NFC North Predictions

[milani]

Agreed. My only twinkle in the back of my mind is if we have a WR injury in that top 3-4 guys. I’d like to have Doubs onboard. Doubs seems respectful and whole he’s not spectacular, he’s solid like a medium
high floor.

Outside chance in year 4? He blossoms into that 800+ yard guy. I like him in the Paint also he has strong hands and a desire to win contested imo

It is likely that one of those 3 or 4 will get hurt. Just a question of how badly.

 

[milani]

What people don't see is the similarity between Doubs and Donald Driver. There's one difference. At this same point in both of their careers, Doubs is by far the better receiver. In fact, it took Driver until his 4th year to be a target that Favre finally saw on the field. I think we have a similar situation here with Doubs and Love. Love just doesn't see the whole field well enough yet to see how good a job Doubs is doing in shedding defenders.

This year could be a turning point for both of them. I'm glad the Packers didn't dump Driver like so many fans wanted after 3 years and I hope they aren't in any big rush to do the same with Doubs for the same reasons.

Driver came aboard when Antonio Freeman was the top target. The Packers thought Bill Schroeder would be a weapon and then Jevon Walker. Brett Favre was a believer in Donald. They worked hard together. And Mike Sherman believed also in him and rewarded him with that second contract.

 

[Voyageur]

It is likely that one of those 3 or 4 will get hurt. Just a question of how badly.

Injuries do happen, and the best defense against it is making sure you have the horses that can step in and do the job. Depleting the strength of our receiving corps for a low draft pick just doesn't make much sense. The objective is to win today, not get an added 5th round pick in a year.

 

[OldSchool101]

For me it's too early to close doors on anyone except Melton (who I had high hopes for after season 1 with us). Wicks is going to have to hold on to the ball though or tough to play him. Does he try running b4 he's caught the ball or what? Just don't know enough about Hardman. KC let him walk though.

Hardman has had some injury concerns. Like J’aire he’s missed a significant amount of time recently. He’s really that ideal WR5-6 that can play on Teams, but still contribute adequately when called upon into that WR3-4 option.
What I think is more important in this season is his experience level. We don’t really have anyone like that anymore and imo it’s important to have 1 older vet.
Mecole has a significant amount of playoff experience. The game doesn’t get too big for him if that makes sense.

Will the Packers be successful without him? Sure. Will he be a better option on the bottom than Heath or Melton. Absolutely. Is he a long term solution past 1-2 years. Likely not.

They might just see some redundancy from the gadget perspective with Savion working himself into the lineup. Yet Hardman is still the best pure PR option we have and that really becomes more important if Keisesn goes out or if they just prefer to protect him as his role increases in our Secondary.

Lastly. There are a handful of “big play” potential players on our roster. Hardman is one of them. He’s had the requisite speed to make a guy miss and take it to the house and nobody is catching him in the open. Also he can juke a guy and he has reliable hands.

 

[OldSchool101]

Driver came aboard when Antonio Freeman was the top target. The Packers thought Bill Schroeder would be a weapon and then Jevon Walker. Brett Favre was a believer in Donald. They worked hard together. And Mike Sherman believed also in him and rewarded him with that second contract.

That quick slant of Favre to Driver was almost unstoppable. When they needed that tough 5 yards DD was a top option.

In many ways Doubs reminds me of Driver. Really more of a hybrid between Driver and James Jones. Jones said so himself when he was drafted.
Contract years more often than not bring out the best in a player. Partly because they have 3 seasons under their belt and partly because they have a renewed commitment level.

 

[OldSchool101]

The Steelers' passing game now consists of Rodgers and Metcalf. And I think their RB will be a 3rd or 4th round rookie. The D will be good, but those guys are getting old. And then there is Rodgers' MO to blame everyone but himself when things go south. He had Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams in NY and still couldn't win.

