How Many Roster Spots Are Actually Open?
By Kalani Jones
While the Packers are beginning to report for offseason activities, the rookie minicamp and voluntary OTAs, it’s only natural for Packers fans to begin to look ahead to the “training camp battles”, when players directly compete against each other for playing time.
But is this actually a reality of how the modern NFL, and the Green Bay Packers, actually operate?
The Packers’ have fewer “camp battle winners” than they have “these two players will rotate during the season” winners. Besides, as far as actual “starting” positions on the roster, the matters are pretty much settled from the get-go. They’ll be a “competition” between Brandon McManus and Trey Smack, but I’d be floored if McManus is still a Packer in week one.
Cornerback is a position with some real intrigue. At this point, we have a four man battle for two spots at the boundary spots. The incumbents Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine have stiff competition, and no longer have the benefit of playing in the same scheme. While Gannon has always maintained that his defenses are “schemeless”, the fact remains that since 2022, he’s played as much quarters defense as anyone in the league. It’s a far cry from the cover-3 that Jeff Hafley prefers, and comes with a whole new set of rules and expectations for its secondary.
“Match” quarters, the world of modern split field coverages, is extremely nuanced and complicated, but it boils down to a simple concept: zone coverage that turns into man coverage once a receiver has declared their intentions. Cover-3 can employ these kinds of concepts as well, but it’s certainly less common and not something that the Packers saw much with Hafley in the coordinator’s chair. So, I’m not sure how much being last year’s starters will actually count in Nixon and Valentine’s favors.
There'll be plenty of opportunities for Benjamin St-Juste to put his name into the starting conversation. After years of underwhelming performances with the Washington Commanders, St-Juste finally flipped the switch last year with the Chargers. Under Jessie Minter, St-Juste flourished while running a very similar scheme to what the Packers will run next season.
Brandon Cisse was, in case you’ve been under a rock for the last week, the Packers first pick in the draft which carries a certain amount of pressure to get onto the field as soon as possible. I certainly believe Cisse is capable of contributing early on in his career, but he’ll be only 21 years old when the season kicks off. The Packers have, historically speaking, never had a problem with making a rookie earn their way onto the field. Cisse might struggle to clear his way through a crowded CB room, and that’s okay!
While the CB room is probably the only starting position that is really up for grabs, there is also plenty of discussion about a couple of backup spots, and we don’t have to look far to find our first spot. Who is going to be the backup nickel in this defense, when push comes to shove? While Javon Bullard should be the undisputed starter in the slot, there isn’t much certainty behind him. Nate Hobbs was an obvious versatile piece to slide over last season, but now that he’s playing in San Francisco, the Packers will need to come up with something new.
Keisean Nixon is an obvious name here, as the team’s former nickel starter. If Nixon is no longer starting on the outside, he’s the obvious next man up across the entire cornerback room. Even if he does end up starting on the outside, I think there’s a serious case to be made for moving Nixon into the slot anyway if Bullard goes down, then moving CB3 up to the outside spot. The Packers have made similar moves when having to reshuffle the offensive line, but it always makes me nervous to move two people to new spots instead of just making a one for one substitution.
Another name to watch in this situation could be Cisse, who has some slot experience in college and the athleticism to play at nickel. That could be a great way for the rookie to get some playing experience, should he be boxed out of a starting role.
How about the backup tight end spot? Backup behind Luke Musgrave mind you, since that will be how training camp will actually be operating without Tucker Kraft. Josh Whyle is probably the leader in the clubhouse for being the next tight end up in the rotation, but there’s absolutely nothing promised to him. I liked UDFA RJ Maryland a lot in the predraft process, and I think he’s got a great shot to be the one to extend Green Bay’s UDFA streak.
But between Whyle, Maryland, Drake Dabney and Messiah Swinson, doesn’t it just feel like the Packers could use another body there? Perhaps that’s the place where the Packers could choose to make a final addition to the roster, signing someone from the list of available FAs that includes David Njoku, WIll Dissly, and Darren Waller.
