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Forbes
3 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
The Green Bay Packers Have Tough Roster Decisions Ahead
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst will have some tough decisions when assembling the ... More 53-man roster. During Don Shula's first training camp with the Miami Dolphins in 1970, he implemented a four-a-day practice schedule. Yes, four-a-days. When Mike Sherman took over as Green Bay's coach in 2000, he held 51 practices his first summer. This year, Packers coach Matt LaFleur has 16 scheduled practices, and will likely have a couple of walkthroughs. The NFL world has changed dramatically in the last generation or two. And today's training camps are far softer and gentler than the ones of yesteryear. With so little time on the practice field, it's also tough for general managers like Green Bay's Brian Gutekunst to assemble a 53-man roster. 'Yeah, it's different,' said the 52-year old Gutekunst, who's been with the Packers since 1999. 'I think there's enough opportunities between now and when we have to make those decisions, but they've dwindled. You know, there's not as many.' Piecing together the roster will be Gutekunst's No. 1 task between now and Aug. 26, when teams must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players. Here's an early prediction of how the Packers' roster will look when they host Detroit in their season opener on Sept. (2) Keep: Jordan Love, Malik Willis. Cut: Sean Clifford, Taylor Elgersma. Analysis: There doesn't figure to be much drama here. Love is coming off an injury-plagued season where he threw 25 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and had a 96.7 passer rating. If the Packers are going to compete for a championship, Love needs to move from good to great. 'He's right where we need him to be,' Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said of Love. 'Really excited for what he's going do for our football team this year.' Willis helped save the Packers' season last year going 2-0 in a pair of starts and rallying Green Bay past Jacksonville after Love left early in the third quarter. Willis finished the year completing 40-of-54 passes (74.1%) with three touchdowns and no interceptions. 'I can't emphasize how difficult of a situation he was put in a year ago in terms of being here less than three weeks and having to go start a football game,' LaFleur said of Willis. 'So to have a year under his belt, I think, I think will be extremely beneficial for him.' Clifford spent 2024 on the practice squad, but his time might be over. Elgersma, who was signed after rookie minicamp, could be a candidate for the practice Backs (4) Keep: Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Emanuel Wilson, Chris Brooks. Cut: Amar Johnson, Jalen White, Israel Abanikanda. Analysis: The Packers traditionally keep three players here, so we're going against the grain. But this is undoubtedly one of the better positional groups on the team. Jacobs, who finished sixth in the NFL in rushing yards last season (1,329) and had 16 total touchdowns, is one of the best in the game. Lloyd, a third round pick in 2024 who missed most of his rookie year due to injury, has flashed his 4.44 speed early in camp and will have a role if healthy. 'I think my speed is something they can use a lot,' Lloyd said. 'I think I have a specific skill set that the team likes.' Wilson ran for 502 yards last year and had five total touchdowns. And Brooks is certainly an NFL-caliber back who blocks every bit as well as he runs. Gutekunst could certainly cut either Brooks or Wilson, but the guess is he'll keep them both. Johnson is a prime candidate for the practice (6) Keep: Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Dontayvion Wicks, Mecole Hardman. Cut: Malik Heath, Julian Hicks, Cornelius Johnson, Sam Brown Jr., Will Sheppard. PUP list: Christian Watson (ACL). Analysis: This group will look dramatically different than a year ago with the additions of Golden and Williams in the draft, and potentially Hardman in free agency. Reed, Doubs and Wicks — three of last year's top four — all need to be better. Reed led the Packers in receptions (55) and yards (857) last year, but struggled with drops. Wicks led the team in targets (76), but was just fourth in receptions (39) and had the second-worst catch rate in football among wideouts (51.3%). The moody Doubs, who went AWOL and was suspended for a Week 5 game vs. the Rams, also suffered two concussions. He now faces a critical season in a contract year. Golden, the Packers' first round draft pick, has flashed early in camp. His 4.29 speed is simply different and his after-the-catch potential is tantalizing. 'He's going to be a speed threat right away,' Gutekunst said of Golden. 'He is one of those guys that covering him from a man perspective is going to be extremely tough on teams.' Williams is raw, but has rare size (6-4, 222) and could become a bigger factor as the year goes on. The final spot will likely come down to Hardman — a free agent signing in March — or Heath, a physical blocker who had just 10 catches last year. The bet here is on Hardman, who has 178 career catches, a Super Bowl ring and is still just Ends (3) Keep: Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Ben Sims. Cut: John FitzPatrick, Messiah Swinson, Johnny Lumpkin. Analysis: If you play fantasy football like much of the country, here's a little tip: be sure to get Tucker Kraft on your team. This could be Kraft's breakout year, following a season where he posted solid numbers (50 catches, 707 yards, seven TDs). He's been even better this summer and could lead Green Bay in many pass catching categories. 'I think he's just scratching the surface of what he's going to become,' Packers coach Matt LaFleur said of Kraft. 