I don’t want to derail the topic. Yet it’s still a derivative conversation and if nothing else it’s a slow time for the forum. So I’ll take it a step further for fun.
From what I’ve researched on Jets fans forums. It was the trenches that failed NY more than Aaron. NY Jets did little to nothing to fix a lackluster 2023 OL and their DL regressed also. Both trenches became problematic last season. That is a recipe for disaster as it’s the foundation or backbone for both O and D. Not to mention firing a Coach in the middle of all that.

The Steelers' passing game now consists of Rodgers and Metcalf. And I think their RB will be a 3rd or 4th round rookie. The D will be good, but those guys are getting old. And then there is Rodgers' MO to blame everyone but himself when things go south. He had Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams in NY and still couldn't win.

You are exactly right. Beyond Metcalf it’s slim choices. They have mostly either guys that are almost WR4 types or guys that are unproven.
Something to think about here.

The Steelers have enormous resources to make a move. They currently have the #3 most cap space across the 2025-2026 combined seasons. Only the Chargers and Raiders have comparable or more capital.

The Steelers have $32mil remaining Cap this year, #9 most. Then a whopping $122Mil+ across this season and next. #3 most leaguewide
Not to mention they picked up another 3rd Rounder for THREE 2026 3rd Round selections. A natural. A Pickens trade and a Compensatory.

In addition Rodgers might have just set them up for huge success. He signed a $13.7Mil deal with only $10 guaranteed and a maximum of $19.5mil output. I’m about 75% sure Rodgers will get more help on Offense. Jonnu Smith is one players who name keeps popping up. I’m nearly positive they are shopping though.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25203203-aaron-rodgers-signs-reported-137m-steelers-contract-full-details-revealed

That leaves plenty of room to add another playmaker. Even a guy like Terry McLaurin wouldn’t be out of the question.

 

[gopkrs]

Will the Packers be successful without him? Sure. Will he be a better option on the bottom than Heath or Melton. Absolutely. Is he a long term solution past 1-2 years. Likely not.

Don't know how you can say he's absolutely better than Heath. I'm pretty sure he didn't cost us much. And like I mentioned, KC didn't keep him. But we'll see.

 

[OldSchool101]

Don't know how you can say he's absolutely better than Heath. I'm pretty sure he didn't cost us much. And like I mentioned, KC didn't keep him. But we'll see.

I understand supporting our own players to a point. Plus, nobody is asking you do dislike Heath or like Hardman. That said there’s absolutely no question if they are both healthy that Hardman buries Heath head to head.
Hardman has more than 10X the NFL production)

Heath has 8.9 yards per rec
3 TD all purpose
1 KR for 1 yard
222 yards Receiving

Postseason?
0 for 4 for 0.% for 0 yards

Hardman has 12.9 yards per
20 TD All purpose
2,302 Yards receiving
27/38 288 yards postseason
71.1% catch rate postseason
1 All Pro
1 Probowl
3 Championship Rings

Do I want Heath to fail? Absolutely not. Do I buy that Heath is comparable. Absolutely not.

 

[gopkrs]

said there’s absolutely no question if they are both healthy that Hardman buries Heath head to head.

And nobody offered him a bunch of money because? If he turns out good then fine. I'll root for him.

 

[OldSchool101]

And nobody offered him a bunch of money because? If he turns out good then fine. I'll root for him.

Because he was injured. Go look

If future production was directly tied to contract $$ the team with the most Cap would Win the Super Bowl every year. Thats obviously not the case

Now it’s 1 barometer across like 10 major ones and dozens of lesser ways to evaluate a player.
But how often to injured players take smaller deals? It’s more about injury risk with a player like him, not ability.
Look at Aaron Rodgers he’s a good example. $13.7Mil this year? Are you kidding me that’s a steal. $10Mil guaranteed for a Veteran is close to backup $$

 

[Heyjoe4]

For me it's too early to close doors on anyone except Melton (who I had high hopes for after season 1 with us). Wicks is going to have to hold on to the ball though or tough to play him. Does he try running b4 he's caught the ball or what? Just don't know enough about Hardman. KC let him walk though.

