Packers Roster Assessment, 2025 Off-Season

[Poppa San]

AI sez 538,967.

i just love this new toy my wife gave me....

Keeps you occupied while I'm playing with her. And visa-versa. Didn't cost me much.

 

[Dantés]

Ok, post draft:

5: The position is strong in regards to both starters and depth
4: The position is set, but the starter(s) is/are a little underwhelming, or the depth isn't ideal
3: The position is serviceable, but ideally the starter(s) and/or the depth would be replaced.
2: The starter(s) and/or depth is going to be a problem over the course of the season.
1: It's a disaster area.

Quarterback-- 4: Until Love has a chance to prove that the regression in 2024 was more about injury than anything else, this remains a 4 rather than a 5. That said, the QB2 is strong (for now) in Willis and nothing else much matters at this position.

Running Back-- 5: Jacobs is a high end starter and there are three guys who have proven capable pushing for roster spots in Lloyd, Wilson, and Brooks. They also brought in two interesting, talented players as UDFA to fill out the practice squad.

Tight End-- 4: Kraft is an exciting, emerging TE1. There's a chance that this position proves to be a 5 if Musgrave starts to make good on his promise this season, but it remains to be seen if that will happen. They do have a nice competition going on for the blocking role between John Fitzpatrick and Ben Sims.

Wide Receiver-- 4: The absence of an established "go-to" receiver keeps this from being a 5, but the Packers have a great mix of skill-sets and excellent depth.

Offensive Line-- 5: The Packers' OL was good last year. Then they replaced far and away their worst starter with a strong FA. Plus they are bolstering their two weakest spots, LT and RG, with strong competition.

Defensive Tackle-- 3: Clark should be capable as the lead 1T, but the depth behind him is completely unproven plus he's aging. It's time for Wyatt is pay off as the starting 3T, but we haven't seen him do that yet. Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden also failed to show serious progress behind him.

Defensive End-- 4: The Packers have capable, base defense starters in Rashan Gary and LVN, plus solid rotators in Cox and Enagbare, plus interesting youth in Sorrell and Oliver. What they lack is a dominant star, which keeps this a 4.

Linebacker-- 4: Part of me wanted to rate this a 5 based on how Walker came on last season and how good Cooper looked as a rookie, but I think it's more reasonable to wait and see if those flashes were sustainable. I think McDuffie is a great LB3 and the depth is interesting.

Cornerback-- 3: Even if Alexander is gone, the top 3 guys are set. The problem is that behind them there is virutally nothing that anyone should feel comfortable with. It's also unclear whether Alexander will actually be back. Of course, if he is there is no good reason to trust his durability.

Safety-- 5: The Packers have it all at safety. McKinney is an elite starter, Williams is a super promising sidekick, Bullard is a versatile slot defender, and Anderson/Oladapo are both promising guys to fill out the depth chart.

Overall: This roster has the makings of a serious SB contender. They need Love to bounce back and for the young talent to continue to emerge. The focus for the rest of the off-season should be to bolster the depth at DT and CB. Though it's late in the process, we have seen this FO find help in unlikely places before.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Wow, well done analysis Dantes. And I agree with all of it. Gluten said before the draft that he was ok with the current roster of DTs. That seems like a stretch, so hopefully he proves me wrong. Or as you noted, he isn't done with personnel moves.

 

[OldSchool101]

Wide Receiver

I have our 2025 Room as the best cumulative grouping since at minimum the 2021 group. IMO we have a reasonable shot at producing similar to WR groupings 2016, 2014 and 2012 (Jennings missed part of that 2012 season or it would’ve finished better).
Much will depend on the mix of Run to Pass favoring a particular side.

Reed RD2 (3rd season)
Doubs RD4 (4th season)
Golden RD1 (Rookie)
Wicks RD5 (3rd season)
Williams RD3 (Rookie)
Hardman RD2 (6th season; Chiefs)
*Watson RD2 (4th season- PUP)

Thats a very talented Roster and while it includes 2 Rookies, both were prominent players on their college squads; Together they Put up a combined effort of 1,930 Yards, 21 TD’s last year.

SPEED FACTOR:
The Packers currently have 3 WR’s who Ran between a 4.29–4.36, 40-Time. That’s going to present problems for opponents. Particularly if Watson returns sooner than originally anticipated.
That’s THREE players who ran <faster than Marquez Valdez Scantling’s 4.37
40-time.

