Prior to Training Camp - Predicting the 53 Man Roster

[tynimiller]

With Moore at WR? So melton, Neyor, Shepherd, all cut?

If you told me we were keeping 5, it is Moore for sure. And one or two of the guys you list are likely PS resigns after clearing.

 

[OldSchool101]

So I’m hearing Lafleurs biggest knock last year is that he became “predictable”. In that we played the same scheme and plays for too long and were being identified early by the film junkies.
I was also hearing Lafleur is bringing a new scheme. New lingo or new portion of playbook maybe?

I’m personally thinking the good ol GB 5 wr set was inspiration for GB 2026. (Or hopeful.

Kraft and 6’7” Whyle. Musgrave coming back in due time. Pass heavy skill sets.

Then we have physical freaks buried in our wr depth chart with 6’4” 222 Savion Williams. And 6’4” 218 Neyor, both running 4.4s.

When talking about physical freaks we have to mention melton runs 4.3s and benches 18 reps(watson tied at 18 for high on our wrs) Able to play CB, but instead is a wr. Or sky moore who was was like 3rd leading kick returner in 2025 or something similarly impressive.

Combine that with Watson 6’4”running 4.3s. Golden running 4.2s. last but not least Reed who is a jack of all trades who’s football IQ and route tree will be dominating in the slot this year.

With Kraft or Whyle at TE.

Seems like GB could field 4-5 receivers:receiving TEs, that are so dominating…. Jordan love at QB, is able to spread the field to the point of breaking defenses. Forcing unique defenses just to face it,Like they did against the 5wr set. Where Donald driver was #5 defense priority out there. Which speaks to the reason why it not only worked. But forced specialized defenses to defend it.

Our #5 would be? Savion at 6’4” 4.48 at 222, or Reed? (Reed=Driver)

Any time you can put a legit #1 caliber WR like Reed at #5 priority on the field. With Watson, golden, Williams, and Kraft being physical freaks who must be accounted for. Reed running around free with no Dbacks left to cover him.

Anyways. I’d love to see Lafleur implement this scheme change up as a pass heavy scheme. Handing love the opportunity to become the break out elite QB, we all believe he is. Before he gets his next contract….

Brooks a pass blocking RB earning the contract over Wilson. IMO points to the mind set of where this offense is going. Pass heavy.

I cannot remember a season since McCarthy era where we’ve fielded such an arsenal of weapons. We’re not even talking about possibly someone past our obvious top 4 weapons (Watson, Reed, Kraft, Golden). If we get some production from Savion now in year 2 or Lloyd who was really the best dual threat in his draft. I had Lloyd in that top 100-125 prospect area just because he was multi faceted. Has he not had any injury concern whatsoever I think he’s a Top 50-75 type draft rated prospect. We gambled in RD3 and missed on injury. That said it’s pretty clear we didn’t miss on talent. If he’s on that field he’s 1-2 punch RB that can be a factor.
Then there’s Savion. We just rarely open up throttle at WR in a Rookie season and he admitted he had a lingering foot injury that also factored. I think Year 2 at WR is where Matt will test them more regularly by involving them in more target share. Particularly a Day1-2 drafted prospect. I have Savion leaning into more involved into 300 yards 2-3 TD’s or complimentary weapon. I think they like his size on end around because he’s pretty big. At 6’4” 222lb he’s not small, but it’s his contact balance that hit highlight reels. If you don’t form tackler perfectly he’ll bounce and spin and hurdle you and land on his feet also.

 

[OldSchool101]

I am concerned about Musgrave. I hear he injured his neck in OTA and they are running tests to see how serious his situation is.

With Kraft possibly rolling back gradual and concerns with long term plans on Musgrave we’re got to be thinking of a Veteran solution at TE. Whyle has some experience but I wouldn’t hinge my season on him either. If I’m Brian I’d be prepared to shut down Luke on IR and get that situation under control and not risk some long term injury to his career. He might just need a couple months off at minimum.

Who’s a TE with experience on this side of 30yrs old that could be part of a player trade or Day 3 selection?

