Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Rise Up
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Today's theme is five players who need to rise up and show the reasons why the Packers drafted or acquired them, They could be players that have not lived up to their billing, players that have been waylaid by injuries, players getting their first real chance at a starting job, or various other situations.
Here's my list...
Lukas Van Ness - Duh, The Packers have handed him the keys to the starting job opposite Rashan Gary, whether he deserves it or not. To quote Clint Eastwood in The Unforgiven, "deserve's got nothing to do with it." LVN has lined up as a starter opposite Gary throughout the offseason. As the 13th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Van Ness was rightfully expected to be a meaningful contributor to this team. So far, he's been a major disappointment. Is he a "bust" as many have intimated? "Not yet" is the answer. There is still time for the light bulb to go on and for LVN to find a way to use his athletic ability to make an impact. Year three is when Rashan Gary seemed to figure it out. Now it's LVN's turn.
Jordan Morgan - The player looked upon with disdain by many as "the guy we drafted instead of Cooper Dejean," with the 25th pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Morgan is supposedly healthy and getting an opportunity to win a starting job on the offensive line. The options being presented is right guard and left tackle. Both opportunities require unseating a current starter, As I've written here ad nauseam, i believe the Packers REALLY want Morgan to win the left tackle job. The Packers don't draft linemen in Round one because they think he'll be a great guard. They draft first round linemen to be one of their starting tackles, kicking inside is just a backup plan. After a year mostly on the shelf due to injuries, Morgan gets another chance to rise up and make his mark on this team.
Luke Musgrave - Oh how we drooled over the explosive athleticism Musgrave displayed as a rookie. The burst, acceleration and size/speed combination enthralled us. Sure he ws a bit rough around the edges. Route running and staying on his feet after the catch were issues, but those are things that can be worked on and improved. Alas, due to the injuries, he never got a real chance to do so. Now that he's back healthy and supposedly looking like an improved version of his old self, Musgrave, together with Tucker Kraft. can potentially form the finest TE tandem in the league.
Keisean Nixon - On locker cleanout day in January after the playoff loss to the Eagles, Nixon declared his goal was to be CB1. Well, the Packers just released their CB1 so there's a spot open for you, Keisean. This will be Nixon's fourth year with the Packers and seventh year in the league, Putting his kick returning prowess aside, Nixon has shown steady improvement as a defensive back with the Packers. He played slot corner for the first time in his career in 2023 and both outside and slot corner in 2024. Nixon took to new DC Jeff Hafley's system and gained much confidence as the year progressed. It's this newfound confidence that has Nixon feeling the next step for him is to rise to CB1 status. The door is open for him, but it's time to backup up the talk with results.
Christian Watson - The Packers sent two second round picks to the Vikings to move up 19 spots and select Watson with pick 34 of the 2022 NFL draft. Going by the trade value charts, the Packers gave up too much, but as Packers director of football operations Milt Hendrickson said at the time, "A pick is just a pick until it becomes a player, From that standpoint, if you love the player, you find the way to get him." The Packers did what they had to and it's been a bit of a roller coaster ride ever since with some highest of highs and some injury-related lows. At some point this season, Watson hopes to ride in on his white horse and look to add his deep threat game-breaking skills to the Packers offense. If Watson were to rise up and help take the offense to new heights, it would be great for the Packers and for Watson's next contract as well.
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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 (64)
TKWorldWide
June 25, 2025 at 05:58 am
Morgan over Walker has 2 factors: a 1st rounder vs a 7th, and Walker’s expiring contract. I think most of us expect Tom to get extended rather than Walker. But hey, if Walker just totally dominates, having TWO great tackles on expiring contracts is a nice problem to have.
LVN: third year in the league AND a new d-line coach better add up to a breakthrough year. Otherwise it’s ’adios!’
When I first heard Nixon refer to himself as CB1, I thought “Yeah, right.” But later I realized that you don’t want ANY corner who thinks he’s only a CB2 or CB3…
Guam
June 25, 2025 at 07:36 am
Sorry TKWW, but I don't think draft status has anything to do with the competition for LT. It is all about who can perform better both in pass pro and run blocking this year. Walker has two years of successful starting experience in the NFL; Morgan is unproven. Morgan has a serious experience gap to overcome if he is to be the starting LT for the Packers.