 

[OldSchool101]

The Packers have multiple opportunities to DOUBLE or TRIPLE their chances in the 2025 Offense.

*Musgrave OR Lloyd: Neither played meaningful snaps past game 5 of last season. IF either 1 or these players Pops? The Offense will have their upgrade in either the RB or TE rooms.

Golden OR Williams OR Hardman
Any of these player being an early riser sets the Room in motion to surpass 2024.

THREE other Wideouts have an extra season of experience to benefit a trend forward as they enter Year 3 and 4. Wicks, Doubs, Reed,

 

[Heyjoe4]

The Packers have multiple opportunities to DOUBLE or TRIPLE their chances in the 2025 Offense.

*Musgrave OR Lloyd: Neither played meaningful snaps past game 5 of last season. IF either 1 or these players Pops? The Offense will have their upgrade in either the RB or TE rooms.

Golden OR Williams OR Hardman
Any of these player being an early riser sets the Room in motion to surpass 2024.

THREE other Wideouts have an extra season of experience to benefit a trend forward as they enter Year 3 and 4. Wicks, Doubs, Reed,

Double or triple their chances to do what?

 

[Sanguine camper]

Wide Receiver

I have our 2025 Room as the best cumulative grouping since at minimum the 2021 group. IMO we have a reasonable shot at producing similar to WR groupings 2016, 2014 and 2012 (Jennings missed part of that 2012 season or it would’ve finished better).
Much will depend on the mix of Run to Pass favoring a particular side.

Reed RD2 (3rd season)
Doubs RD4 (4th season)
Golden RD1 (Rookie)
Wicks RD5 (3rd season)
Williams RD3 (Rookie)
Hardman RD2 (6th season; Chiefs)
*Watson RD2 (4th season- PUP)

Thats a very talented Roster and while it includes 2 Rookies, both were prominent players on their college squads; Together they Put up a combined effort of 1,930 Yards, 21 TD’s last year.

SPEED FACTOR:
The Packers currently have 3 WR’s who Ran between a 4.29–4.36, 40-Time. That’s going to present problems for opponents. Particularly if Watson returns sooner than originally anticipated.
That’s THREE players who ran <faster than Marquez Valdez Scantling’s 4.37
40-time.

Too bad only one of those speed merchants will be seeing the field consistently. Hardman is by no means a lock to make the team. He will be battling Malik Heath and Bo Melton for the 6th WR spot. I think Heath has the edge because he's the best blocker.

Watson will be out until week 10 or later which leaves Golden as the speed freak for most of the season. If you double or triple up on speed, then who do you leave out? Fewer snaps for Wicks, Doubs or Reed may actually make the offense more predictable.

 

[tynimiller]

I’d place a $100 bet Hardman isn’t on the initial roster.

 

[Pkrjones]

I’d place a $100 bet Hardman isn’t on the initial roster.

Since Williams' role will most likely be end arounds & ST's I'm hoping he shows some creative running on returns. Hoping he seizes the returner role early, making you correct about Hardman.

 

[OldSchool101]

Double or triple their chances to do what?

Improve at various position groups.
Obviously if you bring in 1 guy you get maybe a coin flip chance. We plopped into the equation a battle by adding
3 WR’s Golden, Williams and Hardman
2 DL Stack and Brinson
2 LB’s Simmons and Oliver
2 OL Williams and Brenton
Or You could really argue an option at 2 Edge with Sorrell and Oliver

Rather than go, the route of spreading thin, such as one quarterback, one running back one wide receiver, we took a few position groups and just doubled up on them

 

[OldSchool101]

I’d place a $100 bet Hardman isn’t on the initial roster.

It’s a fierce battle with a sardine canned WR Room. IF Hardman is fully healthy? I think he offers more overall upside. He’s a very experienced Return guy so he’s justifiable, but I think he’s got better immediate upside at WR over Heath or Melton. It’s not that I don’t like those 2 I just think I’ve seen enough of all 3 and in a Win now I like a higher echelon Return guy who has 500+ easy in him if he’s put in a position to double as a WR. Also he’s like Reed where he can get some end around there’s a feature he’s adept at also.
Now in most years I’d agree with you, not in 2025 though. Obviously it’s not an ultimatum. I want to see who plays the best in Camp and preseason and such first. I also differ on most in that I like Melton where the crowd seems to favor Heath.