 

[tynimiller]

I am concerned about Musgrave. I hear he injured his neck in OTA and they are running tests to see how serious his situation is.

With Kraft possibly rolling back gradual and concerns with long term plans on Musgrave we’re got to be thinking of a Veteran solution at TE. Whyle has some experience but I wouldn’t hinge my season on him either. If I’m Brian I’d be prepared to shut down Luke on IR and get that situation under control and not risk some long term injury to his career. He might just need a couple months off at minimum.

IF Musgrave does appear to be headed towards IR with designation to return or even without return designation....Brian has two options...likely overspend but get Jonnu Smith to come in on a one year deal and both parties know there is no longer term plan. Or there are some other long in the tooth types...but I'd bet instead he watches the cut downs for a Ben Sims type or even Sims to get cut.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

I am concerned about Musgrave. I hear he injured his neck in OTA and they are running tests to see how serious his situation is.

With Kraft possibly rolling back gradual and concerns with long term plans on Musgrave we’re got to be thinking of a Veteran solution at TE. Whyle has some experience but I wouldn’t hinge my season on him either. If I’m Brian I’d be prepared to shut down Luke on IR and get that situation under control and not risk some long term injury to his career. He might just need a couple months off at minimum.

Who’s a TE with experience on this side of 30yrs old that could be part of a player trade or Day 3 selection?

Not sure if we should go out and get a receiving TE who is only 20 pounds and 1 inch taller than Savion Williams or nayor. While giving up the raw speed and quickness advantage that Williams and nayor bring.

Nayor 6’4 1/4” 218. runs a 4.40/40 and 11’1”broad jump.

David Njoku Who would’ve been the top TE free agent if LA hadn’t snagged him already.
6’4”. 246 4.64/40, 21 bench reps. 11’1” broad is impressive.

Neyor can easily replace the receiving part of a getting a receiving TE. 28 pounds lighter, and .24 seconds difference in 40, are the two differences.

If we want a TE to come in and block like a OT? Maybe we should see if any of our linemen can catch? lol.

I’m not against 6 linemen if the defense is getting to love. Skip the trickery.

We have some guys who are very good at running the ball out of motion too. Some big strong WRs who block like TEs down field. GB can still run with an empty backfield. That old 5 wr quick slants, someone was always open. So fast it was basically a 3 yard hand off.

I’m not saying we run a 5 receiver set every down. But if GB can show heavy pass and produce an offense that moves the ball. Forcing the defense to change scheme. That’s a huge win. Catch them off guard. Make them play our game.

 

[OldSchool101]

Not sure if we should go out and get a receiving TE who is only 20 pounds and 1 inch taller than Savion Williams or nayor. While giving up the raw speed and quickness advantage that Williams and nayor bring.

Nayor 6’4 1/4” 218. runs a 4.40/40 and 11’1”broad jump.

David Njoku Who would’ve been the top TE free agent if LA hadn’t snagged him already.
6’4”. 246 4.64/40, 21 bench reps. 11’1” broad is impressive.

Neyor can easily replace the receiving part of a getting a receiving TE. 28 pounds lighter, and .24 seconds difference in 40, are the two differences.

If we want a TE to come in and block like a OT? Maybe we should see if any of our linemen can catch? lol.

I’m not against 6 linemen if the defense is getting to love. Skip the trickery.

We have some guys who are very good at running the ball out of motion too. Some big strong WRs who block like TEs down field. GB can still run with an empty backfield. That old 5 wr quick slants, someone was always open. So fast it was basically a 3 yard hand off.

I’m not saying we run a 5 receiver set every down. But if GB can show heavy pass and produce an offense that moves the ball. Forcing the defense to change scheme. That’s a huge win. Catch them off guard. Make them play our game.

Good thoughts. I did look up NJoku and he signed with The Chargers recently. Although a Veteran like him who we might keep for 1-2 seasons would be smart. I suspect we’ll hit TE in the 2027 draft (such as RD4-RD5 type need) but it would be ideal to have 1 more low-cost veteran who can at minimum play this season. NJoku signed for $3M btw so that’s kinda the $$ I’m talking IF we need to go that direction.