You might also want to remember that Walker was widely regarded as a potential second round draft choice after his junior year and slipped to the 7th round only after a less than stellar senior year at Penn State. How would you feel about the competition if it was a first rounder versus a second rounder?
And do you really think Tom would be a fourth rounder and Walker a seventh rounder if their draft year were redone today knowing how they have performed in the NFL the last two years? And I wonder if Morgan would still be a first rounder if the Packers had known he would miss most of his rookie year due to injury? Such are the vagaries of the NFL draft...........
HawkPacker
June 25, 2025 at 09:38 am
I would love for us to resign Walker but the truth of the matter is: there are quite a few others that will need to be resigned and only so much money available for those extensions.
Let's see who Morgan does this year. He was drafted, I believe, to take over for Walker as Russ Ball has his crystal ball looking at the future signings. Thus his name is Russ Crystal Ball!
dobber
June 25, 2025 at 09:45 am
To use the old line: the NFL is a game of replacement. The Packers have hit OL heavily these last two drafts to prepare for this...here's hoping the Packers are guessing right on these guys.
Turophile
June 25, 2025 at 10:11 am
A team can have only so many large sized contracts. Unfortunately, Rasheed Walker is facing a perfect storm of circumstances that make it difficult to retain him.
The first is the ballooning of mid-to-upper-but not-elite contracts. The league as a whole can pay more each year - and will - for solid guys, especially at premium positions like LT. Walker will command a lot of money in any new contract and plenty of teams would be happy to have him. The league as a whole is always short of competent offensive tackles.
As one example, imagine the 49ers actually having a competent LT to back up their starter, the truly ancient Trent Williams (37 years old on 19 Jul). Wouldn't you rather have Rasheed coming in to start, over their current backup guy (Andre Dillard, who was a Packer in 2024).
Walker is also unfortunately sitting opposite a tackle who is better than he is (when both are healthy) and who is also a FA after 2025. and with an Elgton contract looming as well (as Zach Tom's), there are only so many larger sized contracts a team can pay at any one position group.
As a consequence the Packers have made moves to account for this (drafting Morgan and Belton the last 2 years). All that really puts Walker behind the 8 ball, through no fault of his own.
I'd rather like Walker to be retained, but I don't see it as being at all likely, given all the factors in play. There is one chance. If Elgton only plays one more year (ie 2025). It just might be possible to pay another big chunk to an OL, if Elgton is off the books, but even then there is Banks, with his $19m+ pa contract. The Packers could move off that in 2026 (unlikely) or 2027 (more possible). As you can see, there are a lot of moving parts here.
LLCHESTY
June 25, 2025 at 10:49 am
He'd need to a more consistent run blocker this year before I'd be worried about retaining him. You also have to weigh what he'll receive on the open market, and the comp pick that will bring in, from a team that's looking for a good pass blocking LT. If a team looking to draft a QB in the top 10 next year has a need at LT and Walker is the best one on the market he's going to get a king's ransom which would mean a 3rd round comp pick for Green Bay.
Guam
June 25, 2025 at 11:31 am
The Packer have two big contracts with aging players - Jenkins and Clark. Both will be on the wrong side of 30 by the time the 2026 season rolls around. If Walker plays well this year (i.e. shores up his run blocking and maintains his near elite pass pro), I think Jenkins and Clark may be in more jeopardy than R. Walker. The Packers could have the financial room to sign him if he plays well enough to force their hand with Jenkins and Clark who will be borderline past their prime by 2026.
OTH if Walker doesn't improve his run blocking or regresses in pass pro, he will make the decision much easier for the Packers given the presence of Morgan and Belton. It should be an interesting year for Walker.
Guam
June 25, 2025 at 09:50 am
Of all of the potential "resignees", Walker is the biggest question mark for me. If he plays about like he has the past two years I would be more than willing to gamble on Morgan replacing him (and take the comp pick). However if Walker upgrades his run blocking, he may become a priority resigning as quality left tackles are one of the most important positions on the field. I think this year will be huge for Walker.
