Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Under-the-radar Surprises?
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Last week we delved into players that NEED to step up in 2025 and become impact players. This week I'm picking three under-the-radar players that could surprise and become contributors (not so much impact players) to the team in 2025.
Nazir Stackhouse - The Packers sole true run-stopper (TJ Slaton) was allowed to go find a nice contract elsewhere. Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt are sure things on the defensive line. Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks have had their moments, but neither have done enough to say their spot on the team is a lock. Draft pick Warren Brinson is more of the Devonte Wyatt one-gap up-field penetrator-type. While it's a long shot, UDFA Nazir Stackhouse has what the Packers are missing to fill that run-stopping role on their defensive line.. Stackhouse started 42 games for the vaunted Georgia Bulldogs defense over the last three seasons. Yes, he's a people-eating run-stopper, so he isn't going to see snaps on passing downs, but in short yardage situations it would be nice to be able to bring him in. Playing a team that employs the tush push? Well here's a guy to line up over the center who's damn hard to move. If the Packers carry five defensive linemen (no sure thing), while Brinson has more to offer overall, Stackhouse fills a specific need. If he's up to the task, he could be the Packers' surprise DL5
Chris Brooks - In the Packers running back room, Josh Jacobs is "the man." MarShawn Lloyd, if he can avert injuries and new medical emergencies, figures to be the change-of-pace RB 2. I expect the Packers to keep four tight ends and a boatload of wide receivers, so keeping three running backs seems to be the likely move. That leaves incumbents Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks, along with UDFA additions Amar Johnson and Jalen White all vying for the RB3 spot. Realistically, it's between Wilson and Brooks and among those two, I think the job is there for the taking for Chris Brooks. I mean no disrespect to Wilson, who has done a good job during his time on the Packers, but Brooks brings a more varied skill set, especially with his blocking and pass protection abilities. Brooks played in nine games for the Dolphins in 2023, but their running back room became a bit crowded in 2024. The Packers claimed Brooks last September after he was waived with an injury settlement by the Dolphins. Two weeks later he was added to the roster when Lloyd went down and a few weeks later, he was sharing snaps with WIlson in relief of Jacobs. Brooks has received high praise and earned the respect of Jacobs and Packers coaches for his no-nonsense attitude and work ethic. Brooks honed his blocking skills under the tutelage of Dolphins assistant coach and running backs coach Eric Studesville, considered one of the best at teaching the fine art of blocking. But there's a lot more to Brooks than blocking. His rushing average the last four seasons (two in college, two in the NFL) is 5.575 YPC. He is also a good receiver out of the backfield, catching 29 passes his last two seasons in college and eleven passes in limited snaps with the Packers last season. The ability to give the Packers anything they need as well as contribute across special teams lands Brooks the RB3 spot.
Donovan Jennings - The Packers had Jennings in for a pre-draft visit and signed him as a UDFA, reportedly with a $10,000 bonus and $100,000 guaranteed salary - a rare occurrence when it comes to the Packers. Jennings, who will be 26 in November, played 3,264 snaps for the University of South Florida over six seasons, including 45 starts at left tackle. Jennings scored a 8.93 RAS score as a draft prospect, mainly on the strength of his 40 yd dash time and splits, along with his three-cone, Height and length measurements prevented an even higher score, and surely also contributed to his draft profile predicting a move inside to guard. Between the pre-draft visit, the UDFA money guarantee and bringing him back onto the practice squad, the Packers have shown considerable interest in Jennings. Looking at the Packers current group of offensive linemen, Jennings could emerge as the surprise backup to Aaron Banks. Jordan Morgan will battle Rasheed Walker for the left tackle spot. If Walker prevails, Morgan will battle Sean Rhyan for the right guard spot or perhaps even platoon. Whether Morgan wins the left tackle job or shares the right guard spot with Rhyan, there's an open spot for Jennings at backup left guard. If Jennings shows he can handle the transition to guard, perhaps he rewards the Packers for the faith they've shown in him.
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (88)
T7Steve
July 02, 2025 at 06:43 am
Don't you think Al, that you can combine D-line and edge/end now? With those positions together they should be able to find room for Nazir Stackhouse just like they did for Slaton. I think when they play a running team like the Eagles having him inside then sliding Kenny Clark to the end would contain at least on that side AND be stout up the middle.
