Why I Love The 2026-2027 Green Bay Packers

[OldSchool101]

PD's would not be one of my most important metrics for judging DBs.

Well you are entitled to your opinion, but that opinion doesn’t coincide with the NFL. PD were one if his top scoring metrics used. I can’t imagine a non biased group claiming that defending passes isn’t counted as a strong metric for gauging success at Boundary CB. Maby Top CB’s in 2025 were in the Top 20 list of Passes Defensed.

Mike Jackson
Riley Moss
Tyson Campbell
Emmanuel Forbes Jr
DJ Turner
Keisean Nixon (PB Alternate)
Quinyon Mitchell (1st Team)
Kool Aid McKinstry
Kamari Lassiter (PB Alternate)
Cooper DeJean (1st Team)

That’s your top 10 in the NFL last year at PD. 4 of those 10 were awarded 1st Team All Pro, Probowl or Probowl Alternates. Defending Passes isn’t the only metric, but it’s an integral part of playing CB successfully.

 

[Schultz]

PD's would not be one of my most important metrics for judging DBs.

I can't imagine anyone watching the games last year come away with Keisean being better than Bull.

Also, it's far more likely Bull is better this year

The reason I agree with this is IMO the better you are, the less they throw your way. The less they throw at you, the fewer chances you have for PDs. IMO Deion Sanders never ranked very high in PDs.

 

[CarryTheG14]

Well you are entitled to your opinion, but that opinion doesn’t coincide with the NFL. PD were one if his top scoring metrics used. I can’t imagine a non biased group claiming that defending passes isn’t counted as a strong metric for gauging success at Boundary CB. Maby Top CB’s in 2025 were in the Top 20 list of Passes Defensed.

Mike Jackson
Riley Moss
Tyson Campbell
Emmanuel Forbes Jr
DJ Turner
Keisean Nixon (PB Alternate)
Quinyon Mitchell (1st Team)
Kool Aid McKinstry
Kamari Lassiter (PB Alternate)
Cooper DeJean (1st Team)

That’s your top 10 in the NFL last year at PD. 4 of those 10 were awarded 1st Team All Pro, Probowl or Probowl Alternates. Defending Passes isn’t the only metric, but it’s an integral part of playing CB successfully.

Pro-Bowls have even less meaning than PDs.

The reason I agree with this is IMO the better you are, the less they throw your way. The less they throw at you, the fewer chances you have for PDs. IMO Deion Sanders never ranked very high in PDs.

Im with that 100% as well.

 

[tynimiller]

Pro-Bowls have even less meaning than PDs.

1,000,000% - that is almost all but worthless anymore.

 

[OldSchool101]

Pro-Bowls have even less meaning than PDs.

Im with that 100% as well.

I guess QB’s picked on Champ Bailey If High Passes Defensed = poor level CB’s then why are the bulk of players at the leaderboard household names?

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_defended_career.htm

 

[Magooch]

Well you are entitled to your opinion, but that opinion doesn’t coincide with the NFL. PD were one if his top scoring metrics used. I can’t imagine a non biased group claiming that defending passes isn’t counted as a strong metric for gauging success at Boundary CB. Maby Top CB’s in 2025 were in the Top 20 list of Passes Defensed.

Mike Jackson
Riley Moss
Tyson Campbell
Emmanuel Forbes Jr
DJ Turner
Keisean Nixon (PB Alternate)
Quinyon Mitchell (1st Team)
Kool Aid McKinstry
Kamari Lassiter (PB Alternate)
Cooper DeJean (1st Team)

That’s your top 10 in the NFL last year at PD. 4 of those 10 were awarded 1st Team All Pro, Probowl or Probowl Alternates. Defending Passes isn’t the only metric, but it’s an integral part of playing CB successfully.

Just because i was curious here is how that list corresponds with PFF grading:

Mike Jackson - 4th
Riley Moss - 42nd
Tyson Campbell - 29th
Emmanuel Forbes - 93rd
DJ Turner - 19th
Keisean Nixon - 41st
Quinyon Mitchell - 16th
Kool-Aid McKinstry - 25th
Kamari Lassiter - 11th
Cooper DeJean - 7th

Mixed bag I guess. I would not put a ton of stock into being a Pro Bowl player at this point, much less a Pro Bowl *alternate*. Lest we forget Shedeur Sanders ended up being the AFC's starting QB in this year's Pro Bowl and for the season he had the 5th-worst passer rating of ALL-TIME - and the worst of any Browns QB with 6+ starts (not sure which says more there, 5th-worst all-time or worst Browns QB...)