In a way-too-early prediction - I don't think Melton, Wicks, or Hardman make the 53. Melton probably has the best chance, but he has to show his first-year form this summer. They might stash one of them on the PS, actually that seems likely. Again I like Melton because he has shown he can produce.

Watson is also expected to make an early return from ACL surgery, possible October. That would be incredible. The guy has heart.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Because he was injured. Go look

If future production was directly tied to contract $$ the team with the most Cap would Win the Super Bowl every year. Thats obviously not the case

Now it’s 1 barometer across like 10 major ones and dozens of lesser ways to garage player.
But how often to injured players take smaller deals? It’s more about injury risk with a player like him, not ability.
Look at Aaron Rodgers he’s a good example. $13.7Mil this year? Are you kidding me that’s a steal. $10Mil guaranteed for a Veteran is close to backup $$

I'm not so sure about Hardman. Best case is that he ends up on the PS. More likely is that he gets cut after the mandatory mini-camp this upcoming week.

I have a hunch that the final WR group will be the product of eliminating the obviously inferior players. Of course Golden will be on the 53, and very likely Williams as well unless he really screws up.

 

[rmontro]

In many ways Doubs reminds me of Driver. Really more of a hybrid between Driver and James Jones. Jones said so himself when he was drafted.

The concussion history could be a huge difference though.

 

[milani]

That quick slant of Favre to Driver was almost unstoppable. When they needed that tough 5 yards DD was a top option.

In many ways Doubs reminds me of Driver. Really more of a hybrid between Driver and James Jones. Jones said so himself when he was drafted.
Contract years more often than not bring out the best in a player. Partly because they have 3 seasons under their belt and partly because they have a renewed commitment level.

I recall a game in which we were under a minute left in the first half of a Viking game with ball on our 20 at the Metrodome. You would think Minnesota would be looking to prevent a big play. Favre hit Driver over the middle and he outraced the man covering him to go 80. Vikings were shell shocked.

 

[tynimiller]

Assuming no big health issue changes or such…

Packers and Lions both go 12-5 (toss up who takes division)
Vikings 9-8
Bears 8-9

 

[DoURant]

In a way-too-early prediction - I don't think Melton, Wicks, or Hardman make the 53. Melton probably has the best chance, but he has to show his first-year form this summer. They might stash one of them on the PS, actually that seems likely. Again I like Melton because he has shown he can produce.

Watson is also expected to make an early return from ACL surgery, possible October. That would be incredible. The guy has heart.

The only scenario I don't see Wicks on the 53 is if he gets injured or traded. Wicks is at worst our #4 and probably #3 at least starting week 1 ( fighting with Golden) Reed and Doubs are #1 & 2 out of camp)

With the scenario you pointed out, that leaves Reed, Doubs, Golden, Williams and Heath on the 53. Who is your 6th WR? As for Melton, he is the most expendable WR with Golden & Williams added to the roster (Golden for the speed he offers, and Williams for the Jet Sweep plays) Melton had 9 total catches last year, and his 2023 numbers were inflated by 1 game where he had over 100 yards receiving. Hardman at least offers Special Teams return ability and is fighting Heath for the #6 spot, Melton as of now is my #8.

Watson doesn't count in any of this, as he will be on IR to start the season. When he returns, someone on the WR roster will get traded, released, or put on the practice squad.

 

[OldSchool101]

I'm not so sure about Hardman. Best case is that he ends up on the PS. More likely is that he gets cut after the mandatory mini-camp this upcoming week.

I have a hunch that the final WR group will be the product of eliminating the obviously inferior players. Of course Golden will be on the 53, and very likely Williams as well unless he really screws up.

See I don’t wholly disagree and I openly hear what others speak to revolving Hardman. Matter of fact, in many seasons I might be against promoting him. However this year is different. We have a very good chance of going deep into Postseason imo. The Packer business model changes based on our “push” barometer. It’s entirely possible we begin to regress a little after 2025 based on salary cap and roster maturity and draft placing.