PackEyedOptimist
July 02, 2025 at 08:16 am
You wouldn't think the DTs and DEs are interchangeable, given the Packers adding a guy like Collin Oliver, but I don't think you're wrong.
The reason, is because they have been trying lots of odd things, like LVN at DT and even Enagbare at NT. I think we may see some NASCAR-like scheming this year.
Personally, I have my doubts about Collin Oliver making the 53, but we'll see. I feel like Stackhouse has a better chance than he or Wooden do.
Guam
July 02, 2025 at 08:27 am
I have the same suspicion that you do about Oliver. Just not sure his game will translate to the NFL all that well (classic tweener), but then again Gute knows a whole lot more than I do about football. That will be one of the TC stories I will be watching.
Coldworld
July 02, 2025 at 09:42 am
Fackrell was a useful piece and Oliver is more physically talented. Being a dedicated rusher/cover backer is not a particularly novel niche or one that hasn’t succeeded.
A lot depends on the player, obviously, but in this context, a great deal hangs on the coach and how he uses the player in terms of situations and role in them. Hafley seems like a guy who is adept at exploiting matchups and scheming accordingly. He seems the ideal coach type in this context to me.
LLCHESTY
July 02, 2025 at 02:33 pm
If they feel good about Oliver as an emergency off ball LB it saves a roster spot as well.
jannesbjornson
July 02, 2025 at 09:48 pm
Speed to the QB and cut off the outside zone .
Guam
July 02, 2025 at 02:44 pm
There are guys who have succeeded in the tweener role and lots of guys that haven't. Most of the success stories are 3-4 edge guys. I think Oliver is one of the interesting stories for this TC. High risk hopefully high reward but I am worried he will get lost in the logjam of edge guys the Packers already have.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
July 02, 2025 at 08:15 pm
Oliver will be a swiss army knife. Jack of all trades type. Situational pass rusher, depth for linebacking corp, and core special teamer. A valuable player to have who can fill a lot of roles. Barring something like major injury or unforeseen behavioral incident, I think hes a lock to make the roster.
LLCHESTY
July 02, 2025 at 09:12 am
Wooden doesn't get much credit for it from fans or the media but one thing he's good at is eating blocks on stunts. Under Hafley they stunted quite a bit more last year and I'm sure he noticed Wooden's selflessness on those plays. Is that enough to keep him on the team? 🤷 That probably depends on how Brinson's aptitude for being the block eater on stunts, among other things, but I'd imagine Hafley wants someone willing to do the dirty work on those plays.
Last year Wooden was 112th in pass rush snaps(DTs), 125th in pressures and 85th in sacks. He gained a lot of weight last off-season, this year he needs to show he's settled into it and show some development.
Guam
July 02, 2025 at 09:34 am
This will be Wooden's third season and pretty much a make or break year for him. All Brinson has to be is as good as Wooden and he will get the nod on potential alone. If Wooden doesn't develop this year, he probably never will beyond his current level of play.
LLCHESTY
July 02, 2025 at 02:34 pm
More DTs take three years to develop in the NFL than don't, especially after the 1st two rounds.
GregC
July 02, 2025 at 09:45 am
It was Wooden, not Enagbare, who they tried at nose tackle during the off season. He was up to 290 pounds a year ago, but he'll have to gain even more to play nose tackle. Seems like a longshot.
dobber
July 02, 2025 at 10:23 am
Two things....
1. ...the off-season is time to experiment with position switches and alignments, and those things often disappear in July.
2. ...he's probably not going to play 0-1 in base or run-down situations. He'll likely be playing over the C in obvious passing situations only.
OK...a third:
3. ...as the DT with the lowest snap share in 2024, he's on the bubble with Brinson and Stackhouse coming in, and he knows it.
LambeauPlain
July 02, 2025 at 01:51 pm
After two years you would expect a few flash plays, even in limited snaps. Wooden's snaps were obviously limited because he didn't flash in practice either. Brinson and Stackhouse are indeed going to make it difficult for Woodson to make the 53.
Stackhouse was an intriguing UDFA signing. Size and solid college production for a premier college team in a top conference tells me he simply slipped through the draft. The draft was loaded with excellent quality and quantity at DT. He got caught up in a "stacked house" in the draft.