GregC
June 25, 2025 at 09:42 am
Something that hardly ever gets mentioned is that Walker played with an undisclosed injury during his senior season. That's why his performance slipped.
Guam
June 25, 2025 at 09:53 am
I've seen that "undisclosed injury" reference before but have never been able to track it down to a source or find out what the injury was. An injury would certainly go a long way in explaining the decline in performance between his junior and senior seasons.
LLCHESTY
June 25, 2025 at 10:16 am
The scuttlebutt after that draft was he has a knee issue that is chronic and could shorten his career. I haven't seen it brought up since though so who knows.
GregC
June 25, 2025 at 10:19 am
I looked for it just now and couldn't find it. Everyone knows he suffered a serious knee injury just before the end of that season. That's one reason his draft stock fell. But he was playing hurt for much of the season before that happened. I think it was that same knee, but I'm not sure.
TarynsEyes
June 25, 2025 at 10:16 am
When a certified reason cannot be found, the undisclosed injury finds its way to the forefront.
GregC
June 25, 2025 at 11:03 am
Players play hurt all the time. Trainers and coaching staff may be aware of it, but the general public (and opposing teams) may not know about it.
TarynsEyes
June 25, 2025 at 11:22 am
There's a difference between hurt and injured.
https://youtu.be/kJLITtDyecQ?si=mwxhl7KPlMBaPcys
TKWorldWide
June 25, 2025 at 01:03 pm
I get it, and I’d like to add that I am courageously posting even with the undisclosed challenge of being really just not all that smart. But anybody who reads my stuff has had their suspicions.
LeotisHarris
June 25, 2025 at 03:23 pm
Hey, TK, don't put yourself down like that. In addition to what you mentioned, word has it that you post from an undisclosed location, and that ain't easy.
TKWorldWide
June 25, 2025 at 09:48 pm
I know you always have my six. Thanks, brother!
dobber
June 25, 2025 at 09:43 am
"Morgan has a serious experience gap to overcome if he is to be the starting LT for the Packers."
2024 wasn't a true redshirt year for Morgan. He made it through camps (logged some time at LT) and played a few games against live fire before getting hurt. I find myself wondering what the Packers do with Walker if Morgan wins the job outright. Yes, it would be great to have that kind of cheap depth at T, and Morgan winning the job means they get a couple more years of cheap LT play, but Walker taking that demotion may not set well and it likely cuts his earning power on the open market after 2025--which limits his ability to draw a good comp pick. I don't think they have the OL depth to deal Walker if he doesn't win the LT job outright...they'd be in a very similar position to where they were last season.
Guam
June 25, 2025 at 10:00 am
I dunno Dobber, if Morgan wins the LT job, I think the Packers will have no choice but to trade Walker. He will not be happy sitting on the bench in a contract year and his value will diminish for him and for the Packers by the end of the season (minimal comp pick). I think the Packers might take the depth risk with Belton if they can get decent value for Walker in a trade early in the year. And there are lots of teams that would love a proven LT.
LLCHESTY
June 25, 2025 at 10:19 am
A big thing with him is he has quick feet but his technique was a mess. If he spent the off-season making corrections he'll have a good chance to unseat Walker, if not he'll be competing at RG again.
TKWorldWide
June 25, 2025 at 09:45 pm
Gotta admit I kinda forgot that Walker was originally that highly rated. I also admit towards draft pedigree bias; I mean, obviously GB liked Morgan enough to take in round one, and I doubt they ever envisioned him permanently as a guard.
But on field performances will weigh most heavily without a doubt.
GPG@
Guam
June 26, 2025 at 07:32 am
I'm sure the Packers drafted Morgan to play tackle, not guard. They likely wanted to have a year to develop Morgan in case they didn't resign one of their tackles (Tom and Walker). And that still may happen. Walker is going to have a lot to say about the Packer decision through his play in 2025. And I am glad the Packer FO plans well for this kind of transition (like drafting Love when Rodgers was still playing well). It always keeps them in the hunt which many teams fail to do.