I did hear a recent report that Staff thinks Musgrave is an injury issue that will get better with time. I suppose that’s a generic statement also, but in real time that’s a promising report.

 

[gopkrs]

Not sure if we should go out and get a receiving TE who is only 20 pounds and 1 inch taller than Savion Williams or nayor. While giving up the raw speed and quickness advantage that Williams and nayor bring.

Nayor 6’4 1/4” 218. runs a 4.40/40 and 11’1”broad jump.

David Njoku Who would’ve been the top TE free agent if LA hadn’t snagged him already.
6’4”. 246 4.64/40, 21 bench reps. 11’1” broad is impressive.

Neyor can easily replace the receiving part of a getting a receiving TE. 28 pounds lighter, and .24 seconds difference in 40, are the two differences.

If we want a TE to come in and block like a OT? Maybe we should see if any of our linemen can catch? lol.

I’m not against 6 linemen if the defense is getting to love. Skip the trickery.

We have some guys who are very good at running the ball out of motion too. Some big strong WRs who block like TEs down field. GB can still run with an empty backfield. That old 5 wr quick slants, someone was always open. So fast it was basically a 3 yard hand off.

I’m not saying we run a 5 receiver set every down. But if GB can show heavy pass and produce an offense that moves the ball. Forcing the defense to change scheme. That’s a huge win. Catch them off guard. Make them play our game.

I think there is a good possibility that both Kraft and Musgrave will be ready week one. I hope so. I like the idea of having an extra lineman more than an extra tight end. Kinnard I think is pretty good at that. And it should be part of training imho for others. Almost like another position only used a lot less. The 5 receiver set as a change up sounds good too. Depending on the defense and if we have success with it.

 

[milani]

I cannot remember a season since McCarthy era where we’ve fielded such an arsenal of weapons. We’re not even talking about possibly someone past our obvious top 4 weapons (Watson, Reed, Kraft, Golden). If we get some production from Savion now in year 2 or Lloyd who was really the best dual threat in his draft. I had Lloyd in that top 100-125 prospect area just because he was multi faceted. Has he not had any injury concern whatsoever I think he’s a Top 50-75 type draft rated prospect. We gambled in RD3 and missed on injury. That said it’s pretty clear we didn’t miss on talent. If he’s on that field he’s 1-2 punch RB that can be a factor.
Then there’s Savion. We just rarely open up throttle at WR in a Rookie season and he admitted he had a lingering foot injury that also factored. I think Year 2 at WR is where Matt will test them more regularly by involving them in more target share. Particularly a Day1-2 drafted prospect. I have Savion leaning into more involved into 300 yards 2-3 TD’s or complimentary weapon. I think they like his size on end around because he’s pretty big. At 6’4” 222lb he’s not small, but it’s his contact balance that hit highlight reels. If you don’t form tackler perfectly he’ll bounce and spin and hurdle you and land on his feet also.

Just ask the Philadelphia Eagles. They loved our predictable offense.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Again, shouldn't he play at least a snap at CB before using that as a reason to keep him?

I understand your point. The CB room is so weak that anyone, with a solid cam and PS, can make the 53. I don't feel that strongly about Melton, and his ability at CB is "nice to have" and not "must have". At least he has practiced at the spot. As you note, he does lack real-game experience at CB.

I don't think his ability to play some snaps at CB will decide if he makes the 53 as a WR. Cisse and St. Juste are interesting additions, but still unknowns. The CB competition is wide open, and no one has a spot locked up.

 

[Heyjoe4]

That’s the thing. Moore was brought in to be our kick returner. He was 6th in the league with 27.5 yards per return on 33 returns. Also 7th on punt returns. (Keeper)

Melton on special teams is our lead gunner. Runs 4.34 and benched 18 reps. The ability to play CB and WR is a result of being an elite physical athlete. (Keeper)

And we’re def not dropping Savion Williams.

So in a way, that’s 4 WRs and 2 special teams leaders who are athletic enough to play WR, and are labeled as WRs.