Finally, there’s a whole mess to sort out at Edge rusher. Similar to tight end, the starting positions are just waiting for the head honcho to return from injury. I’m looking forward to a (knock on wood) full healthy season from LVN, as he looks to earn an extension beyond the fifth year option he was just awarded.
If I had to guess right now, Barryn Sorrell is probably the leader in the clubhouse to have the most playing time out of the four developmental projects behind LVN. Collin Oliver should get some opportunities on true pass sets, as a pass rush specialist-only. I do wonder if he’ll be the stand-in for Parsons in certain formations / packages (remember how Micah would stand behind the NT and rush there on third downs last season? Maybe that’s a way to utilize Oliver’s speed).
It’s exciting to finally be pondering the real certainties of the Green Bay Packers, now that the hypothetical additions to the team via free agency and the draft are (barring a surprise signing) settled. Minicamps are right around the corner, and OTAs behind them. Then, we get to really dig into the meat and potatoes of what the Packers are doing.
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Co-Owner of the thirteen time world champion Green Bay Packers. Sometimes I write about them. Follow me on Twitter at https://x.com/kjones_in_co and on Substack for film breakdowns!
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Comments (50)
HarryHodag
May 04, 2026 at 07:54 am
How about the open roster spot behind Jordan Love? Ridder? McCord? You should assume Love won't make it through 17 games. Few quarterbacks do these days. With a very tight division race ahead, do you rely on a guy who washed out already? A guy who has proven nothing in the pros?
Back up running back is hardly settled. I'm not entirely sure the linebacker spots are filled. Still lots of questions for a team that is in the 'win now' mode.
dobber
May 04, 2026 at 08:42 am
Point taken, but something like 12 of the "starting" QBs last year played all 17 games. A small number played 16 games, but sat the last exhibition week. Some of those QBs started but exited, and didn't miss time after.
Several of the others starters got benched or were part of a rotating mess. So it's really hard to say how many would actually make it through the full season uninjured to play 17 games. people seem dismissive of Ridder, but he's about par for the course for a credible backup.
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 08:46 am
We relied on Willis. That worked out quite well. I don’t see Ridder as being as physically exciting, but he’s never played on a remotely good team. I don’t see why he can’t be a good number 2, even more so if we can tap his mobility a little better.
McCord was good in college. He didn’t have a great camp with the Eagles last year, which was a surprise to better informed people than me. It’s not impossible that he makes this a competition as it is. I really do not get the angst here. It’s probably, on paper, the strongest back up competition we have had in years. I’m not ignoring Drones, but his immediate upside is QB 3 and intensive development.
Guam
May 04, 2026 at 09:49 am
The Packers were fortunate last season to have one of the best if not the best backup QB in the league. And Willis will continue to be a plus for the Packers this season as he will net them a third or fourth round comp pick in the 2027 draft.
I have been highly critical of LaFleur in many areas but I have to give him his due about QB development. He helped Rogers, he has done an excellent job developing Love and did an excellent job resurrecting Willis's career. I like Ridder and McCord as the backups with LaFleur overseeing their development. Backup QB is not an area of concern for me in 2027.
golfpacker61
May 05, 2026 at 08:46 am
Good assessment on Ridder CW. I have said since he came here this would be the best team he has played on and this would be his best chance since he started for Atlanta to break out.
#1, I liked Willis from the start. All that potential but hasn't been able to put it all together. Sounds like Ridder doesn't it. Willis was a failure before we got him and he has become a great story. I hope he tears it up in Miami.
McCord has all the tools a starting NFL QB needs, but no experience or playing time yet. I would be surprised if Drones overtakes him as Drones is still very raw. I agree this is the strongest backup competition we have ever had.
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 09:14 am
At RB, given LaFleur won’t play players who can’t protect, I did not see this class as a good one, at least in the sense of potential to play significantly this year. Those who could block did not really excite me as runners.