I am with Al on Stackhouse. Plus, with that last name...
LLCHESTY
July 02, 2025 at 01:52 pm
I think it's funny people are handing Brinson the job like 6th round picks are locks to.make the team. Wooden tested as a pretty average athlete at DE but a very good one at DT. His 3-cone was faster than Enagbare's and he weighed 15 lbs more. I don't think the 20 lbs he gained last season was from sitting around eating double hamburgers and extra rich shakes. When players lose or gain a bunch of weight it often takes them a year to adjust fully.
Like I said above I'm not saying he's a lock to make the team but I'd bet the coaches value him more the the general public for things that don't show up on the seat sheet. Wooden was consensus 142 taken at 116 while Brinson was consensus 254 taken at 198. It doesn't mean anything as far as their competition but I know which one would be more likely to make it to the PS.
LambeauPlain
July 02, 2025 at 02:34 pm
Wooden's NFL performance so far makes his "consensus 142" probably the correct one...even a bit inflated.
Coldworld
July 02, 2025 at 11:25 am
There are a number of smaller NTs, but they are not the classic run stuffers. To succeed at that weight a player either has to be a true freak and durable or able to consistently disrupt. Most are there to penetrate primarily and used accordingly, not to clog. Can Wooden do that enough to justify a spot in a rotation which Wyatt and Brinson looking like they will be used in that time along with Clark? Who is the clogging option? Brinson wasn’t that in college, though he is 315 pounds.
EricTorkelson
July 02, 2025 at 08:22 am
Agree T7 ... they should find room for N Stackhouse or find another run stuffing DL, I see the league adapting to the smaller quicker pass rushing defenses with massive, punishing offensive lineman (Eagles, Ravens) to open up holes for physical running backs and running quarterbacks.
TKWorldWide
July 02, 2025 at 08:26 am
One “massive, punishing offensive lineman” can’t do much all by himself.
LLCHESTY
July 02, 2025 at 09:13 am
Maybe if his name is Larry Allen.
TKWorldWide
July 02, 2025 at 01:54 pm
He was a monster. He and Erik Williams had no problem with Reggie. Much to my chagrin.
GregC
July 02, 2025 at 11:13 am
Seems like DEs and DTs are still pretty distinct. Maybe there is a DE who sometimes rushes from the inside in obvious passing situations (Zadarius Smith, who was an OLB, used to do this) or a DT who occasionally plays on the edge in short yardage situations, but that's about as much as they are going to mix. And the Packers have a glut of DEs after drafting two new ones, in the 4th and 5th round, so I don't see them keeping more than five DTs.
TKWorldWide
July 02, 2025 at 01:54 pm
Total agreement here.
LambeauPlain
July 02, 2025 at 02:29 pm
DE's and DT's are distinct in the 4-3 but not nearly as distinct as are Edge and DT's in the 3-4.
GregC
July 02, 2025 at 04:12 pm
That sounds right, but even in the 4-3, there is very little mixing of the two. Last year I remember some people here suggesting that Karl Brooks could play some DE. I don't know if it ever happened. In the OTAs this year, I heard that Lukas Van Ness took some pass rushing snaps on the inside. We'll see if that carries over into training camp. I can't think of any examples of actual position switching between DT and DE on the current Packer team.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
July 02, 2025 at 07:30 pm
Why would you do that though? Gary is one of the best edge run defenders in the game and LVN's biggest strength so far is run defense. Run defense wasnt their problem last year so why something that isnt broke?
T7Steve
July 03, 2025 at 06:29 am
I'm talking short yardage/goal line packages to allow the big boys to get down and dirty. The over 300 guys that are hard to push out of the way.
Guam
July 02, 2025 at 07:04 am
Seven of the Packer OL spots are locks with R. Walker, Banks, Jenkins, Rhyan, Tom, Morgan and Belton. That probably leaves two spots for Monk, Glover, Jennings, Telfort and Williams to battle over. Given what Glover and Telfort put on display during the playoff game against the Eagles and seventh rounder Williams likely a PS candidate, Monk and Jennings look like good bets for the 53. If the Packers keep 10 OL then Glover slides onto the 53. I think Telfort's time has run out and Williams will likely need a year on the PS.