'And certainly we got to do a good job of giving him opportunities.' Musgrave, a second round draft pick in 2023, has missed 16 of a possible 34 games and needs to impress. Sims vs. FitzPatrick will be the toughest decision here. Sims is the better special teams player, though, giving him a leg up. Swinson is an intriguing player likely headed to the practice Line (9) Keep: LT Rasheed Walker, LG Aaron Banks, C Elgton Jenkins, RG Sean Rhyan, RT Zach Tom, T/G Jordan Morgan, T/G Anthony Belton, C/G Jacob Monk, T/G Kadeem Telfort. Cut: T/G Travis Glover, G/T John Williams, G Donovan Jennings, C Trey Hill, T Brant Banks, G Tyler Cooper, G J.J. Lippe. Analysis: This is a deep group and the Packers could certainly keep 10 here. Things will become much clearer once Jenkins — who is unhappy with his current contract is currently sidelined with a back injury — begins practicing. A potential starting five of Walker, Banks, Jenkins, Rhyan and Tom should form one of the better lines in football. Morgan, who is battling Walker for the left tackle job, and rookie second round pick Belton would provide terrific depth. Monk, a fifth round draft pick in 2024, could still be Green Bay's center of tomorrow. The massive Telfort (6-7, 322) didn't play from scrimmage last year, but contributed on special teams. Glover was abysmal when forced into duty in the Packers' playoff loss to Philadelphia. Jennings spent last year on the practice squad, and could move up with an impressive camp. Williams, a seventh round draft pick, is on the PUP list (back) and could be headed to the practice Ends (6) Keep: Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox, Arron Mosby. Cut: Collin Oliver, Deslin Alexandre. Analysis: The Packers could choose to keep just five here, but after a season of inconsistency with the group, we're guessing they'll give themselves plenty of options. The top three of Gary, Van Ness and Enagbare are set. Gary had 7.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and was named to his first Pro Bowl last season. Van Ness, a first round draft pick in 2023, has a lot to prove after a disappointing 2024 campaign (three sacks, six TFLs) that saw him hampered with a broken thumb. Enagbare is often overlooked, but had 4.5 sacks and forced two fumbles last year. Sorrell, a fourth round pick in April, has rushed some from the inside to begin camp and could provide some much-needed juice. Cox had four sacks in just seven games after the Packers traded Preston Smith last season. Mosby played 150 snaps in 16 games last year and will be squarely on the bubble. The undersized Oliver, a fifth round draft pick in April, is on the PUP list with a hamstring injury. Green Bay could try sneaking him onto the practice Tackles (5) Keep: Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, Warren Brinson. Cut: Nazir Stackhouse, James Ester, Keith Randolph. Analysis: Clark hopes to rebound from a down year where he was plagued by a foot injury and had just one sack and five quarterback hits. 'It was tough man,' Clark said. 'It was a tough year for me.' Wyatt finished second on the team in sacks (5.0), quarterback hits (9.0) and tackles for loss (9.0) last season, despite missing three games with an ankle injury. Wyatt's snaps should go up with T.J. Slaton now in Cincinnati, and he could be poised for a breakout season. 'My standard is really high,' Wyatt said. 'I want to be one of the top defensive linemen in the league. That's the biggest key for me, just staying healthy man.' Brooks and Wooden, who both came in the 2023 draft, have been solid backups. The toughest decision figures to be Brinson vs. Stackhouse. Give Brinson the edge, though, since he was drafted in the sixth round in April and could likely provide more help on special (5) Veterans: Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, Isaiah Simmons. Cut: Kristian Welch, Jamon Johnson. Analysis: This is one of the deepest groups on the roster, so don't rule out a trade if the Packers need help somewhere else. Cooper, who led all NFL linebackers and all rookies with 13 tackles for loss in 2024, seems ready for stardom. Walker has led the Packers in tackles each of his first three seasons, but the team opted not to pick up his fifth-year option. McDuffie, who re-signed with Green Bay for two years, $8 million this offseason, had a career-best 94 tackles last year. The player to watch closely is Simmons, the 10th overall pick in the 2020 draft who had disappointing stints in Arizona and with the New York Giants. Simmons has rare athleticism, though, and could carve out a role for himself. 'I mean, you see him,' LaFleur said of Simmons. 'There's a reason he was a top-10 pick. He's got all the measurables, and it's just getting him acclimated with our system and knowing what he can do and try to put him in some advantageous positions where he can really showcase his talent.' Hopper, a third round pick in 2024, should be ready for more after posting just five tackles as a rookie. Welch, a special teams standout, is plenty good enough to play in the league. It just might be somewhere (5) Veterans: Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, Carrington Valentine, Bo Melton, Micah Robinson. Cut: Kalen King, Isaiah Dunn, Gregory Junior, Kamal Hadden, Johnathan Baldwin, Tyron Herring, Garnett Hollis. Analysis: This group could use some help. The Packers should be OK with their top three of Nixon, Hobbs and Valentine. Nixon was the only defensive back in football and one of just five players to have three-plus sacks, three-plus forced fumbles and an interception last year. While he's not a true No. 1 corner, he's as feisty as they come and appears to still be ascending in Year 7. Hobbs, a free agent signing in March, has been better than advertised early in camp. Hobbs was primarily the slot corner in Las Vegas, but looks like a keeper on the perimeter. 