Hardman is an investment in a Win now. I don’t blame others for disagreeing because I think on a long term approach that could be correct. Football ebbs and flows and part of winning is understanding risk. I’m not referring to intra game risk, but more so what I’d coin “Layered Roster Risk”. I’ll get into that another time. The 2025 season isn’t a time to bring along players with training wheels. I heard this same sentiment with Shepherd and countless other fan favorites and it rarely materializes. Again, Im not disagreeing with a long term outlook. I can appreciate wanting to bring young players along and there is a time and place for that philosophy. Heath or Melton should be on PS at best unless one of the blows up Preseason and I’m talking looks like a Beast. There’s time to revisit them in 2026, this isn’t that time imo.
Together they don’t achieve the real time value that Hardman does, IF he’s healthy and motivated. I don’t pretend to intricately know that part, it’s up to feet on the ground to determine that. From 1000 feet Hardman is an obvious choice to pair with Nixon and maybe Savion as both a Return Team trio and contingency plan for postseason and bottom of the depth chart at WR.

Lastly. Some posters keep referring to Mecole as a castaway. However GB didn’t think so, they immediately brought him in. Now the draft obviously continued the WR storyline. We can’t be afraid of walking away from anyone that doesn’t fit the objective. We’re in an unusually deep WR room there’s no perfect answer but to study the battle of the bottom.

 

[OldSchool101]

Interesting Graph I came across that I’d like to share. It seems Caleb and Jordan are on opposite spectrums of the chart.
This is Distance of Target Crossed with Yards after Catch. What it initially speaks to me is Anthony Richardson loves to throw deep and obviously has the ability to. Conversely Jared Goff is leaning more game manager and he uses playcalling that is relying on Receiver talent and positioning to make gains. Then Hurts, Mahomes and several others use mostly higher % throws to achieve dinking and dunking their way to success. Maybe picking on mismatches is a better theory.

I wonder if Love could learn a little from that and not feel the need to force the big play so much. Use your TE or RB or check it down more often might be a suggestion.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

 

[OldSchool101]

We just so happen to have an abundance of athletes who have id call it, superior YAC ceilings. Some more proven (Kraft, Jacobs) some more unproven (Golden, Savion, Lloyd). I’d be using our strength which is RB, TE and Speedier WR’s to get them in space and let them go to work. I’d suggest Less “hero ball” and more control the game flow and then take some shots once Defenses are forced to respond to getting mini gashed underneath.
IF and I mean IF Lloyd stays healthy. I think the 2025 GB Duo of Jacobs Lloyd will begin to surface. Those 2 are going to stress Defenses at RB. Much like Detroit did last season. Especially if Matt figures out a way to design more short dump throws against overpursuit in the pocket.

 

[Voyageur]

Interesting Graph I came across that I’d like to share. It seems Caleb and Jordan are on opposite spectrums of the chart.
This is Distance of Target Crossed with Yards after Catch. What it initially speaks to me is Anthony Richardson loves to throw deep and obviously has the ability to. Conversely Jared Goff is leaning more game manager and he uses playcalling that is relying on Receiver talent and positioning to make gains. Then Hurts, Mahomes and several others use mostly higher % throws to achieve dinking and dunking their way to success. Maybe picking on mismatches is a better theory.

I wonder if Love could learn a little from that and not feel the need to force the big play so much. Use your TE or RB or check it down more often might be a suggestion.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

This chart points out exactly what I was talking about in regard to how Rodgers wouldn't use his checkdowns and throw to open receivers when he should have. It was clear on way too many occasions that Love seemed to refuse to accept the fact that it was the best choice, or didn't even consider it when the play was begging for it to be done.

Like I said, this is a matter of experience, and hopefully Love will learn to take what's given instead of trying to emulate Favre's bombs without realizing it. It's how you win games, by methodically moving the ball down the field and scoring.