But are they better than Watsons clone Neyor?

Oh dang. I just seen that Melton was running with the CBs yesterday at TC.

I hope that MLF gives Neyor plenty of snaps in PS to see what he can do. I have no inclination towards Melton. He's JAG at WR and he's practiced at CB. Nice to have, not a big deal though.

 

[gopkrs]

I understand your point. The CB room is so weak that anyone, with a solid cam and PS, can make the 53. I don't feel that strongly about Melton, and his ability at CB is "nice to have" and not "must have". At least he has practiced at the spot. As you note, he does lack real-game experience at CB.

I don't think his ability to play some snaps at CB will decide if he makes the 53 as a WR. Cisse and St. Juste are interesting additions, but still unknowns. The CB competition is wide open, and no one has a spot locked up.

Yeah. The fact that they have not played him at corner even just to give him a few reps when a game is already decided, leads me to believe there is not much there.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Yea I’m high on Musgrave personally. Seen a lot of people get down on him just because Kraft took a huge leap up. I’m thinking Musgrave has a leap coming too if he can stay healthy.

I’ve had my share of back tweaks from work and play. Anyone who has lived a hard life dealt with them. Majority of the time it heals 100% and life goes on. Then one day you Sit down to take your morning deuce and boom. Out for a week because you pushed too hard lmao

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

I think there is a good possibility that both Kraft and Musgrave will be ready week one. I hope so. I like the idea of having an extra lineman more than an extra tight end. Kinnard I think is pretty good at that. And it should be part of training imho for others. Almost like another position only used a lot less. The 5 receiver set as a change up sounds good too. Depending on the defense and if we have success with it.

GB started the5 wr set because we were overloaded with WR talent.

You don’t go building a team to play 5 wr sets, because you’d have to neglect other aspects of the team. Becoming one dimensional is not wise at all, if that’s the only play you have.

But when you hit big on a project #1 like Watson. And you hit big on 5 of 5 with Musgrave, Reed, Kraft, wicks, and doubs. The universe clearing a path for 2 of the 5 to be signed already. Kraft and Musgrave still in the mix.

But then they go and draft the replacements last year, in case these negotiations didn’t go well. Golden and Williams are both hits again.

Then we add a sub 5’10” kick returner who imo, is an afterthought when evaluating our WR corps. But in all reality, he is the change of pace that might be the kryptonite of the defenses trying to figure out how to cover our giant/explosive receivers.

Anyways. We found ourselves in a position where we have more than 5targets who can individually, consistently, beat their man 1 on 1. Unstoppable if we have the balls to go get what’s ours.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

I hope that MLF gives Neyor plenty of snaps in PS to see what he can do. I have no inclination towards Melton. He's JAG at WR and he's practiced at CB. Nice to have, not a big deal though.

If I was Lafleur I’d have Watson and Golden out there deep, spreading out the defense, every down damn near.

Which means we would need decent and fast rotational guys to give the starters plenty of breathers.

Enter Williams, Neyor, and melton.

Those CBs should be gassed by the 4th quarter. Spread the field for our short game is the main reason though.

 

[gopkrs]

If I was Lafleur I’d have Watson and Golden out there deep, spreading out the defense, every down damn near.

Which means we would need decent and fast rotational guys to give the starters plenty of breathers.

Enter Williams, Neyor, and melton.

Those CBs should be gassed by the 4th quarter. Spread the field for our short game is the main reason though.

Except that especially Golden but also Watson can run long outs for 1st downs.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Except that especially Golden but also Watson can run long outs for 1st downs.

It’s important for an offense to have one of those WRs who can stretch the field and keep defenses honest.

GB has 2 of those guys. Watson 6’4” 4.34/40, and Golden blazing a 4.29 while being able to turn on a dime. Drop a couple 20+ yarders on them early, and defenses will be getting really soft really fast.

That’s going to open up the run really nice for our RBs, Kraft. And honestly, i don’t think there will be an answer for Reed moving around finding soft spots.

 

[gopkrs]

It’s important for an offense to have one of those WRs who can stretch the field and keep defenses honest.