I am not at all sure Colby Wooden makes the 53 this year. He has been non-descript during his time with Green Bay and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Brinson and Stackhouse move ahead of him.
I think the most interesting TC battles will be at Edge, DT, and WR. The Packers have lots of draft choices at all three spots that should make TC very lively.
T7Steve
July 02, 2025 at 07:28 am
I didn't even think about "Colby Wooden", proving your point. I think there's more room than ever for these other guys to move around when we remove P. Smith who was solid at holding the edge against the run and pass. He just wasn't making it to the QB as much last season, whereas Gary's sack #s weren't great he was always creating pressure.
jannesbjornson
July 02, 2025 at 07:51 am
Agree with Al, regarding Jennings and Brooks. Brooks is in the Dorsey Levens profile.
LambeauPlain
July 02, 2025 at 02:08 pm
Wilson has does everything well. When he comes in to spell JJ, he produces. He's a solid RB.
LaFleur did publicly state how excited he was to get Brooks on the team. Obviously was on the Team's radar. He was very impressive during his limited snaps. He runs behind and sets up his blockers so well with his patience and quick feet and cuts.
Lloyd, if healthy and meets/exceeds expectations in camp will make it difficult to keep 4. I don't think either Wilson or Brooks would make it to the PS. So one of them could be traded...or keep 4 because all can be used in different ways with varied skillsets in a run heavy offense.
Wilson as backup to the stud, Brooks as the backup to the change up Lloyd.
dobber
July 02, 2025 at 10:55 am
" If the Packers keep 10 OL..."
I would bet on the Packers carrying 10 OL rather than 9. They're going to likely turn over at least two starters, and they've invested there over the last couple off-seasons. They need to throw things against the wall and see what sticks...that takes time. I agree on Williams: he seems to be more of a "get-in-the-way" pass blocker and doesn't offer much in the run game, but he has traits. It's hard to see him landing on the 53 unless he balls out in camp or there are significant injuries ahead of him (knock on wood). He seems to lack "nasty".
"I am not at all sure Colby Wooden makes the 53 this year. "
He's vulnerable. If the Packers keep 5 DT--which they did last year--Slaton's spot is open. They like Brooks, but at this early stage it looks like four guys (Wooden, Brooks, Stackhouse, Brinson) battling for three spots.
Guam
July 02, 2025 at 02:26 pm
They have traditionally kept 10 but I wonder if this year will be different. They have a surplus of good WRs and RBs and the 10th guy on the OL likely won't be very impressive (Glover, Telfort...??). I suspect they could stash the 10th OL on the PS and keep an extra WR or RB on the 53. It will be interesting to see what the Packers choose to do.
RobinsonDavis
July 04, 2025 at 09:49 am
Replying way late, but I agree with Dobber for 10 OL, though I appreciate your thoughts, Guam. Thanks for the great conversation! The Packers have 11 Unrestricted free agents and another 4 restricted free agents next year, that have an opportunity to impact the team THIS year. 3 of these are STARTING offensive lineman (Yes, I think they will sign Tom, but who knows?). And with Jenkins hold-out, what does this bode for the Oline this and next year? My point - Gute will have an eye on the future, causing 10 to be on the roster even if only a couple are "protected" for the future. Thus, I see Monk on the roster and 2 other players who can play multiple positions on the line. These last 2 positions are normally inactive through the season, leading the Packers to value a player's future potential and contract control a little more when deciding.
Also, the Packers are making a conscious move to a larger o-line. Size may matter if other things are equal. If you look at an "All Big" o-line you have Belton, Walker, Banks, Williams, Jennings, Rhyan, and Telfort all tipping the scales at over 320 lbs.
Savage57
July 02, 2025 at 07:26 am
This would be as good as year as any to have a Sam Shields-like rookie emerge for the defense, and not necessarily at the DB position, although that would work nicely.
Just someone who comes out of nowhere and continues that Packers trend of UDFA's finding their identity and becoming a difference maker for a unit sorely in need of some.
T7Steve
July 02, 2025 at 07:30 am
That would be fun. I'd even settle for one or more of our drafted players finding their identity.
Tundraboy
July 02, 2025 at 11:47 pm
I was thinking the same. Another Cooper would be just fine.