The reason we see passes to Doubs coming in bunches is because at times Love realizes he's not utilizing him then tries to make up for it by throwing to him repeatedly until there's a miscue, then he goes completely away from him again.

Until Love has this field of vision, he's not going to be anywhere near an elite QB.

 

[rmontro]

I wonder if Love could learn a little from that and not feel the need to force the big play so much. Use your TE or RB or check it down more often might be a suggestion.

Not sure where one would find such information, but I'm guessing Rodgers was further along down the ADOT line when he was in his prime.

 

[OldSchool101]

This chart points out exactly what I was talking about in regard to how Rodgers wouldn't use his checkdowns and throw to open receivers when he should have. It was clear on way too many occasions that Love seemed to refuse to accept the fact that it was the best choice, or didn't even consider it when the play was begging for it to be done.

Like I said, this is a matter of experience, and hopefully Love will learn to take what's given instead of trying to emulate Favre's bombs without realizing it. It's how you win games, by methodically moving the ball down the field and scoring.

The reason we see passes to Doubs coming in bunches is because at times Love realizes he's not utilizing him then tries to make up for it by throwing to him repeatedly until there's a miscue, then he goes completely away from him again.

Until Love has this field of vision, he's not going to be anywhere near an elite QB.

Yes. It’s not necessarily bad to have arm talent to push it downfield at least in and by itself. However we kinda know which teams Run successful Offenses. Admittedly not everyone has the same athletic resources. However imo GB has invested substantially at TE, RB, OL and WR just recently.
In the last 4 drafts alone, GB has selected 10 Offensive players in
Day1-2 alone. Everyone will have an opportunity to shine in 2025 and is currently on board the Packer ship.
Rhyan RD3
Watson RD2
Kraft RD3
Reed RD2
Musgrave RD2
Morgan RD1
Lloyd RD3
William RD3
Belton RD2
Golden RD1

It’s time to Rock and push these guys into the limelight.

 

[Schultz]

I understand supporting our own players to a point. Plus, nobody is asking you do dislike Heath or like Hardman. That said there’s absolutely no question if they are both healthy that Hardman buries Heath head to head.
Hardman has more than 10X the NFL production)

Heath has 8.9 yards per rec
3 TD all purpose
1 KR for 1 yard
222 yards Receiving

Postseason?
0 for 4 for 0.% for 0 yards

Hardman has 12.9 yards per
20 TD All purpose
2,302 Yards receiving
27/38 288 yards postseason
71.1% catch rate postseason
1 All Pro
1 Probowl
3 Championship Rings

Do I want Heath to fail? Absolutely not. Do I buy that Heath is comparable. Absolutely not.

I liked the Hardman signing. Since the draft unless they really think he makes the team better as a punt returner I do not see him making the 53. If he doesn't get claimed I see him asking to get released and the Pack agreeing, giving him a chance to make another team. Which I believe he will as Old S points out his contributions. IMO they keep Heath, youth and potential, and familiarity being the deciding factors. Career targets, Hardman 258, Heath 37. IMO Melton really has an uphill battle to make the 53.

 

[Schultz]

In a way-too-early prediction - I don't think Melton, Wicks, or Hardman make the 53. Melton probably has the best chance, but he has to show his first-year form this summer. They might stash one of them on the PS, actually that seems likely. Again I like Melton because he has shown he can produce.

Watson is also expected to make an early return from ACL surgery, possible October. That would be incredible. The guy has heart.

Wow. I actually believe Melton has the least chance of those 3. Will definitely be interesting.

 

[Voyageur]

Right now, the difficult decisions might relate to special teams more than we'd imagine. The Packers have been snake bitten by bad decisions in this area in the past, and now they have a solid punter and kicker in the fold and need to make sure they have the guys who can handle returns and make blocks, and tackles. It's probably going to be part of the decision making when it comes to guys like Melton and Hardman. it reminds me of Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, and "Two men enter, and one-man leaves." That's where it stands with several key question marks at the lower end of the roster.

I'll be watching the battle in preseason.