HarryHodag
June 28, 2025 at 07:42 am
Don't get caught up in the 'he's a first rounder so he's naturally better than a seventh rounder'. Draft position is only about POTENTIAL and not what has been done. Walker has successfully protected Love for two seasons plus been an effective run blocker. There's nothing wrong with Walker. It's all about the contract. They will pay max money to Z. Tom and they can't afford two max contracts, which Walker will llikely get on the open market. Experienced left tackles don't come easy
One thing to remember: the Packers all-time leading receiver in yards is not Don Hutson, James Lofton, Javon Walker or D. Adams. It's Donald Driver, a 7th rounder.
Cheezehead72
June 25, 2025 at 06:28 am
Good article but I do have a problem with picking only 5 players that need to prove they are worthy of being picked or signed. I want to add a couple. Yes I know Al you did not want to go too long and all of these players are very good choices.
I want to see Monk step up and be a dependable backup center. First we do not know if Jenkins is going to hold out longer so he needs to be ready. Even if Jenkins plays under the current contract we do not know what next year will bring. We need Monk to be ready.
The other player is Llyod. We have a very good RB room but we need a clear cut RB2. I like Wilson and Brooks but if Llyod can play better than both of them that would give us a one two punch that will take the pressure off of Love.
My one question is what do we need to see from LVN to make it appear he is not a bust? I would say we need him to be at least a very good to excellent run stopper and an above average pass rusher. Opinions are welcomed.
TKWorldWide
June 25, 2025 at 07:25 am
LVN: at least 8 sacks and a boatload of hurries.
LeotisHarris
June 25, 2025 at 08:33 am
Truth. The boy was close a lot of times. If he's developed a second and even a third move this offseason he'll get home.
dobber
June 25, 2025 at 08:42 am
Is a boatload a metric or English unit of measurement?
crayzpackfan
June 25, 2025 at 10:28 am
It's right up there with a shit ton.
LLCHESTY
June 25, 2025 at 10:52 am
I like to use the metric system, hence metric shit ton. It's glorious!
Oppy
June 25, 2025 at 06:39 pm
The "metric shit-ton" (or, "metric shit-tonne" if you're fancy) is the go-to unit of choice in my household.
LLCHESTY
June 25, 2025 at 10:23 am
💯 I think 8 sacks is his Mendoza line this year. In this age of four year contracts you can't have three development years and then risk doing all that for another team. Funnily enough, that's exactly what the Saints did with Trey Hendrickson but there's a big difference in a 1st and 3rd round pick as far as investment goes and I think he was a comp pick so basically a 4th rounder.
Zapato
June 25, 2025 at 08:39 am
LVN needs to show that he's more than just a one-trick pony. All he's show us so far is a bull rush. He needs to develop other moves and become reliable on passing downs. Alas, I don't see his impact improving considerably this year.
HawkPacker
June 25, 2025 at 09:41 am
Hey Z, I get your point that he just has the Bull Rush. I find it hard to believe that the coaches have not spent time with him on additional moves. However, I have read that he was excellent setting the edge on running plays but I agree that he does need more moves.
dobber
June 25, 2025 at 09:33 am
"My one question is what do we need to see from LVN to make it appear he is not a bust? I would say we need him to be at least a very good to excellent run stopper and an above average pass rusher."
The quality of LVN's career is always going to be measured against his draft status. Teams need to be built around stalwart DEs who can play run and pass, but highly-drafted DEs are measured in terms of sacks. The Packers employ a pretty heavy rotation of their DEs, and I don't see that strategy as being likely to change very much which might challenge any of their abilities to reach double digit sacks unless one of them really takes off.
I want to see consistent pass rush from the front 7 that gets home. I think we'll see more blitzing in 2025 because Quay and Cooper (and maybe Oliver) seem well-suited for it. But I suspect that when we get to January we're going to be lukewarm about the pass rush from this group of DEs as a whole because no one of them hits that magic 10 sack number.