We have Strong and Martinez. Both were on our PS last season. Both are former draft picks. Strong is fast and smaller, perhaps closer to Lloyd and better known perhaps, but I keep hearing rumors that the Packers really like Martinez.
Coming out, Martinez’s protection was his prime weakness, so it remains to be seen if that has improved. His technique was rotten despite willingness. If it has improved, he’s a legitimate contender to be a between the tackles back. He’s got soft hands, good vision, balance and breaks tackles. He’s also patient and will let blocks develop.
The one glaring hole to me is a good blocking TE. We just do not have one except perhaps Swinson, but we need competition. Perhaps they eventually sign Falayi once he can pass his physical (the whisper is that he did not). If not, we need to add one.
All we ask our TE 2 to do is block and to a man they are bad at it, visibly, statistically and in terms of consistency. If we want to use Kraft optimally that has to change. If we want to help our runners and OL, it has to change too. In fact it should be the easiest way to improve the O in one move. Yet here we are empty handed in terms of additions.
Cheezehead72
May 04, 2026 at 09:45 am
If they believe Kraft will not be ready I would be happy with them signing David Njoku. He is a good blocker and has good hands.
If they believe Lloyd will not be ready I would be happy with them signing Jamaal Williams.
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 10:06 am
Jamal hasn’t played for a year. I suppose it’s possible, but my guess is that they would go with Martinez or Strong abd/or just use Brooks rather than sign Williams as their between the tackles runner at 31. Never say never, but it seems highly unlikely. If Brooks went down, then I could see it.
Njoku would be a valid option, but cost could be a factor. How long he will be out there is anyone’s guess.
golfpacker61
May 05, 2026 at 04:10 pm
I was looking back at Pierre Strong's evaluation on NFLDRAFTBUZZ. He was 5'11 207 and ran 4.37 at the combine. His description was as follows :
Very powerful back with an ideal build for the position - able to plow through linebackers. Will not be arm tackled
Consistent performer who has produced three 1000yd plus seasons
Has good, not great top-end speed but accelerates very quickly to get there and never gets caught from behind
Very patient and waits for lanes to develop and follows his blockers with purpose
Has a natural instinct for the running game and almost seems to know where defenders are planning to go before they do. Great football intelligence
Runs without any wasted motion - and hits the hole in a flash
A classic quick-twitch player who is equally adept powering off tackle and running outside
Decent hands - quality outlet receiver
Has a nose for the end zone - has scored 35 TDs in his college career
Very quick and agile in his cuts and has the confidence in his ability to make defenders miss
Has been an effective gadget player and has thrown eight passes in his collegiate career completing them all, with 198 yards and five touchdowns
He is a strong run blocker & poor pass blocker
I think he is closer to 220 lbs now
LambeauPlain
May 04, 2026 at 10:41 am
Not too worried about back up QB. Ridder has started far more NFL games than Willis (18 vs 6). Ridder was 8-10 vs Willis 3-3 in starts. Ridder has great size, 4.5 speed and fairly decent NFL stats. I think barring injury, he's a lock for back up.
I am looking to Pierre Strong to make a camp statement to make the 53...especially if the brittle Lloyd breaks again.
Every NFL team has questions, but the Packers rooms are well stocked. Even at LB, assuming Hopper shows he's ready for the rotation.
Brewcity_BearsFan
May 04, 2026 at 03:34 pm
Well, Ridder is now a FA, and Tyrod Taylor is the back up. His signing would seem to cement that position.
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 04:50 pm
Taylor will need to stay healthy. It’s not been his strong suit.
Brewcity_BearsFan
May 04, 2026 at 05:42 pm
Agreed. However, he does seem to start a few games each season.
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 06:10 pm
I’m half expecting to hear that Ridder has an NFI. I don’t see such difference between the two given the age difference as to explain not even giving Ridder a summer run. I suppose he could have pissed someone off along the way.