GB has 2 of those guys. Watson 6’4” 4.34/40, and Golden blazing a 4.29 while being able to turn on a dime. Drop a couple 20+ yarders on them early, and defenses will be getting really soft really fast.

That’s going to open up the run really nice for our RBs, Kraft. And honestly, i don’t think there will be an answer for Reed moving around finding soft spots.

Sounds good. I hope it works out each week.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Sounds good. I hope it works out each week.

there’s a few position groups I’m overly optimistic about. Our receiving corps is one that really gets me excited though.

The other is Dline.

I was a small fast strong DE in high school. And I have built my strategies with Dline in mind. I developed my beliefs watching Reggie white, Santana Dotson, Gilbert Brown, Sean Jones, take turns making offensive lines look bad. The preacher throwing LTs with one arm, and 400 pound Gilbert brown chugging across the field to chase down a QB. Dotson and Jones being forces of nature who thrived in that environment.

Then the dark years. The years in GB where we just kept adding OLBs and deleting DTs, until BJ Raji was in an island by himself, and our defense had to stay 100% healthy to be great. Couple injuries and the scheme broke down completely. From dominant to trash like a chain reaction.

With this 2026 defense we are coming back into our glory years. Within a year adding Parsons, and Hargrave. Retaining one of our first rounders and 5th year optioned our other. Our starting front 4 with Parsons is a modern version of what a Dline should look like. Parsons, Hargrave,Wyatt,and LVN are fast. Tough. Even the big guys are quick burst, relentless, and surprisingly fast. They’re going to get some sacks this year with Parsons/LVN destroying the outside.
That’s all great. But the depth is where it’s at. Brooks coming in off the bench in 2023, 2024 had 7.5 sacks. 2 forced fumbles 5 fumble recoveries, 10 til, and 6 passes knocked down. In 2025 he got 7 starts and only got 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass knocked down, and .5 sacks, in 17 games. He will be better off as a rotational player.
Brinson and McClellan are rookie and 2nd year DTs who are unproven with a world of potential. Brinson was par for NT his first year.
Outside there Cox, the rookie physical freak DDS. Oliver, and Last years 4th rounder Sorrell. That’s 4 guys who have all shown flashes, minus DDS who has everyone buzzing because he is a physical freak.

Anyways. For the first time in a long time. I’m seeing the Talent and I’m seeing a Coach/organization that seems to be aligned with my strategy beliefs. For the first time maybe ever. lol.

I remember about 20 years ago that we should do a 5-2-4 with KGB and Kampman playing DE. Cullen Jenkins, Ryan Pickett at DT. And Big Grady Jackson at Nose. Pretty much had to fight for my life on the boards. Lol.

Years later under Capers, when he brought the 3-4. I realized my 5-2 I invented to create an unstoppable Dline. Was actually just a base 3-4 with both OLBs rushing. lol. I don’t know what a 3-4 was at the time if I’m being honest. Lmao.

This is the first time I ever seen a defense that is actually considered a 5-2-4, or a 5-1-5, or 4-2-5 with a LB blitzing. Regardless, I’m seeing the 5 Dline front becoming a reality. And like I strategized 20 years ago. There’s no answer for a Dline that has 5 guys who consistently beat 1 on 1. My idea wasn’t an all world DE splitting defenders and still sacking the QB, though that works. I built the defense around a Kris Jenkins type Nose who demanded a double team, and still got a push every down. Starting a +1 man advantage that will ripple through the entire pass rush. Only place the offense can get the +1 back is with an elite QB/WR combo. So we need a secondary who will not allow an elite WR to balance the advantage.

Similar to the 1-5-5 GB experimented with. It only works with the right personnel and those key players have to stay healthy.

Anyways, im absolutely loving it. Bring on the 5-2.

 

[gopkrs]

Yes. The 5 - 2 with Franklin and Cooper is interesting. With Bullard and Williams helping out. Especially if teams start running up the middle or off guard for automatic first downs. Like the bears were able to do.