 

[OldSchool101]

Too bad only one of those speed merchants will be seeing the field consistently. Hardman is by no means a lock to make the team. He will be battling Malik Heath and Bo Melton for the 6th WR spot. I think Heath has the edge because he's the best blocker.

Watson will be out until week 10 or later which leaves Golden as the speed freak for most of the season. If you double or triple up on speed, then who do you leave out? Fewer snaps for Wicks, Doubs or Reed may actually make the offense more predictable.

Bo Melton is possibly one of the worst examples to use as a non speed WR. Malik Heath? Ok he’s a 4.6’s guy
Bo actually ran a 4.34 Forty Yard so he’s not some slow guy competing against fast guys, he’s the definition of speed he’s not limiting our speed component, he’s strengthening it.

 

[gopkrs]

But Melton can't beat anybody deep. He's not a real threat. He looked good catching a few over the middle two years ago but he didn't do much last year. At least Malik Heath makes the most of his too few opportunities. aimho of course.

 

[OldSchool101]

But Melton can't beat anybody deep. He's not a real threat. He looked good catching a few over the middle two years ago but he didn't do much last year. At least Malik Heath makes the most of his too few opportunities. aimho of course.

Everyone has their favorite. They are not that dissimilar overall. Heath has 3 TD’s To Bo’s 1 TD (in less games though). Although Bo was 3/45 1TD in the Playoffs vs ZERO for Heath
Past that (in less snaps and games) Bo beats Heath in just about every other possible category. Bo has SIX 1st Downs vs Zero

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[Heyjoe4]

I’d place a $100 bet Hardman isn’t on the initial roster.

There's just too much competition for me to see how Hardman makes the team. With the new kickoff rule, Nixon will be able to return more kicks, leaving Hardman to maybe handle PRs. They won't keep one guy for PRs, and he has no chance of getting into the final WR group imo.

 

[Heyjoe4]

But Melton can't beat anybody deep. He's not a real threat. He looked good catching a few over the middle two years ago but he didn't do much last year. At least Malik Heath makes the most of his too few opportunities. aimho of course.

Agreed. Between these two, Heath is the better choice. Melton did make some noise a few years ago, and then went silent. With the addition of Golden and Williams, it would not surprise me if both of these guys get cut. MLF may keep one until Watson is back, and even that is a long shot.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Everyone has their favorite. They are not that dissimilar overall. Heath has 3 TD’s To Bo’s 1 TD (in less games though). Although Bo was 3/45 1TD in the Playoffs vs ZERO for Heath
Past that (in less snaps and games) Bo beats Heath in just about every other possible category. Bo has SIX 1st Downs vs Zero

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

I think they'll both be gone this year. Just going by these stats, there's no reason to keep them. They've had opportunities. Melton looked very good - two years ago. Heath can block I guess. Nope - neither one makes it this year. Too much competition with the addition of Golden and Williams.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Improve at various position groups.
Obviously if you bring in 1 guy you get maybe a coin flip chance. We plopped into the equation a battle by adding
3 WR’s Golden, Williams and Hardman
2 DL Stack and Brinson
2 LB’s Simmons and Oliver
2 OL Williams and Brenton
Or You could really argue an option at 2 Edge with Sorrell and Oliver

Rather than go, the route of spreading thin, such as one quarterback, one running back one wide receiver, we took a few position groups and just doubled up on them

OK, thanks, I think I get your point. Gluten has added more guys at the same position, and in theory, that increases the likelihood of someone shining through. And as I look at my last sentence, I'm not convinced of my own "logic......" Adding two average DLs to compete with an average DL doesn't mean there will be improvement. Ah, just forget it......

 

[gopkrs]

Agreed. Between these two, Heath is the better choice. Melton did make some noise a few years ago, and then went silent. With the addition of Golden and Williams, it would not surprise me if both of these guys get cut. MLF may keep one until Watson is back, and even that is a long shot.

You are probably right. They will most likely keep Williams no matter what. He better get rid of the dropsies or it will not have been a good choice. I do have to admit I like to see Heath do well. He really hasn't disappointed that much. Just not many opportunities.

 

[El Guapo]

When Gutekunst acquired Hardman in FA, he did not anticipate drafting two WRs so high in the draft. He did a good job of adding an insurance policy that is likely no longer needed. Any one of the WRs low on the totem pole has the opportunity to impress coaches in the offseason & preseason, but we will certainly be taking our pick of the litter and cutting the rest.