LambeauPlain
May 04, 2026 at 10:18 pm
Thanks for the update...I missed that.
golfpacker61
May 05, 2026 at 08:51 am
Yes LP, I would love to see Pierre Strong and Martinez get fair shots at the RB2 spot. Strong looks perfect for the role, he just needs a chance. Blocking is a weakness for all "star" college RBs because they are not asked to do it.
dobber
May 04, 2026 at 07:57 am
"Cisse might struggle to clear his way through a crowded CB room, and that’s okay! "
The last couple years, when depth and injuries took its toll on the CBs and the S position was stronger, Hafley leaned into the S room to cover the slot. The rotation at CB was pretty shallow in '25: if you take the JV game against the Vikings out of the equation, the Packers only really played Nixon, Valentine, and Hobbs (when he wasn't hurt). Thankfully, they didn't need to go deeper than that because there was nothing there.
I'd argue that the CB room looks much better than it did just a few months ago, and the Packers will need to figure out in PS just who is their best--I'd expect the "hands-off" Valentine to slide, and I really like St. Juste in this scenario. There will be some pretty steep churn next off-season, too, so adding two young bodies and a returning FA helps. Jackson looks like a prototypical gunner, and I think that's his role beyond CB5 for now as he adjusts to the NFL. This could push Melton off the roster.
"But between Whyle, Maryland, Drake Dabney and Messiah Swinson, doesn’t it just feel like the Packers could use another body there?"
In a word: YES. As 2 and 3 TE sets have become more popular, I really wanted to see them add someone who could play in place of Kinnard in heavy sets. They like Whyle, and while he and Swinson are big dudes, neither is really a Y-type. Musgrave isn't a good in-line blocker, but he's not a total liability and is the best they have behind Kraft. They're going to have to pay Kraft, and they need to reduce his blocking responsibilities, get him away from the trash at the LOS, and allow him to run more routes. Otherwise they're throwing away their $$$.
"If I had to guess right now, Barryn Sorrell is probably the leader in the clubhouse to have the most playing time out of the four developmental projects behind LVN. "
This sounds right: I would expect Sorrell and LVN to be the starters out of the gate and as they ease Parsons back onto the field. It's possible that Brooks gets some run on the edge in heavier sets. They need to stay healthy here until they can add #1 back into the rotation. The rotation might not be set yet, but I don't think there's a lot of mystery regarding who's going to make the 53 (barring injury).
Don't forget the OL: I think the only "for certain" spot on the 53 beyond the starting 5 is Kinnard, and I think even he could miss out. After that? Burton probably has an inside track based on being a fresh draft pick, and Glover showed well last year in camp before he got hurt, but I think it's a total--and somewhat scary--hodge podge of guys. The OL depth might look worse (or at least, more unproven) at this point than it has in a long time. I suspect that if the Packers' season goes sideways, this is most likely where it happens.
If they've guessed right on Morgan and Rhyan, the starters should be good. I'm less concerned about Tom than most. I think Belton gets meaningfully better now that he can actually practice at G (assuming they leave him there). As it looks in May, they must stay healthy, and they need a guy who can back up LT...and not Tom.
So, barring injuries, it looks like a couple backup OL spots are open. They likely need a 4th TE. They're still looking for a RB (assuming Lloyd is MIA). The S and CB rooms look pretty well set. What they do at off-ball LB will depend wholly on whether they decide to keep Niemann or Welch (or both) to support STs. Unless they add a QB, I expect Ridder to win the backup QB spot.
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 08:37 am
Cisse shouldn’t struggle to be active at least. If Valentine hasn’t grasped the tackling thorn, he probably starts as the most capable cover man.
Jackson is a lot more interesting as far as this summer goes in the sense that a year ago he was being touted as a first or second round talent. Will he put it together? I think his willingness to tackle gives him a real chance to be active on game day (ignoring STs), especially if he can show progress on his angles. Assuming he performs well during the summer, of course.