 

[OldSchool101]

Then we add a sub 5’10” kick returner who imo, is an afterthought when evaluating our WR corps. But in all reality, he is the change of pace that might be the kryptonite of the defenses trying to figure out how to cover our giant/explosive receivers.

Anyways. We found ourselves in a position where we have more than 5targets who can individually, consistently, beat their man 1 on 1. Unstoppable if we have the balls to go get what’s ours.

Yes. It’s hard to project Skyy because he’s so buried on the depth chart. He starter his NFL career shaky by muffing I think 3? Punts. Several near his own paint. He was immediately in the dog house. Then he had a couple injuries over next years that never let him earn his way back. He’s too good not to Roster but not good enough to be a feature Wideout also.

That said when I watched him with Mahomes he came up big on big plays. The thing that jumps off the page is in scramble situations he actually is great at finding the crease or hole in a Defense and his hands look good. Really good at helping his QB by coming back to him and turning a would be loss into 12 yards. Great lateral breakaway and play recognition. If you told me he’d beat Wicks in a given year either way similar targets I’d believe that. He’s not nearly as bad as some people make him.
He’s not Reed by any means. Yet if Reed went down I think he could play slot at a 500 yards 5 TD type pace. He’s not a slouch

 

[Heyjoe4]

Except that especially Golden but also Watson can run long outs for 1st downs.

I expect we'll see Golden running a lot of long outs and shorter slants this year. With his speed, he can turn almost any reception into a big gain. Reminds me what Jordy Nelson used to do to defenses. He'd take a 7-yard slant all the way to the end zone, 60 plus yards away from the catch. Golden has that kind of speed.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

Honestly I’m leaning towards putting more of our big receiving targets out there. Get those three TEs involved. get Savion involved more coming in as our #4. With that said I’d like to see GB keep Neyor. For depth.

having one of those quick scat back type receivers out there really compliments the big receiving targets. Or contradicts the defenses personnel to defend the big receivers, rather. Creating mismatches we can take advantage of.

Anyways rather than melton and Moore, I’d rather see Williams and Neyor come in. Let Golden and Reed be our fast guys under 6’.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Honestly I’m leaning towards putting more of our big receiving targets out there. Get those three TEs involved. get Savion involved more coming in as our #4. With that said I’d like to see GB keep Neyor. For depth.

having one of those quick scat back type receivers out there really compliments the big receiving targets. Or contradicts the defenses personnel to defend the big receivers, rather. Creating mismatches we can take advantage of.

Anyways rather than melton and Moore, I’d rather see Williams and Neyor come in. Let Golden and Reed be our fast guys under 6’.

I would like to see Neyor get some snaps this season - depending on how camp and PS goes. He's built a lot like Watson, now gotta see if there is some talent in there.

And I definitely like the combination of Williams and Neyor better than Melton and Moore. We've seen what Melton can do, and Moore is gonna be a returner.

Even so - gotta see what both Neyor and Williams show us in camp and PS.

 

[Heyjoe4]

IF Musgrave does appear to be headed towards IR with designation to return or even without return designation....Brian has two options...likely overspend but get Jonnu Smith to come in on a one year deal and both parties know there is no longer term plan. Or there are some other long in the tooth types...but I'd bet instead he watches the cut downs for a Ben Sims type or even Sims to get cut.

Is Smith a FA or would he require a trade?

I think your second option is what would happen, Gluten finds a veteran during cutdowns.

I didn't know Musgrave was seriously injured. I'm not a big fan of Musgrave anyway. He's a very good route runner and he catches the ball. But once he has the ball he turns into Richard Rodgers and goes down. That's weird cause Musgrave seems fast, runs good routes, and catches the ball. But no YAC ability.

 

[milani]

Is Smith a FA or would he require a trade?

I think your second option is what would happen, Gluten finds a veteran during cutdowns.

I didn't know Musgrave was seriously injured. I'm not a big fan of Musgrave anyway. He's a very good route runner and he catches the ball. But once he has the ball he turns into Richard Rodgers and goes down. That's weird cause Musgrave seems fast, runs good routes, and catches the ball. But no YAC ability.

So you think we could still use him for Hail Marys.