Regarding Bullard and Nixon, TBH I think Nixon tends to get a bit over-hated by Packers fans but at the same time I would have a very, very hard time watching their tape from this past season and come away with the conclusion that Nixon is the better player and/or the player with a higher ceiling

 

[DoURant]

Pro-Bowls have even less meaning than PDs.

When Shedeur Sanders makes the Pro Bowl... you know it is worthless.

One other point related to Pro Bowl appearances, having to do with player contracts.... They should never, ever be a bonus incentive, wtitten into a contract, ever again... (ex.) Look no further than Shedeur Sanders being in this past Pro Bowl.

 

[CarryTheG14]

Just because i was curious here is how that list corresponds with PFF grading:

Mike Jackson - 4th
Riley Moss - 42nd
Tyson Campbell - 29th
Emmanuel Forbes - 93rd
DJ Turner - 19th
Keisean Nixon - 41st
Quinyon Mitchell - 16th
Kool-Aid McKinstry - 25th
Kamari Lassiter - 11th
Cooper DeJean - 7th

Mixed bag I guess. I would not put a ton of stock into being a Pro Bowl player at this point, much less a Pro Bowl *alternate*. Lest we forget Shedeur Sanders ended up being the AFC's starting QB in this year's Pro Bowl and for the season he had the 5th-worst passer rating of ALL-TIME - and the worst of any Browns QB with 6+ starts (not sure which says more there, 5th-worst all-time or worst Browns QB...)

Regarding Bullard and Nixon, TBH I think Nixon tends to get a bit over-hated by Packers fans but at the same time I would have a very, very hard time watching their tape from this past season and come away with the conclusion that Nixon is the better player and/or the player with a higher ceiling

Mitchell was only ranked 16th? I thought he was a top CB?

I guess QB’s picked on Champ Bailey If High Passes Defensed = poor level CB’s then why are the bulk of players at the leaderboard household names?

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_defended_career.htm

Fair point. I don't think it's as simple as looking at 1 stat to see the whole story. I don't think Keisan is garbage.He's just a very low end starting CB.

 

[Magooch]

I think he’s serviceable for sure. I do think we’d probably be better off with him as a returner first and a DB second.

Overall, i think if you looked at starting players and had to pick a few “weak links” where we could stand to improve the most, he’s probably towards the top of that list. He’s not terrible but not a huge “plus player” either.

 

[OldSchool101]

I think he’s serviceable for sure. I do think we’d probably be better off with him as a returner first and a DB second.

Overall, i think if you looked at starting players and had to pick a few “weak links” where we could stand to improve the most, he’s probably towards the top of that list. He’s not terrible but not a huge “plus player” either.

I think Valentine would be our weakest link. Which is consistent with why so far in Camp he’s not getting as many 1st team reps. St Juste imo is a better overall graded player than Valentine. I don’t totally dislike Carrington, I more think he’s serviceable 3rd Boundary option that’s been pushed into starting duty for lack of better options or $$

I think Cisse will eventually take over as a starter in 2027, but he might not thrive that fast. I’m guessing he’s our plan by 2027. Both Nixon and Valentine are FA next year, if I had to keep one I think Nixon is a better CB and also can play returner. Versatility often wins as long as the $ is reasonable.

 

[OldSchool101]

The reality is that fans like to kinda pile on a player as a scapegoat for some team woes. Every year or two it’s someone different. Kinda a punching bag to relieve some frustration and that fits Nixon. For $5mil or whatever he costs he’s actually decent.
I don’t think Nixon is the reason we were gashed in the Run game. THAT was our weakness down the stretch.

I could care less if they traded Nixon if it’s for a clear upgrade. I have zero allegiance. I’m of the opinion folks should just show some basic level of effort of why we take a position. State specifics instead of complaining about everything. Maybe even give some factual data that supports it or try suggesting a player replacement. It’s easy to attack others ideas or data but it’s weak to continually complain without offering a quality argument.