'I've given myself an opportunity to come in and be the best version of myself,' Hobbs said. 'There's expectations, but it's a clear start.' Valentine started the final seven games for an injured Jaire Alexander last season and played well. He finished the season with two interceptions, two forced fumbles and five passes defensed. The Packers have moved Melton from wide receiver to cornerback. And while a positional change typically is a death knell for a veteran player, Melton might have a shot to make this work. Melton ran a 4.34 40-yard dash coming out of Rutgers. His vertical jump was 38-inches, his broad jump was 10-1, and he's impressed early in training camp. 'He's one of those guys that, from the time we scouted him coming out of college, we thought he had that kind of ability,' Gutekunst said of Melton playing cornerback. 'When we brought him here, it was something we had in the back of our minds, that hey, this might be something we could do with Bo.' Robinson was a seventh round draft pick in April and King was a seventh rounder in 2024. The preseason games and joint practices will go a long ways in determining if they stay or go. Also, don't be surprised if Gutekunst makes a trade here or finds another corner off the waiver (5) Keep: Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Zayne Anderson, Kitan Oladapo. Cut: Omar Brown, Kahzir Brown. Analysis: Things are pretty cut and dried here. McKinney (eight interceptions in 2024) is among the best in the game. Williams is an emerging player who was named to the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie team after an impressive first season. 'There were moments last year where I felt confident in my play and I was making plays on the field,' Williams said. 'But it's just being able to do that consistently. If you can't do it consistently it really doesn't matter.' Bullard had an up and down rookie year, but looks like the front-runner to win the nickel job. Anderson is an extremely reliable veteran and a special teams standout. Oladapo had a quiet rookie season, but has upside. Brown, who was undrafted, is a good bet for the practice (3) Keep: K Brandon McManus, P Daniel Whelan, LS Matt Orzech. Cut: K Mark McNamee Analysis: This positional group is about as close to settled as you'll find in July. McManus saved Green Bay's kicking game last season after replacing Brayden Narveson in mid-October. McManus made 20-of-21 field goals during the regular season (95.2%), the best percentage of his 11-year career and the second-best in team history. He also made all 30 of his extra points. Whelan ranked 26th in both gross (46.1) and net yardage (40.2), but is the only punter in camp. Orzech is steady and it doesn't appear as he'll be challenged this summer.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
You're invited to Journal Sentinel event breaking down Green Bay Packers 2025 season
What are the expectations for the Green Bay Packers heading into the 2025 season? 'I think it's time we started competing for championships,' is how General Manager Brian Gutekunst put it after a season-ending playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in January. Pete Dougherty highlighted that quote in a recent column outlining 5 story lines to watch as the NFL season gets underway in September. Dougherty's analysis is just one part of the news and commentary from our deep and experienced team of journalists from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press-Gazette covering the Packers, including Tom Silverstein, Ryan Wood and Dominique Yates. Will the Packers match those expectations? That question is sure to be top of mind at out latest edition of 'Inside the Journal Sentinel' as we bring our coverage team together to answer your questions. Register here: Space is limited, get your Inside the Journal Sentinel tickets The Journal Sentinel's Kristin Brey will moderate a short discussion with our Packers team and then open it up to your questions. We're also very excited to hold this event in the Deer District at The New Fashioned, where our hosts will have a full bar and menu available for you to purchase food and beverage during the event. Details for 'Inside the Journal Sentinel' event on Green Bay Packers When: Thursday, Sept. 4, 5 to 7 p.m. Where: The New Fashioned, 1122 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., in Milwaukee's Deer District. Sign-up: Get free event tickets at // Seats are limited, so sign up early to guarantee your spot! Food and drink: Can be purchased at The New Fashioned. Greg Borowski is executive editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. You can follow him on Twitter @GregJBorowski and reach him at: This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Packers coverage team will take your questions on 2025 season at event
Reuters
7 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Packers move Bo Melton from WR to CB for training camp