WestCoastPackerBacker
June 25, 2025 at 03:48 pm
People are so down on LVN but he was effective as a rookie with 4 sacks in limited playing time. But last season he was playing with a broken thumb, which is tough for a position where you need your hands. Plus learning a new scheme. And it wasn’t just him that struggled to get home last season. The entire past rush dropped off, and they obviously moved on from the coach. Here’s hoping the new coach and a second year in the scheme will let LVN be more productive.
T7Steve
June 25, 2025 at 07:01 am
I'm with Cheezehead72 and TK with all of these.
I'm one of the few who has given allot of rope to LVN and want to give him a chance to grow into his body. Now's the time to display his growth.
I look at Musgrave, Morgan and Llyod as additions to the team THIS season. Last season was a redshirt. If the injuries persist into this season, it's time to bite the bullet and move on. It's exciting if you look at it as extra draft picks for this year.
Guam
June 25, 2025 at 07:53 am
"I look at Musgrave, Morgan and Lloyd as additions to the team this year. Last season was a redshirt."
Spot on T7Steve. I share your view that these guys feel like they were drafted additions to the team this year since they missed last year due to injury. Hopefully they all contribute this year.
Savage57
June 25, 2025 at 07:23 am
LVN just wasn't a good pick. He's shown he's pretty much a one trick pony.
Morgan is for all intent an untested rookie.
Musgrave is a question, health wise and the feet thing. He needs to prove his own two feet aren't the best tackler on the field.
Nixon and Watson are two guys whose production needs to become more consistent and less spiky.
You know what they say: Wish in one hand, shit in the other and see which one fills up faster.
LeotisHarris
June 25, 2025 at 08:31 am
"You know what they say: Wish in one hand, shit in the other and see which one fills up faster."
Solid points 1-4 Savage, but you really shouldn't encourage the behavior described in your last entry. In this day and age, folks doing their own internet research will try that at home, and ,well, you know.
dobber
June 25, 2025 at 08:51 am
Nixon's contract is a reasonable value for a starting CB who has played well--he's in the 20s for cap hit in 2025 and in the 40s for 2026. While he hasn't played as much defense as his years of service might indicate I think he's about at his ceiling...improvement at this stage probably comes more through the players around him. I've been vocal about thinking Nixon's in his last year in GB. His clamoring about being CB1 hints that he's going to want an extension and more $$--especially with Hobbs out-earning him at this point. He's already 28...I don't see an extension coming from the Packers.
"You know what they say: Wish in one hand, shit in the other and see which one fills up faster."
Who are they? They seem like 'colorful' people.
GregC
June 25, 2025 at 01:27 pm
I'm not sure that Nixon really belongs on this list. He's an overachiever, not an underachiever. It does seem like he is near his ceiling, but we'll see. I don't know if anyone expected him to play as well as he did as a boundary CB last year.
I agree that he will probably want a new contract if he has a good year.
pantz_bURp
June 25, 2025 at 09:45 am
Results are in:
My poop hand (right hand, which is my dominant) filled up much faster. I forgot I ate corn on the cobb about a week ago? And why doesn't my large and small intestine break down kale leaves more completely? Me, reenacting Vince: "What the hell is going on in there"!?!
With my surplus of scat...I will apply a generous amount to my lipz (Sweet Pea affectionately refers to them as my sugar machine). It won't add moisture to my lipz...but it will prevent me from continuously licking them and therefore not drying them out. Genius!
He hate me but she like me,
Pantz
*Go Pack Go!
dobber
June 25, 2025 at 09:50 am
Ah. Question answered. ;)
dobber
June 25, 2025 at 08:54 am
Someone needs to step up and take hold of the slot/nickel DB role. With what looks like weak depth in the CB room at this point, Javon Bullard--with his second round draft status (that seems to be part of what we're hitting on here)--stepping up and being that guy would significantly help take pressure off the CBs
Bearmeat
June 26, 2025 at 01:25 pm
It’s not slot/nickel I’m worried about. It’s outside CB. Hobbs injury history is almost as bad as Jaire’s. One outside CB injury and we’re on thin ice…
GregC
June 26, 2025 at 02:11 pm
Hobbs has been in the league for four years and has missed 16 games. During those same four years, Alexander has missed 33 games. That's a lot of games missed for Hobbs, but it's not nearly as bad as Alexander.