Maybe I’ll just start disagreeing with everyone’s ideas to make myself feel better. lol

 

[DoURant]

My two cents on Nixon and Valentine

Nixon isn't a bad cover CB, what I have issue with him is the numerous undisciplined penalties he committed last year. 2nd, that tackle on the running play he avoided at the goal line in the Playoffs was a terrible look. I saw an interview with him recently, where he said that since he isn’t playing nickel anymore, he has trimed some weight that he carried to play that position. I hope those two things aren't related, (weight loss and avoiding tackles) and are a sign of things we will see more often.

As for Valentine, I think overall, he's decent in coverage... but he definitely is not a guy "looking" to make a tackle, and he seemed to make a lot of "business" decisions last year.

In conclusion, I'm hopeful St Juste and Cisse ball out this mini camp and pre-season, and win the starting outside CB jobs. I would prefer to have Nixon, Hadden, and Valentine be the reserves.

 

[OldSchool101]

My two cents on Nixon and Valentine

Nixon isn't a bad cover CB, what I have issue with him is the numerous undisciplined penalties he committed last year. 2nd, that tackle on the running play he avoided at the goal line in the Playoffs was a terrible look. I saw an interview with him recently, where he said that since he isn’t playing nickel anymore, he has trimed some weight that he carried to play that position. I hope those two things aren't related, (weight loss and avoiding tackles) and are a sign of things we will see more often.

As for Valentine, I think overall, he's decent in coverage... but he definitely is not a guy "looking" to make a tackle, and he seemed to make a lot of "business" decisions last year.

In conclusion, I'm hopeful St Juste and Cisse ball out this mini camp and pre-season, and win the starting outside CB jobs. I would prefer to have Nixon, Hadden, and Valentine be the reserves.

I like that. I think St Juste will quickly overtake 1 of Valentine or Nixon. One thing I did learn when pecking around to see how Nixon measured up in various rankings and sectors was that St Juste was in the top 20 or so of CB’s in PD (passes defended). I think I read his weakness in zone? I might have that backwards but Cisse was his opposite. If I recall St Juste uses his length and aggressive style to jam Receivers pretty good to reroute them. His height is also a huge plus as we don’t really have anyone taller to match TE’s and taller WR’s.

I’m not going to harp on Nixon strengths past this post, it’s like trying to win a Blake Martinez argument. Both were good players and fit a niche and both have weaknesses and strengths but overall were good valued for draft collateral or cap$. That’s the whole point I’m trying to make it’s not nominating Nixon for All Pro 1. NOT everyone is going to be CM3 or J’aire. I realize we all want that but that’s not how this works (not suggesting you said that @DoURant just making a generic point). You need those $4mil dollar Vets to fill in the Gaps for your stars, so it’s really more about value.

Last thing I’ll say at a boring time of year. Keisean has bright a nice spark to Teams and been a very serviceable Starter. Actually he’s kinda surprised me I had no idea he could play Boundary as that’s really unique skillset. Even Hobbs spiraled and correct me if I’m wrong but Hobbs hit our Cap for more than $3.6mil yearly. THAT is what people should be fired up about imo. Here we have a guy in KN that’s averaged $3.6mil annual to our cap in 4 seasons (including 2026). That’s a guy I’d like to keep for rotation. We’ve gotten ever penny worth and I’d love to know how many CB’s cover a WR1 and get paid less?

Speaking of that $ topic. Mahomes just got a 2yr extension at $67m per year or an NFL record. Starting to make Love look reasonable again.

 

[Schultz]

My two cents on Nixon and Valentine

Nixon isn't a bad cover CB, what I have issue with him is the numerous undisciplined penalties he committed last year. 2nd, that tackle on the running play he avoided at the goal line in the Playoffs was a terrible look. I saw an interview with him recently, where he said that since he isn’t playing nickel anymore, he has trimed some weight that he carried to play that position. I hope those two things aren't related, (weight loss and avoiding tackles) and are a sign of things we will see more often.

As for Valentine, I think overall, he's decent in coverage... but he definitely is not a guy "looking" to make a tackle, and he seemed to make a lot of "business" decisions last year.

In conclusion, I'm hopeful St Juste and Cisse ball out this mini camp and pre-season, and win the starting outside CB jobs. I would prefer to have Nixon, Hadden, and Valentine be the reserves.