July 23 - The Green Bay Packers are shifting Bo Melton from wide receiver to cornerback during training camp to see what he can do in the defensive secondary. Melton, 26, made eight receptions on 17 targets for 91 yards in 17 games as a second-year reserve last season, and has 24 career catches for 309 yards and one score in 22 games (one start). He has also caught three passes for 42 yards and one touchdown in three career playoff games. "Bo is going to spend most of his time at corner," Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said at a press conference on Wednesday. "We know what he can do for us as a receiver and on special teams. He's been an important part of our football team the last couple of years. We're excited to see what he might be able to do at corner on defense. "I think we switched his number to 16 because that looks a little bit better than the 80 he was running out there at camp," Gutekunst continued. "He'll spend most of his time, especially these first three or four weeks, at corner." Melton also is a gunner on special teams, and the team began to try him at cornerback during the offseason workout program. The Seattle Seahawks selected Melton in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Rutgers, where he played 56 games at receiver and had 164 catches for 2,011 yards and 11 touchdowns from 2017-21. His brother, Max Melton, 23, was a cornerback at Rutgers who plays for the Arizona Cardinals. "When (the change) was brought to my attention, I started working a little more, working with some DB trainers, and I feel like I'm good with the movements," Bo Melton said. "I just have to keep indulging in the playbook." Melton leaves a crowded wide receivers room headed by veterans Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, the latter of whom is recovering from an ACL tear. The Packers went against their history and selected a wide receiver in the first round, speedster Matthew Golden, as well as third-round pick Savion Williams. Green Bay also signed seventh-year pro Mecole Hardman, 27, a three-time Super Bowl champion with Kansas City (2019, 2022-23). Among the veteran cornerbacks on the Packers are Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine and Nate Hobbs. Green Bay released two-time All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander on June 9 amid a contentious relationship between the two parties. The Packers were seeking to restructure his contract, frustrated over his lack of availability. Alexander, 28, appeared in just 14 games over the past two seasons combined. Alexander signed with the Baltimore Ravens on June 18. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Quay Walker comes off of Packers' PUP list
Linebacker Quay Walker's stay on the Packers' physically unable to perform list turned out to be shorter than expected. General Manager Brian Gutekunst said on Wednesday morning that he thought Walker was about a week away from practicing as he continues to recover from an offseason ankle cleanup surgery, but he's set to be on the field sooner than that. The NFL's Wednesday transaction report shows that Walker passed his physical. Walker is in the final year of his rookie deal after the Packers opted not to exercise their option on his contract for the 2025 season. There have been talks about a contract extension, however, and good health should help Walker's bid for a new deal. Defensive back Micah Robinson also passed his physical on Wednesday.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Recapping the first day of Green Bay Packers training camp
The Green Bay Packers opened up training camp in 2025 with a short practice at Ray Nitschke Field on Wednesday. General manager Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur both answered questions from the media before practice, and then LaFleur's team practiced for roughly an hour and a half. Players were available in the team's updated locker room following practice. Recapping Day 1 of Packers training camp: Injury updates Center Elgton Jenkins is nursing a legitimate back injury, linebacker Quay Walker is recovering from offseason ankle injury, receiver Christian Watson "looks great" but will not practice during training camp, fifth-round pick Collin Oliver will miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury and seventh-round pick John Williams has a potentially significant back injury. Update: Walker and seventh-round pick Micah Robinson passed their physicals and were removed from the PUP list on Wednesday. Big things to know Per the Packers, Jenkins has a real injury and isn't just holding out for a new contract before participating. Brian Gutekunst said the team expects Jenkins to practice once healthy. Bo Melton, who previously played wide receiver, is officially moving to cornerback. The Packers will have him focus on cornerback during training camp. He's also getting a new number, switching from No. 80 to No. 16. The Packers official roster now lists him as a cornerback. The Packers are holding a legitimate competition at left tackle between Rasheed Walker and Jordan Morgan, but even Gutekunst admitted it will be difficult for Morgan to overcome Walker's experience and reliability advantages during training camp. Morgan will also cross-train at guard, giving him a shot to start at right guard. First-round pick Matthew Golden caught a touchdown pass during his first training camp practice. He beat Carrington Valentine on an in-breaking route for an 8-yard score from Malik Willis. All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney picked off Jordan Love during a red zone team period. The Packers returned former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who is going to assist the defense in an advisory role, similar to how Robert Saleh advised the offense last year. The hope is having an offensive perspective will help Jeff Hafley's defense prepare and adjust. Without Jenkins available, Sean Rhyan got the first crack to play center. Jacob Monk is also getting more opportunities at center No need to worry about another erratic kicking competition this summer. Veteran Brandon McManus made six of his kicks to open training camp. The offense was declared the "winner" of the practice, so the defense did pushups. Brian Gutekunst press conference Matt LaFleur press conference Jordan Love press conference What's next? The Packers return to the practice field on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. for the second of three consecutive days of practices to start training camp. This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Recapping the first day of Green Bay Packers training camp