With St. Juste we have 3 new CBs who are more athletic and willing to tackle, taken together, than either starter in the playoffs. That potentially also adds options to who may play in multi back groupings, as you suggest.
To some extent, the immediate prospects of both Cisse and Jackson depend on what coverage philosophies Gannon wants to adopt. Rumor has it that he is actually going to speak today. Perhaps he will even say something!
Guam
May 04, 2026 at 09:14 am
Strongly concur on the OL and TE groups Dobber.
Kinnard is their only proven OL depth. Glover and Burton are interesting prospects at this point. Monk and the rest of the depth players have shown little to date in their careers and shouldn't be counted on for the 53. Since the Packers normally carry 9-10 OL on their active roster, the Packer are still 1-2 bodies short of a complete unit. Gute would be well served to do some veteran shopping, particularly at tackle as Kinnard is a better IOL than T.
The Packers have zero good blocking TEs which is why they used Kinnard as their blocking TE last year. It would be better to have a good blocking TE that could occasionally threaten a defense by catching a pass once and a while.
This is not a finished roster yet and if a doddering old fan like myself can see it, I'm sure Gute is also well aware and working on solutions as he has some cap room available.
Cheezehead72
May 04, 2026 at 10:08 am
The Packers have two very good blocking TEs but they were both hurt. Kraft and Fitzpatrick are their blocking TEs.
Guam
May 04, 2026 at 10:20 am
I was talking about a replacement for Kinnard and was excluding Kraft from the discussion despite the fact he is a very good blocker - he is not a just Y TE, but an excellent receiver as well. We will disagree about Fitz. I don't believe he is a true Y TE.
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 10:24 am
Fitzgerald is not a very good blocking TE. He’s better than the rest not named Kraft, but still sub par. Kraft is, but we need to expand his role as a weapon. That means less snaps as a pure blocker and less chipping and drifting out routes because we have no other close to as good at that.
Swisch
May 04, 2026 at 05:14 pm
I'm not sensing a lot of enthusiasm for our newly drafted center out of Kentucky, Burton, or for our undrafted free agent out of Illinois, Gesky.
Are they not ready to be even solid backups for the offensive line?
dobber
May 04, 2026 at 08:45 pm
"Are they not ready to be even solid backups for the offensive line?"
Only time will tell, but I suspect--ready or not--Burton will be thrust into that game day IOL backup role and Monk will be given his walking papers.
Leatherhead
May 04, 2026 at 11:38 am
""I'd argue that the CB room looks much better than it did just a few months ago""
The CBs who will start, and play, will be the ones that stay healthy, and this is where both Valentine and NIxon have proven their reliability. For the last two seasons they've been the starting corners on an above average defense. Before Parsons and Wyatt went down, we held most opponents to 20 or less.
Now, if you don't play in exhibitions, like our putative starters, then it also shifts the injury odds in favor of the incumbents. So St. Juste is going to have to out-perform in practice AND play in exhibitions. And not twist an ankle or pull a groin. This is, as they say, a tough row to hoe.
"If they've guessed right on Morgan and Rhyan, the starters should be good.
""
Most of us agree with that. The trouble is, our starters aren't the guys who are on the field during the stretch run and playoffs. Was either Jenkins or Tom on the field for us at the end of the season? The previous season? The previous season? Hell, let's go back to the days of Bakhtiari, it doesn't make any difference. The five guys that we have on the line at the end are never the five we had at the beginning. IMO, you need backups who are starter-quality. I don't think any of the current backup candidates meet that criteria.
golfpacker61
May 05, 2026 at 09:04 am
I can't just give the starting Edge nod to Sorrell at this point. He was a 4th round pick just like DDS, although DDS was ranked higher. Based on college stats, DDS had a more productive career and more sacks in the last 2 years than Sorrell had in 40 games. I would give the advantage to DDS to start, and if LVN doesn't produce he will be looking over his shoulder when Parsons gets back.