WD
July 02, 2025 at 10:16 am
Sam shields was a free agent who went undrafted because he smoked some weed prior to the 2010 draft. I wasn't that shocked that he became a star CB for the Packers as he ran an unbelievable 4.29 forty at the 2010 combine! In 2010 he was always the fastest man on the field
The only CB the Packers have that comes close to that speed is Bo Melton. If the Packers can't find a way to keep him on the team, it's on them. People should quit pretending that there will be an emerging CB who doesn't run at least in the 4.40s. Frankly I was hoping the Packers would have signed Ramsey from the Rams. It was bad enough they let Jaire get away for pennies!
LambeauPlain
July 02, 2025 at 02:25 pm
Sam went undrafted because he switched from WR to CB for his last college season. His very average college production at WR and CB was the reason he became an UDFA. The weed wasn't the reason although the black mark may have helped keep him off some teams' UDFA radars after his average WR/CB production.
Ted took a flier on the raw, unproven CB simply because of his speed. Team hit the jackpot after a minimal bet.
WD
July 06, 2025 at 07:18 am
It sounds like they picked the 4.29 forty and nothing else mattered. An awesome undrafted signing based on incredible speed only. Speed mattered then and it matters now. Period
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
July 02, 2025 at 08:19 pm
@Savage I think Micah Robinson could be that guy. Hes an ace in zone coverage but struggles in man. They're a zone heavy team so if they get some injuries I think he'll surprise a lot of folks.
PackEyedOptimist
July 02, 2025 at 08:21 am
Last year, I thought Jennings would make the 53 as Jenkins' backup at LG. His college play and skills make him sort of an ideal LG. That didn't happen, but in OTAs Jennings even got some time with the ones, so maybe this will be his year.
TXCHEESE
July 02, 2025 at 08:36 am
All good choices. Now if Gute can sign Gilbert Brown, Raji, and Pickett to one day contracts the week they play Philly. Them along with Stackhouse could shut down the tush push, and even inflict some serious damage to the QB and OL.
Cheezehead72
July 02, 2025 at 08:40 am
The best way to shutdown the tush push is not to get in short yardage positions.
Cheezehead72
July 02, 2025 at 08:39 am
I am not sure who the Packers keep Wilson or Brooks. I like both RBs and really would like to see the Packers keep both. Whoever they release will be picked up by another team. The two things that will be the deciding factors is their pass protection and STs play with STs play probably being more important.
I do like Brooks a little more but I would not be upset if the Packers release him and keep Wilson. I could see the Packers doing what they did a few years ago and releasing both and signing whoever makes it through waivers. I do not like that as I believe there is a good chance both will be picked up.
Since'61
July 02, 2025 at 08:41 am
I agree with Al that Stackhouse and Brooks both have good shots at making the 53. I don't know anything about Jennings but I do know that you can never have enough of the big guys for the OL.
The Packers have added substantial depth during this off season and it should make for an interesting TC and pre season games. If our receivers catch the ball and if our DL and CBs take a step up the Packers can be solid at every position group. That would be a nice situation for the Packers. Time will tell. GPG!
Thanks, Since '61
Leatherhead
July 02, 2025 at 08:45 am
I don't see how Marshawn Lloyd has moved ahead of Emmanuel Wilson.
Wilson had 114 touches last year, second most on the team, and average 4.8 yards. He was suited up for all 17 games. He did not have a single turnover and his 550 yards from scrimmage was 6th on the team.
But Lloyd was active for ONE game, had 7 touches for 18 yards so I guess he gets moved ahead of Wilson because he has such a nice highlight reel.
Lloyd is going to get ample opportunity in the preseason, and if he manages to stay healthy (which he didn't last year), and he can average more than 2.5 yards/touch (which he didn't last year), then we can talk about him passing up Wilson. Not until then.
T7Steve
July 02, 2025 at 09:15 am
Don't you think it's kind of nice (just for camp) to be young and looking up at the rest of the north for a change (except maybe the Bears) than looking down and just staying ahead? It adds a sense of urgency, so the vets aren't just going thru the motions like we've seen so much of in the past. Might be part of the reason they weren't ready to start the seasons.