NickPerry
June 25, 2025 at 09:04 am
I look forward to "Polluted" every week and as usual Al delivered...All of Al's picks are good choices. Also Cheesehead72 bringing up Lloyd and Monk are good picks too. Especially Lloyd.
LVN is really going to have to take a big step IMO to justify that 13th overall pick. He's probably the one I have the LEAST confidence in to turn it around. I know he'll get chance after chance because he's a 1st rounder, but at some point, if it's the same ole same ole, he just needs to sit his ass on the bench. Can you say Brenton Cox Jr?
I LOVE the idea of Musgrave taking a big jump and just staying healthy. IMO Kraft will be challenging for the All Pro spot at TE perhaps as soon as this year. If Musgrave can stay healthy and MLF is smart enough which I think he is, then MLF could design something like the Patriots did and run a large portion of the offense around the TE's.
I will never understand all the hoopla around Watson. It's been a long time since his rookie breakout where he was scoring TDs like he was eating skittles. I understand the offense IS better with Watson and the opening he creates while on the field. But common, the dude had 29 catches last year in 15 games, 28 catches in 9 games the year before.
I'm tired of hearing the "Experts" talk about the lack of "Wow Players" on the roster. IT IS TIME, for these guys and others to start to step up and start giving Packers fans some WOW moments... Consistently!!!
T7Steve
June 25, 2025 at 09:14 am
Funny you should bring that up. I used to play the "WOW" position on the football team.
"WOW"! Did you see that guy go by me?
CentralPA_PackFan
June 25, 2025 at 09:40 am
As far as LVN, I'd like to see them put together a video for him of all of Reggie White's non-bull rush sacks (including his time with the Eagles) to show him that even probably the greatest and probably the strongest DE in history needed more than a bull rush to consistently get to the QB, plus, he can study Reggie's non-bull rush moves while he's at it. As someone who lives in Central PA and saw all of Reggie's Eagles games on TV (and unfortunately, only occasionally Packer games... especially back then), I know there's a whole lot to learn including how to beat double teams (and even occasionally triple teams -- which John Madden would go nuts over) to get to the QB.
dobber
June 25, 2025 at 10:29 am
I wrestled in my (much) younger days, and even though I could hold up physically against many of the guys I sparred with, I couldn't process on the fly in a way to keep up with my competitors and I got beat--a lot. I could go into a match with a plan, but if it didn't work out initially I struggled to adjust and stalled out. The adjustments need to be automatic.
I'm not saying the mental side of pass rush is LVN's problem, although I agree with just about everyone here who says that the Packers' coaches have surely been working on technique and rush moves with him. It could just be that he doesn't trust those moves or reverts back to what he won with in college.
LLCHESTY
June 25, 2025 at 11:13 am
That clip someone posted on Twitter of him doing drills this off-season wasn't really inspiring. I think he needs to focus more on the footwork. If seen clips of pass rush camps that are much more intensive, breaking down everything into segments.
https://x.com/BookOfEli_NFL/status/1907646933541212616?t=dlsBBfbLsuNtBY4...
LeotisHarris
June 25, 2025 at 07:51 pm
Well, if LVN has to sprint around any unathletic opponents wearing giant mittens, we're golden.
I know what you're saying. Other vids I've seen in the past teach hand fighting, leverage, and body mechanics to build muscle memory. Like dobber mentioned, it's a counter to an opponent that becomes instinctual from repetition. The pieces/segment fit together to make the whole.
ricky
June 25, 2025 at 10:57 am
LVN may be one of those players who just takes time to develop, similar to Quay Walker, who just may turn out to be a serviceable LB after spending the first two and a half years in the league showing a lack of instincts. Or, LVN could be one of those guys who are great athletes, but not good football players. This is his third year, and he was supposed to make a big leap last year. Maybe the third season is the charm.
Watson is problematic. When healthy, he can tilt the field. Health is the obvious issue. Any contract needs to be drawn very carefully to protect the team from overpaying for a guy who may always be a part time player.