 

[Schultz]

It’s a fierce battle with a sardine canned WR Room. IF Hardman is fully healthy? I think he offers more overall upside. He’s a very experienced Return guy so he’s justifiable, but I think he’s got better immediate upside at WR over Heath or Melton. It’s not that I don’t like those 2 I just think I’ve seen enough of all 3 and in a Win now I like a higher echelon Return guy who has 500+ easy in him if he’s put in a position to double as a WR. Also he’s like Reed where he can get some end around there’s a feature he’s adept at also.
Now in most years I’d agree with you, not in 2025 though. Obviously it’s not an ultimatum. I want to see who plays the best in Camp and preseason and such first. I also differ on most in that I like Melton where the crowd seems to favor Heath.

IMO Tyni's thought process is that Hardman has a better chance of going unclaimed than one of the young guys. Thus his "original roster" statement. I happen to agree.

 

[tynimiller]

IMO Tyni's thought process is that Hardman has a better chance of going unclaimed than one of the young guys. Thus his "original roster" statement. I happen to agree.

It’s a fierce battle with a sardine canned WR Room. IF Hardman is fully healthy? I think he offers more overall upside. He’s a very experienced Return guy so he’s justifiable, but I think he’s got better immediate upside at WR over Heath or Melton. It’s not that I don’t like those 2 I just think I’ve seen enough of all 3 and in a Win now I like a higher echelon Return guy who has 500+ easy in him if he’s put in a position to double as a WR. Also he’s like Reed where he can get some end around there’s a feature he’s adept at also.
Now in most years I’d agree with you, not in 2025 though. Obviously it’s not an ultimatum. I want to see who plays the best in Camp and preseason and such first. I also differ on most in that I like Melton where the crowd seems to favor Heath.

Hardman has already had a crazy hard time staying on rosters as is...and that has been on teams where they don't have a plethora of young ascending talents.

Even the team that reclaimed him back (the Chiefs) barely used him in a WR room that was decimated with injuries.

Honestly, I think the only path for Hardman to make the team is a two-fold scenario where GB trades a guy away from the WR room AND we keep seven.

Doubs, Reed, Wicks, Golden, Williams are locks.
I'd nearly bet one of these two are also on the roster in Melton or Heath.

That's 6 and from all signs it seems Watson is going to be able to come back at some point...

I still think Heath is the most underrated and underappreciated...he has just simply delivered when his number is called and in truth I think has the most Doub's like abilities if Doubs were traded.

 

[Sanguine camper]

Last season, the Packers had a solid roster but it was obvious they didn't have enough upper echelon difference makers to beat good teams. Will Matt Golden be a difference maker? Maybe but it's doubtful in his rookie season.

Don't despair, I think the talent may already be on the roster to turn the corner. Reed, Love and Kraft need to make jumps from year 2 to year 3. Part of that is coaching. Reed and Kraft are still not getting enough passes per game.

If Cooper even makes a modest leap from year 1 to year 2 it will push him into elite territory given his explosiveness.

Those 4 players can make improvements which is reasonable given that they are in their 2nd or 3rd season. If Xavier, Tom and Jacobs maintain their level of play and you add in an improved Copper, Kraft, Reed and Love, then I think the team will be able roster beat anybody.

 

[OldSchool101]

T

OK, thanks, I think I get your point. Gluten has added more guys at the same position, and in theory, that increases the likelihood of someone shining through. And as I look at my last sentence, I'm not convinced of my own "logic......" Adding two average DLs to compete with an average DL doesn't mean there will be improvement. Ah, just forget it......

That’s accurate at DL. We lost Slaton which imo was our biggest deficit on Defense. It will be interesting to see who we keep. Brinson is more versatile but Stack is probably the better pure Run Defender.

That said if we get good play out of either I don’t think the productivity will be noticeable either.

 

[Heyjoe4]

T

That’s accurate at DL. We lost Slaton which imo was our biggest deficit on Defense. It will be interesting to see who we keep. Brinson is more versatile but Stack is probably the better pure Run Defender.

That said if we get good play out of either I don’t think the productivity will be noticeable either.

I don't think Slaton will be missed much, and apparently neither did the Packers. They could have kept him for $7 mil/year ACV. He was very good against the run, and that was it.