GregC
July 02, 2025 at 09:18 am
Lloyd hasn't moved ahead of Wilson for playing time, but he has a better chance of making the roster. It's extremely unlikely that they would cut a third round draft pick before his second season. Lloyd has a lot of potential. That's why he was drafted in the third round. And it's not like he's played terribly. He's barely been on the field.
If they keep three RBs, the last spot will come down to Wilson vs. Brooks. I hope they keep four so they don't have to cut one of them.
Guam
July 02, 2025 at 09:37 am
Precisely on point GregC. Rightly or wrongly, Lloyd's potential and draft status moves him ahead of the two journeymen RBs. I like both Wilson and Brooks but one of them will be a cut casualty.
Leatherhead
July 02, 2025 at 10:12 am
I think you're both wrong. I think it'll be Jacobs/Wilson as the 1/2 again, and that Lloyd has a better chance than Brooks of making the 53.....assuming he can stay healthy through the entire training camp and the three preseason games.
Wilson did his job last year, and he did it well. He's proven a lot more than Lloyd has.
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Given that we can keep 25 offensive players on the 53, there's not a compelling reason that we can't keep 4, if we have 4 worth keeping. Or, you could put #4 on the practice squad. We have three exhibition games and several padded practices before the roster has to reach 53, and since Jacobs won't be playing, and Wilson won't play a lot, Lloyd and Brooks will both have plenty of opportunity to make their case.
Guam
July 02, 2025 at 02:33 pm
I was speculating with Dobber that this may be the year the Packers only keep 9 OL and keep one more RB or WR than usual. The 10th OL will likely be Glover or Telfort and I suspect either could be stashed on the PS. Whether that spot would be used for an additional RB or WR is a tough call for me. The Packers have good depth in both places.
If the Packers only keep three RBs, I seriously doubt Lloyd will be the cut. TC should be interesting.
LambeauPlain
July 02, 2025 at 02:38 pm
For one of the top running teams in the NFL in production and run game snaps who have invested in big powerful OL who run block well, keeping 4 RBs is not a stretch at all.
Coldworld
July 02, 2025 at 09:48 am
I don’t think Lloyd will be the Jacobs substitute. I think he will be a change of style option. He will bring more outside the tackles potential and ideally take more of the passing that Brooks got a lot of later on last year. He’s just a different style of back. If he proves able to hold on to the ball and if he can protect, I think he effectively supplants Brooks while Wilson remains the Jacobs stand in/substitute within the standard O.
LLCHESTY
July 02, 2025 at 02:03 pm
Just based on what LaFleur said last year going into the start of regular season he might not see the field a lot of everyone is healthy but he is going to get the ball quite a bit when he is one the field. I doubt LaFleur forgot about the packages he had designed for Lloyd. As long as he's healthy they're going to try to get him the ball in space.
lou
July 02, 2025 at 06:03 pm
I totally agree, Wilson deserves to be #2 until it is not proven the case. He plants the foot, heads north and south seeking contact and has deceptive speed to go with excellent size and has proven he can catch out of the backfield. Brooks is a solid all around back but not built to carry the load if Jacobs goes down like Wilson is. Lloyd due to injuries is an unknown at this point but based on draft slotting and press clippings will get a long look. The GREAT NEWS is that we have 3 solid running backs and 1 that may surprise.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
July 02, 2025 at 08:25 pm
I dont think they'll just automatically insert Lloyd as the #2 but I think he will be given every opportunity to earn it. This team's gonna continue running the hell out of the ball so there will be plenty of opportunities to go around.
LLCHESTY
July 02, 2025 at 09:26 am
I thought before the draft that Jennings fit the Packers profile for O linemen and would have guessed he'd be drafted before Glover, who didn't really fit their profile. I think Jennings is athletic enough to be a backup T but they obviously think he could be more at guard down the line. I don't expect him to compete for a starting spot but if he spent his 1st year in the NFL productively I think he could look better filling in for a game than Glover or Telfort.
PackEyedOptimist
July 02, 2025 at 02:08 pm
Agreed.
GregC
July 02, 2025 at 09:27 am
Stackhouse seems like the most likely UFDA to make the team, but I still think the odds are against him. If the Packers wanted another TJ Slaton, they could've drafted one. They had a chance in the sixth round, and they went with Brinson. Maybe they are finished with putting big run stuffing DTs out there who have almost no pass rush ability.