GregC
May 04, 2026 at 09:00 am
I would not be floored if Brandon McManus is the kicker on day one. All that needs to happen is for him to have a decent camp and Smack to have a terrible camp. Stuff like this happens all the time. I think Smack will probably be okay, though, and if he is, he will get the job regardless of what McManus does.
The CB room will be fascinating. Brandon Cisse could be a starter on day one, or he could be the #4 outside CB and barely see the field. I don't think the coaches would Bo Melton him, though. He will be out there at least some of the time. I like the idea of giving him the chance to be the backup slot CB. Kalani makes a good point about how having a new DC with a different coverage system opens up the competition.
Guam
May 04, 2026 at 09:32 am
You never know what is going to happen with kickers, but I am rooting for Smack. McManus is inconsistent and lacking a deep leg which are serious dings given that he is also expensive. I think Smack wins a tie as the Packers could use McManus's cap money elsewhere, like backup OL or blocking TE.
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 09:34 am
Other positions have already been discussed (CB, TE, RB and OL most notably). I think WR is interesting too. Reed, Watson, Golden will start almost certainly.
Williams is going nowhere, but then we have Shepherd whom they seem to really like (injury deprived us of a chance to see him against the Vikings). He would back up the Doubs spot.
We also have 2 incredibly athletic types in Neyor and Sturdivant. Neyor only arrived right at the end of camp and played only 3 snaps, in the playoff game behind Watson. Sturdivant is a rookie. If either of those break out their athleticism makes them very hard not to roster. The 2 highest RAS WRs we’ve ever had. Both block well too. Maryland may also add himself to that equation.
Then there is Moore. Perhaps he’s an afterthought offensively, but one never knows. He is probably the best chance of a competent returner, alongside perhaps Jaden Nixon. Is whichever wins just +1 to his nominal positional group?
We probably keep 5 or 6 WRs. If we keep 7 it’s almost certainly with Moore. 4 of those are locks assuming health. Who of Shepherd, Neyor and Sturdivant forces there way on through play? My guess is that the 5th is Shepherd and then it is wide open as to if they keep 6 and who that is and whether that’s Moore or he is a +1.
golfpacker61
May 05, 2026 at 09:10 am
I would love to see a return to form for Skyy Moore. The dude has talent that just hasn't been scratched. If I would have had to make a choice coming out of college between Moore and Reed, it would have easily been Moore. He showed so much more promise at that point. The Chiefs really haven't done well at WR since they lost their big play mosquito to the Dolphins. You would think KC would be WR heaven with Mahomes throwing the ball, but it hasn't been.
PackEyedOptimist
May 04, 2026 at 09:46 am
I really enjoy the "Lindys Sports" DRAFT and PRO FOOTBALL issues every year.
One thing I like to do after the draft is see where Lindys had our guys rated in the fall, Pro Football issue.
For instance, this year, Domani Jackson was their #10 CB, and Brandon Cisse didn't make their top 20 list.
DDS was their #4 EDGE.
And best of all, RJ Maryland was their #3 TE!
Jager Burton and Chris McClellan didn't make either top 20 list.
It's amazing how different the ratings are just 10 months apart.
Cheezehead72
May 04, 2026 at 09:49 am
The key to any defense when it comes to the DBs is communication but when you play quarters communication is extremely important. We need the best players playing as DBs but we also need smart players that can communicate. Preparation is going to be most important.
PackEyedOptimist
May 04, 2026 at 09:55 am
I agree Kalani, people are sleeping on St Juste. I predict he'll be one of the starters.
One unknown is what SORT of players this new defense/coordinator is going to prefer.
For instance, LVN is not a traditional OLB in a 3-4 (He's sort of like Aaron Kampman in that way). Barryn Sorrel, meanwhile, is very similar to Clay Matthews, and could easily thrive in that role.
