a Group).

-2020 Tonyan led a group that surpassed 800+ yards and 15 TD’s

Those Offenses ranked #1,#1

-2023 Kraft/Musgrave Rookie season to
793 yards and 4TD’s as a TE group

-2024 Kraft mostly went it alone and logged a very solid 707 yards, 7Td’s
797 Yards, 7 TD’s as a group

With the return of Luke Musgrave, There is absolutely no reason that the TE room shouldn’t match or surpass that 2024 Productivity. My guess is:
-2025 935 yards, 11 TD’s
 
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OL

Latest reports sound positive on Elgton Jenkins. He’s already been present during Camp while recovering from an apparent minor Back injury. With Elgton Back in the mix, the projected Line would look something like
Walker-Banks-Jenkins-Rhyan-Tom. We’d have 1st RD and 2nd RD selections waiting in their shadow. So I’d call that good depth.

We all understand that Continuity is very important on OL. The Packers brought in a Solid, 5th Year starter in Aaron Banks. Center will likely see Jenkins in Myers old spot. I think it’s safe to project that the other OL players benefit from another season of experience as the each enter Contract/4th seasons (Walker, Rhyan/Tom) I don’t see any reason to doubt the flow there. Our previous play at Center wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t good either. Myers finished out his time in GB as a “below average” graded Center. I’d project an uptick inside as an overall unit grade. Yet I can also say with some confidence our depth is graded higher than 2024.

The motion was to get bigger and more physical. Elgton is basically the same size as Myers at 310lb area, but Jenkins is a hint shorter at 6’4.4”
(vs 6’5.2”) Jenkins grade out better than Myers in both Pass Block and Run Block. I think it’s safe to say Jenkins is an upgrade once he’s got some snaps under his belt.

It would be extremely hard to argue that GB got worse. They invested 3X at OL and only lost 1 below average graded plater (Myers)
 
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WR

This is where things get interesting. GB invested heavily at WR and realistically got lucky that Matthew Golden crossed their section. He crossed both need and best player available thresholds (not to say there weren’t equal graded players available at #23).

With Golden and Savion added, GB has the requisite speed and physicality to keep teams honest. Even IF Golden doesn’t play at 4.29 speed, neither do the CB’s covering him. Him being one of the quickest players on the field is all that is required and I don’t see any Bonafide opponents running around at 4.29 speed every week. So let’s be frank, those outside of GB taking shots at Matthew Golden are worried and trying to convince themselves he’s not fast. Sorry for your luck! I’m pretty sure if you put your slower CB on Matt Golden you’re going to regret that. Best line up with the best you got.

When reviewing scouting profiles in Golden there were 2 I saw that actually matched. They said having Golden on the field will 100% make it easier on the other WR’s playing alongside him. DC’s are not going to ignore a player who just humiliated the Georgia Bulldog secondary during their Championship game. Golden is at floor a high caliber WR2.
 

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Rasheed may have taken another step forward this season. Im sure he sees what is planned, so maybe he really busted his butt and is now in the best shape of his career.

But even if he gets bumped off the starters. His value won't change. Teams have a grade on him and will pursue him the same whether he is starting or not.

Same logic for Jenkins. Some saying he loses earning potential now that he is a center. Please. The other 31 GMs suddenly don't think he can play OG after doing it at a high level for 6 years? He played some LT as well one year and did pretty good at that. This move doesn't hurt his earning potential one iota. Maybe increases it by showing versatility.
Yeah I don't get Jenkins concern (probably his agent) that he is any less valuable as far as $$$ because he'll be used at C. I read somewhere he's looking for more guaranteed money on his current deal.

I do expect this will be his last year in GB. The Packers have committed a lot of money to Banks and Tom and Jenkins. If they decide to keep Walker, he's next up to be paid. Given his age and his comp, that leaves Jenkins as odd man out.

But any GM looking at Jenkins will realize the value in his versatility.
 

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When we talk about improving the WR room and feeling they fell short always remember that WRs can make a QB look good and QBs can make WRs look good. I feel that our problem was less in our WR room and more in the lack of QB experience, and possibly even tutelage in improving his field of vision.

As much credit as we give our offensive line, and we should, we also have to remember that part of the reason they played well is the running game with Josh Jacobs and that offensive line wore down defenses early in games, making the passing game more effective.

When you put all the varies into the equation of where you need improvement you see a little different picture based on the way each phase of an offense complements others.