LambeauPlain
July 02, 2025 at 02:44 pm
I agree having 4 DL who can stop the run and rush the passer seems to be Hafley's objective. He has stated the DL must pressure the QB and do it consistently. They pressured last season...in spurts. Pressures bring hurries, throwaways, INTs and sacks.
They may have the group to do that this season.
Coldworld
July 02, 2025 at 09:37 am
I would be shocked if the team move on from Wilson. If you look at the metrics of how well he did replacing Jacobs (often when the run was obvious) it’s pretty staggering. Moreover, I don’t think he dropped a pass at all last season and his blocking has continued to improve and rated pretty well in metric terms last year. He’s simply a better athlete than Brooks with as good hands.
As to the rest, I really struggle with the idea that Bronson is suddenly Slaton. He’s smaller, he was not that in college, Stackhouse was for that team. You nail his role as a penetrator, though he is better against the run than Wyatt has been, if perhaps less fearsome rushing. At 315 pounds Brinson will be the heaviest DL on the roster if Stackhouse isn’t. That’s a mighty light DL group. I also think using him as Slaton was will possibly retard his developement.
Jennings getting snaps with the firsts in minicamp was interesting (albeit with Banks out). I liked him when we picked him up last year, only for injuries to intervene. I could easily see him making the OL group.
PackEyedOptimist
July 02, 2025 at 02:10 pm
Agree on all you said.
LLCHESTY
July 02, 2025 at 02:28 pm
If Clark is right about them going back to being a more read and react front like under Barry and less of penetrating one like last year they'll probably want a bigger DT on the roster. I don't feel great about that decision but we'll have to wait and see. Like I've said before the 2022 Jets finished 3rd in yards allowed and 4th in points allowed with their heaviest DT being 315. That was with a very crappy offense and that team often gave up rushing yards when it was worn down from being on the field so much, especially late that year.
I think Hafley would be willing to get a bit worse vs the run if it meant a more consistent pass rush. As long as they're not giving 200 yard rushing games on the regular I'd tend to agree with him. If the offense can get closer to 500 total points on the season teams will be playing catch up more and they could just activate Stackhouse off the PS against teams like the Lions and Eagles.
LambeauPlain
July 02, 2025 at 02:57 pm
If they go back to Barry's read and react they will be even worse in run D than last season...probably as bad as Barry Ball daze.
I am hoping Clark was alluding to Hafley's Vision and Break swarming attitude to ball.
Barry's read and react coaching actually created poor reads and delayed reaction and too many chunk running plays.
The reason the overall defense was far better last season (among league's best in points and yards/game) was Vision and Break and being one of the best tackling defenses in the NFL. Even though the D gave up yards on the ground, they didn't get gashed on chunk plays with LBs and DBs breaking to the ball.
Barry Ball had LBs covering WRs from deep soft zones. DBs playing so much prevent behind them.
Leatherhead
July 02, 2025 at 06:11 pm
......they will be even worse in run D than last season....
We were 3rd in the NFL in rushing defense, and sixth in scoring defense.
LambeauPlain
July 03, 2025 at 10:54 am
Actually they were 7th in rush yds per game at 99.4.
Returning to a Barry Ball read and react would be far worse than 7th. IE they were 28th in Barry Ball 2023. That's worse.
Leatherhead
July 04, 2025 at 11:07 am
But 3rd in yards/attempt.
It's about points. We gave up fewer points last year than we did under Barry. We also added McKinney, Cooper, Williams and Bullard.
Bitternotsour
July 04, 2025 at 01:32 pm
which came first, the scheme or the talent upgrade. because that's a massive talent upgrade.
splitpea1
July 02, 2025 at 10:22 am
I'd like to include Isaiah Simmons on the list. Whether it's on special teams or as a reserve linebacker, he could make a few impact plays somewhere along the line. Continuing along the LB theme, are we going to see more of Ty'Ron Hopper? He's about as under the radar as you can get right now.