If we truly do a 3-4 (and I don't think we WILL, I think it will not be a "pure" anything) it will be interesting to see who plays what roles. The fact that we selected McClellan over Orange tells me it isn't going to be a 5T-NT-5T style "3." I'm expecting a lot more movement from the front 7, with lots of stunts. If they stay healthy, it will be fun to watch.
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 10:51 am
Gannon is supposedly talking to the media today. We might even get a useful insight or two
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 04:54 pm
Not much insight. Refused to be drawn on front or coverage style. Just stated that his goal is to aggressively hit and go after getting the ball back to Love. If that actually transpires, that would be a huge break from the bend-and-don’t-break trends of all of his CB predecessors under LaFleur. It would also be a huge breath of fresh air for this commenter. Let us hope the words are prophetic.
dobber
May 04, 2026 at 08:54 pm
I like that he said he's crafting his defense now, and isn't bringing a predetermined scheme...that they need to be able to fit the defense to the players, and not the other way around. We'll see what that really turns out to mean, and just about every coordinator talks about taking advantage of his players.
I don't put a lot of stock in pressers, but still--this one was about as reassuring as one can be in May.
Oppy
May 04, 2026 at 10:35 pm
My primary take away is that our new D-Co looks and sounds like a young Bill Paxton.
Game over, Man!!
dobber
May 05, 2026 at 08:25 am
How 'bout a nice greasy pork sandwich served in a dirty ashtray?
Oppy
May 05, 2026 at 04:05 pm
It still disarms me a bit that he’s passed away.
BuckyBadger
May 04, 2026 at 09:59 am
Gute has stated all along that this draft is for depth and with only 6 picks and no 1st rounder in a draft that many consider to be a weak class we have to believe him. The roster will have to improve by young players stepping up.
I think camp will be interesting this year for obsessive fans (you know, those of us that post hear on our spare time). There lots of questions of depth in a lot of areas.
1) These are in no order but WR is going to be important this camp. I think the loss of Doubs is worrisome for Love how liked to rely on him. Will Golden step up and be that X WR who can be relied on to run his route correctly and win the trust of Love? When Watson is healthy he is great but we know that is not something to bet on. Will Savion take a step in year 2 to provide some depth? I am interested to see how this all shakes out.
2) K. McManus has been a pretty good kicker how had a bad game at the wrong time. His over all percentage is not great as he has had some bad years before and only one year over 90%. Shank has a leg and appears to approach his craft like a pro, may the best man win.
3) CB. This room is wide open and no one should feel comfortable about their spot. No one has proved anything and everyone needs to impress.
4) OL. This room underperformed last year. The tackle spots are probably settled but the IL spots I think will see some movement.
5) DL. Here is just can the rookie McClellan provide some depth in year 1? I wouldn't count on it but to have a healthy rotation at DL they might need it.
LambeauPlain
May 04, 2026 at 10:29 am
Kicker....only comment is Smack is a great name for the Packer kicker. "Shank" is a terrible name.
The WR room does not look to be a concern from a talent standpoint. How they will be employed by the coaches will be. Love has some studs to throw to.
The DL room needs 2 -3 players on the field selected from Wyatt, Hargrave, McClellan, Brooks, Brinson, Stackhouse, Ford, and 3-4 others. Should be fine.
The OL is still a concern because the BEST 5 are still waiting to be introduced to be a consistent, cohesive unit. Can Stenovich and Butkus mold them into a cohesive unit? Still waiting after several years.
CB room is going to have a different depth chart this year.
HawkPacker
May 04, 2026 at 11:53 am
'CB room is going to have a different depth chart this year.'
And hopefully at least one different starter!
dobber
May 04, 2026 at 09:10 pm
"The DL room needs 2 -3 players on the field selected from Wyatt, Hargrave, McClellan, Brooks, Brinson, Stackhouse, Ford, and 3-4 others. Should be fine."
