I believe the Matt Golden and Savion Williams picks in round one and three had more to do with the future than the 2025 season. As rookies, both will see somewhat limited time, but will act as a solid backup if needed. Why do I see it as building for the future? Because both Watson and Doubs become free agents after this season. It's planning to fill both those roles if they can't keep them on the team. It's a backstop plan to ensure that the offense doesn't make a left turn and destroy all that's being built with the defense to make them a contender for the Super Bowl.
The offensive line appears to be well stocked, and at this point TE is a strong point on the team. So, it puts the onus on defense to step it up a notch or two to be one of the elite teams during the upcoming season, and beyond. What's surprising is that the Packers even have what appears to be a solid backup QB, giving them possibly one of the most well stocked teams in all phases of offense in the entire NFL.
On defense, Jeff Hafely appears to be what the doctor ordered to solve a lot of the problems they've had. He seems to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each individual player at his disposal, and his defense although specific in nature, offers flexibility to ensure that the right player is covering the receivers in routes between the hash marks, where we've been burned consistently for years.
His players are still learning the system, but quite frankly, they are doing better and should be taking a step up this year. My biggest concern? Pass rush. If you can't put intense pressure on the QB on passing downs, there's no way on earth defensive backs can cover multiple receivers out on routes long enough to stop passes from being completed. My lowest level of confidence against any part of the defense is their ability to apply that pressure. But I still believe it's there and just has to be unleashed.
Gary could be solid as an edge rusher this year, but let's hope Engabare has the skills because they're questioning Van Ness's ability to play the position, by working him out inside. It might end up as a solid move, but the depth on the edge is very weak. I don't see Sorrell, Cox, or Oliver suddenly turning into bulls. Fair backup material at best.
One more year. I believe we're going to see the Packers contend this year, but next year is going to be the year that the Packers need to win the whole thing, or I believe Policy will be looking for potential replacements at GM and HC. That's not saying we don't have good ones, but being a bridesmaid for so long isn't considered good enough in the NFL, if you have a franchise with a pedigree.