GregC
July 02, 2025 at 01:16 pm
The Simmons signing seemed to me like a vote of no confidence in Hopper, who badly needs the practice reps that Simmons will now be getting. I hope I'm wrong and that Hopper is coming along fine.
splitpea1
July 02, 2025 at 01:45 pm
It's tough to speculate what is going on with Hopper with so few defensive snaps last season. "No confidence" would be a tough pill to swallow so early for another third round pick... With Simmons, maybe the Packers just couldn't pass up the inexpensive chance to see if Hafley can put him in the best chance to succeed; nothing to lose here.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
July 02, 2025 at 07:37 pm
@Greg C, I dont see it that way. By all accounts Hopper impressed in minicamps. I think the Simmons signing was just a low-buck flier on an elite athlete and means nothing about how they may or may not feel about Hopper. I might be more inclined to agree if they signed a pricey free agent LB or used another premium draft pick one one. Simmons feels more like a cheap, midsummer reclamation project kinda like Devondrae Campbell was.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
July 02, 2025 at 07:36 pm
With Quay, Cooper, and Simmons, Packers now have the fastest linebacking corp ever assembled. Looking forward to seeing how Hafley utilizes such an insane speed advantage.
Packers0808
July 02, 2025 at 10:55 am
Who is going to make this team after all your speculation. The best ones most likely four with one if possible on PS. It is really that easy.
deepsouth
July 02, 2025 at 12:24 pm
I like all four backs and would keep all of them on the 53. I sure hope that Lloyd works
out as he would be a change of pace guy. Wilson is valuable as a sub for for Jacobs and
Brooks is versatile.
deepsouth
July 02, 2025 at 12:45 pm
Jennings is worth hanging on to but Telfort and Glover aren't. We need a meat man
on the DL so I hope they keep Stackhouse and release Wooden.
LambeauPlain
July 02, 2025 at 02:59 pm
Enjoyed the Gilbert Burger back in the day. Fed me for a few days.
Culver's introducing the Stackhouse Butter Burger?
CheeseEdWest2
July 02, 2025 at 03:33 pm
A Stackhouse Burger would fill the bill.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
July 02, 2025 at 07:31 pm
I like the cornerback Micah Robinson. His strength is zone coverage. If they can keep him from getting exposed too much in man-coverage, he should surprise many.
Bonus: LVN bags 10+ sacks this year. Big fella is about to make a whole lot of haters eat their words. Take it to the bank.
deepsouth
July 02, 2025 at 09:43 pm
Eveybody likes Robinson's speed: after that who knows? I was sceptical about LVN but
willing to let the the pick of the professionals play out. I remain sceptical but I hope
I'll be heading to the bank this season on your LVN prophecy !
deepsouth
July 02, 2025 at 09:57 pm
Though the Packers do not usually pick the smaller, speedy D Ends I think Oliver is
someone we should hang on to. He could be helpful though only in a limited
role just as Stackhouse could be at DT. I am also enthusiastic about Sorrell and think he
could take Enegbare's spot. Enegbare was okay but not special and he is due for a salary increase. I wouldn't even have to mention this if we hadn't picked Kevin King instead of
Watt .
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
July 02, 2025 at 10:41 pm
I dont think you meant this as a reply to my comment but I'll bite. Gotta let the Kevin King pick go man. It was nearly a decade ago. Ted Thompson gave this team a super bowl. We can forgive him for making a mistake.
deepsouth
July 02, 2025 at 11:01 pm
I liked T.T. but he didn't give us Super Bowl : neither did Holmgren, Wolf, or Lombardi etc.
A championship is always a massive collective effort combined with a bit of luck. BTW l don't live in the past but if I did I probably would have given up after the Tony Mandarich pick.
Bitternotsour
July 03, 2025 at 09:05 am
Deep South would have double-bagged it
deepsouth
July 02, 2025 at 10:13 pm
Al: I always look forward to your insight. Your 'polluted mindset' is usually crystal clear.
LoftKing
July 03, 2025 at 08:21 am
For the D-Line, someone who seems left out of this conversation is Ford. He had an impressive camp last year, but then he was injured in the preseason. I believe that he had made the 53 until that injury.
For running back, my money is on Emanuel Wilson. Until Lloyd shows that he can remain available, I am not unseating Wilson.
Backup left guard? What about Monk? Since he can also handle the backup center, I lean towards him.
GregC
July 03, 2025 at 08:51 am
You mean Jonathan Ford? He is now with the Bears. They signed him off the Packers practice squad last year.