I see our RB room getting a bit better because of the familiarity between our line and Jacobs, and the inclusion of Lloyd to the mix. It can be a punishing run game "if" the Packers utilize the quick short passes that freezes defensive lines and throws them and the linebackers off rhythm. The more this area has improved, the better results we'll see from our WRs and our TEs, as well as Love and if necessary, our backup QBs.
 

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Even IF Golden doesn’t play at 4.29 speed, neither do the CB’s covering him. Him being one of the quickest players on the field is all that is required and I don’t see any Bonafide opponents running around at 4.29 speed every week.
I've watched a lot of Golden's college tape, and I feel very sure that whatever he may lack in pure speed, he more than makes up for in quickness, separation, and route-running. One of his greatest strengths is his footwork; he is very precise in his routes, and uses a change of speed to throw off a DB's timing. He makes clean cuts, and comes out of them explosively. He's not an easy guy to cover.

And remember, he didn't have a very good quarterback last season, and had to work hard to haul in a lot of the downfield passes.

I remember before the draft, I found this scouting report that's very thorough...

 

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I've watched a lot of Golden's college tape, and I feel very sure that whatever he may lack in pure speed, he more than makes up for in quickness, separation, and route-running. One of his greatest strengths is his footwork; he is very precise in his routes, and uses a change of speed to throw off a DB's timing. He makes clean cuts, and comes out of them explosively. He's not an easy guy to cover.

And remember, he didn't have a very good quarterback last season, and had to work hard to haul in a lot of the downfield passes.

I remember before the draft, I found this scouting report that's very thorough...

I though Quinn Ewers and Manning did a good job at QB for the Longhorns. Golden had a terrific year for them. The big difference in numbers fell more into the category of the 'Horns QBs spreading the ball around so there were a lot of guys catching passes. Sometimes this makes it look like a player didn't do as well as he could. It was actually the best season he had in school. at Texas-Austin, there's rarely enough oxygen with the press to cover all the guys doing a solid job. He almost seemed to quietly show up and do a good job game after game. The gab was always about when Ewers was going to step aside and Manning take over. It hogged the spotlight. Even when Ewers had amazing games they kept asking the same question. To be honest, I think Ewers isn't quite as good as Manning but when you keep winning and the guy is playing as well as he did, you gonna yank him?

Golden worked well off the ball and showed he wasn't afraid to at least try to throw a block now and then. That's something that's always irritated me. When WRs don't even try to make them.

He showed those cuts and was precise on his routes. The speed he has is just enough to get him separation if the QB gets the ball off on a timely basis. That puts it back on Love to do his job just a tad bit better.

I think he's going to make a solid receiver for the Packers.
 

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With Golden and Savion added, GB has the requisite speed and physicality to keep teams honest. Even IF Golden doesn’t play at 4.29 speed, neither do the CB’s covering him... I’m pretty sure if you put your slower CB on Matt Golden you’re going to regret that. Best line up with the best you got.
Bingo! I've seen a lot of complaints/criticism to the effect of "He's fast in his underwear, but not that fast in pads" and I mean...sure, that's fine. Probably some truth to that, but it doesn't matter. His pad speed is still going to be faster than the vast majority of DBs in the game, and there definitely aren't many teams at all who could afford to bank on their second-fastest CB keeping up with him. Whether his pad speed is a 4.3 or 4.4 matters little. Bottom line is he has the speed to command respect from the defense and more than enough to take the top off if they don't
 

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Bingo! I've seen a lot of complaints/criticism to the effect of "He's fast in his underwear, but not that fast in pads" and I mean...sure, that's fine. Probably some truth to that, but it doesn't matter. His pad speed is still going to be faster than the vast majority of DBs in the game, and there definitely aren't many teams at all who could afford to bank on their second-fastest CB keeping up with him. Whether his pad speed is a 4.3 or 4.4 matters little. Bottom line is he has the speed to command respect from the defense and more than enough to take the top off if they don't
I read that comment about Golden being faster in his "underwear" - and well, yeah, of course - and that's true for the CBs and Ss covering him.

I think Golden will be a handful for opposing Ds. And yes I get it, he's a rookie so I'm keeping my expectations grounded.

After so many years of not addressing WR, it's nice to now have such a talented group, one where internal competition will bring out the best.

Golden is a solid route runner and he catches everything - well at least from the college tape I saw. Drops were a big problem last season. I hope that more practice, and more internal competition, will force all receivers to work on this part of their game. Drops are a very fixable problem for most receivers.
 

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I read that Golden made a good gain on a sweep. I don't like it. If he gets hurt running that play; it's totally on LaFleur. It's just not worth the chance imho.
 
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