IMO. When you are one of the lower priced vets who is average to below average at his position but possibly a tad above average based on cost, IMO, you need to do the little things that help win games as opposed to stupid penalties that seem to come at the worst times possible. IMO.
Valentine IMO is allergic to contact.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I don’t think GB has the best 1-4, but I do think they are into the Top 10 in WR talent depth. Reed or Watson haven’t yet showed past a Solid WR2+ but that’s about to change imo.

Imo if we voted with each GM and each had to select a North QB on pure production at this point of career Caleb would get 3rd most votes imo. If he did get 2nd it’s only based on he’s got 2 cheap years. Then they’d scrap his A He’s very scrappy and probably the best QB CHICAGO has had after a dirtbag full of QB’s across decades. Caleb has 2 more seasons and then he’ll get a much worse OL and weapons combined will falter and it’ll be on him to raise his entire O.
He’s feasting off a surrounding cast of elite weapons and that goes away in 2028 when the $$ hits. You’ve lost 2 years Chicago will need to hit on all cylinders in 2026. Even more now because Drew Dalman retiring out if the blue forced a needs pick at Center on a player ranked well into RD3, there goes a RD2 pick that could’ve improved the roster. Instead a Rookie has to match a Probowl player or go all pro to improve. It spells regression at a time when GB just locked and loaded at iDT.
Then the Chicago OL loses a very solid LT in Ozzy Trapilo in postseason and as GB found out that’s the worst possible time to lose an OL because they end up missing most or all of the following season. Replacing a LT is a big deal these days and you don’t just find them and pluck them off trees. While it’s not David Bakhtiari level, Ozzy was was found in the top 10 of LT regularly and there’s very little positive you can say about preparing musical chairs at LT. Ozzy was the best Rookie in Chicago in 2025 and now an huge ??
I haven’t even got into DJ Moore. THAT was a bigger loss than his stat line. That guy gives opponent DC nightmares when a big play is needed in crunch. That’s not a good thing for Chicago. Not that I wish that on anyone but it is what it is. Chicago didn’t improve off an all star cast last year. It’s called leaning negative from 2025 and when you are in tuned it makes it all the more concerning.

It all looks pretty spending $100Mil annual in FA until you lose a key player or start dropping OL. Thats where Draft and develop teams inch forwards with growth while teams like ,Chicago scramble to slow blood loss.

Chicago very well might take a step backwards at both OL + DB this season after gambling away all the starters and trying to patch 40% of the #1 ranked OL. Expecting a bunch of novice talent to go all pro or improve off last years previous veteran experience is not a wise recipe when you need short term pop. We speak from experience as we lost Bakhtiari before an NFC game and have lost our Center recently. Join the Club!

I wouldn't count on the Bears taking a step backward this season. CW will only get better, and he's already proven he can produce under stress. His completion % needs to improve, and considering his proclivity to get out of the pocket, that may be hard. Even so, they have a v good offense.

I have no idea what the Bears did on D this offseason, an area that needed improvement. Until another team shows otherwise, the Bears are the team to beat in the North. Been a loooooong time since I said that.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I think the losses on the oline can be mitigated by Caleb being another year along in the system with all his weapons.
I see a lot of 2wr 2 te sets were if the safety drops.....we pass.
If the safety stays back....we run.

Never thought I'd say this, but the Bears are the team to beat in the North until, well until someone shows they're not. I don't think all of CW's amazing Q4 performances will be repeated, but he has proven he can excel under pressure.

I thought it was the D that needed attention this offseason. What changes did they make to improve?

 

[milani]

I wouldn't count on the Bears taking a step backward this season. CW will only get better, and he's already proven he can produce under stress. His completion % needs to improve, and considering his proclivity to get out of the pocket, that may be hard. Even so, they have a v good offense.

I have no idea what the Bears did on D this offseason, an area that needed improvement. Until another team shows otherwise, the Bears are the team to beat in the North. Been a loooooong time since I said that.

For all his completion % CW completes many a low % pass. And as for the 5-8% less completion, he has shown he can compensate with his feet, get first downs, and extend drives which pit points on the board.

 

[milani]

Never thought I'd say this, but the Bears are the team to beat in the North until, well until someone shows they're not. I don't think all of CW's amazing Q4 performances will be repeated, but he has proven he can excel under pressure.

I thought it was the D that needed attention this offseason. What changes did they make to improve?

They are. And we can say that honestly. I think the Lions can match up with them physically if they stay healthy. Campbell vs. Ben is not nice guy vs. nice guy. The egos are there.