Nixon is an interesting player. It seems he may well be on the upswing, growing into his role. But can contain players like Jefferson or St. Brown?
Possibly the most worrisome is replacing Walker with Jordan. The message from the team in that case would be "do your best, improve and work your butt off, and we'll just replace you when it's time to pay you."
dobber
June 25, 2025 at 12:26 pm
"The message from the team in that case would be "do your best, improve and work your butt off, and we'll just replace you when it's time to pay you.""
It's the economics of the zero sum salary cap, and it happens all the time.
Walker has worked hard to develop into an NFL starter and he knows his situation. He also knows that he's going to get paid by someone, and will get to pick his destination if allowed to walk--on the flip side, he could always turn down any contract offer the Packers make assuming the Packers decide they want him back. He has that power, too.
Alberta_Packer
June 25, 2025 at 12:31 pm
Musgrave falls (literally and figuratively) off any Rise Up list for me. Unfortunately what he has most consistently demonstrated is his penchant for getting injured. Case in point:
2024 - ankle sprain
2023 - abdominal muscle strain & MCL (knee)
2022 - ankle sprain
So it should not be a surprise that his durability rating is 2/5 on Draftsharks. Also it should be noted that Musgrave never really "popped" in College - being much more potential than productivity. Thus having a healthy and productive 2025 would be an anomaly for him.
GregC
June 25, 2025 at 12:51 pm
Don't forget the lacerated kidney in 2023. Ouch!
And when he sprains an ankle, he sprains it really bad and misses several weeks. Maybe it has something to do with him being big and tall and somewhat awkward.
Alberta_Packer
June 25, 2025 at 01:36 pm
Good thing Musgrave has full medical coverage. Otherwise he might have declared personal bankruptcy by now. Nevertheless - remaining positive - I can see a role for Musgrave this year as a situational TE/Receiver. Strict game management for Musgrave could optimize his productivity-to-availabity ratio.
croatpackfan
June 25, 2025 at 01:07 pm
Nice list, Al. Agreed, of course.
Regarding Walker... If Packers wants to have 50:50 pas/run than he is not the choice for the any starting position on the OL, maybe as usable back up in case of emergency... I do not see what many here, obviously, see in Walker. RG and LT was the worst position in Packers OL last season...
But, who knows, as someone wrote, maybe there will be light for Walker...
crayzpackfan
June 25, 2025 at 01:42 pm
Center was the worst position on the OL last year.
crayzpackfan
June 25, 2025 at 01:11 pm
Some reports are saying that Tom is wanting a 25 million a year contract. I think he deserves it and should be paid. I only bring this up because Walker is going to want as much. With Banks contract, Jenkins, and Tom, how much more can we spend on the OL? Will be interesting going forward.
NFLfan
June 25, 2025 at 05:44 pm
Out of the 5 players mentioned, I do not have faith in any of them, though Nixon is different-he is sturdy and has heart but he does not have the athletic 'potential' of the others.
-LVN No. He was always about RAS and 'potential'
-Watson- No. Not his fault and I like him but he is too delicate for this type of sport
-Musgrave No. Same as Watson-too many injuries. Another guy with 'potential' and history of college injuries as well
-Morgan-No. If he performs, I will admit my mistake
There is a lot of wasted Draft capital in this group.
Leatherhead
June 25, 2025 at 08:34 pm
I'll start with the easy one first....Musgrave. We play quite a bit of 3 WR sets, and not nearly as many 2TE sets. Kraft is clearly our starter and will get most of the snaps and targets, so unless he is injured, Musgrave isn't going to have an abundance of opportunities.
Watson, if he stays healthy this year and plays well, will be a guy we can't afford to resign, and if he doesnt' stay healthy and play well, why would we want to resign him?
Morgan is going to be a solid piece on our offensive line for many years.
Bitternotsour
June 26, 2025 at 09:42 am
because it was done once doesn't mean it's locked in stone as a formation. There weren't many 2 tight end sets because there weren't two healthy tight ends, right? Also, this appears to be an offense that is going to run heavier as well as run, heavier. It all remains to be seen. I'm trusting LaFleur to use his assets well and to repeat whatever works best.