Essentially, they subtracted Wooden and added Hargrave and McClellan. Wyatt should be fully recovered from his injury, and they won't be relying on Brooks on running downs. Prior to Wyatt's injury, this defense played pretty well both pass and run...I think this will be a better group than people give credit.
LambeauPlain
May 04, 2026 at 10:10 am
The Claypool experiment is quickly over, and most likely his NFL career ended after the Packer tryout. NFL players flame out all the time (see Alexander the Occasional).
With the expectation the predominant Packer pass D to be a quarters scheme (ironically more a Hafley "read and react" emphasis") vs Hafley's 3 deep, I see Valentine's starting role in the most jeopardy. Quarters will also alleviate seeing a LB (mostly Walker last year) having to cover a WR flying through his zone.
With quarters, Valentine will need to start his rep in zone (a weakness), quickly resort to man (a strength) and make the tackle if completed (a weakness). Nixon can do all three (if he wants to). Cisse can too...as can St. Juste. Jackson may challenge for snaps in quarters too. He's solid in read and react and unlike Valentine, is a willing tackler although the knock is he takes bad angles at times.
Plenty of options for the new Packer DB coach brain trust to explore in camp. The CB room is going to have a very different depth chart. Safety room is ready to plug and play.
Maybe Gannon is also ready to speak to the public about his vision for the Defense.
stockholder
May 04, 2026 at 10:15 am
The more battles-
The more this will look like a PS.
Was RB addressed?
Was a blocking TE taken?
Is there enough Back -up on the OL.?
Are the New CBs better?
Loves' back-up.
Etc.Etc. Etc.
This isn't MLF fault.
Coldworld
May 04, 2026 at 10:58 am
The more genuine battles the better if you ask me. What matters is play not draft position or crushes. Real battles proliferating means real depth. What we need is to see some players get better season on season and getting them in the best positions to succeed and contribute. That is very definitely on MLF and we have been rank at it. Winning teams get better internally.
stockholder
May 04, 2026 at 02:18 pm
This is not adequately replacement
PhantomII
May 05, 2026 at 05:27 am
4-OL spots...1-TE2, 1-RB2 , 1 or 2 DL spots , 2 CB, QB2 , Kicker ....That's for Starters....backups are another thing.
golfpacker61
May 05, 2026 at 09:19 am
Backup blocking TE box-not checked. I haven't read any Dallas Cowboys-Luke Schoonmaker release/trade news today. He seems like a much better option than Musgrave. Maybe R J Maryland makes Musgrave a trade possibility anyway, he is faster and a better pass catching option for sure, which is all Musgrave does. It's past time to upgrade.
Backup RB-not checked. I just read an interesting article about the Seahawks now having way too many RBs after taking the Notre Dame RB in round one of the draft. They also signed the Falcons FA RB who is very good. Emmanuel Wilson might not be needed after all and could be waived. I wonder if GB would consider bringing him back? He only got $1.5 million from Seattle. I think that would be a cheap home run signing.
What else do we need? More OL depth for sure. Maybe another vet CB would be nice insurance.
Schoonmaker and Wilson would be cheap fixes for the blocking TE and RB2 roles. Upgrades really. I guess we will see how both scenarios play out for them. Wilson is a wait and see option, but if I was Gutey I would be on the phone with Dallas offering Musgrave for Schoonmaker strait up, or I would offer a 2027 7th round pick for him. It would not take much to pry him loose as he is #3 on the depth chart and Dallas added 2 more TEs in the draft and after.
golfpacker61
May 06, 2026 at 09:13 am
"I haven't read any Dallas Cowboys-Luke Schoonmaker release/trade news today."
Well I was wrong. Another story about Dallas cutting or trading Schoonmaker yesterday afternoon on Cowboys Yardbarker. Michael Trigg-TE-Baylor is really wowing the Cowboys already and predicted to take Schoonmakers spot.
Schoonmaker is the guy we want, great blocker and decent hands. Get on the phone Gutey.