Packers 2025 preseason

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I am not too excited about the Packers but not necessarily because I think they will be bad. They just didn't do a whole lot to excite anyone and they were mostly the same level of team the last two seasons. The big acquisition is Golden. He looks good, but he is what he is, and I am not sure expecting him to be the spark plug that puts us at the next tier is fair.

Most of the time, I feel I can peg what the Packers are during preseason. I have usually been able to predict when they won't make the playoffs, what tier they are in, give or take a few games, and barring when they have serious injuries in-season. 

This year, I really do not know what to expect. I could see this team missing the playoffs entirely or legitimately contending winning the NFC. I don't know if their defense gets better in year 2; we have seen DCs fade after early results. I don't know if Jordan Love is serviceable or the star he looked like he could be. I don't know if their younger guys develop enough to get pressure with a base defense - what is LVN? Are the Lions dropping off? The Vikings without a vet QB? Just lots of uncertainty. You can make a case for anything from 7-13 wins and defend the argument rationally.

[CheezWizHed]

6 hours ago, OldSchoolSnapper said:

I am not too excited about the Packers but not necessarily because I think they will be bad. They just didn't do a whole lot to excite anyone and they were mostly the same level of team the last two seasons. The big acquisition is Golden. He looks good, but he is what he is, and I am not sure expecting him to be the spark plug that puts us at the next tier is fair.

Most of the time, I feel I can peg what the Packers are during preseason. I have usually been able to predict when they won't make the playoffs, what tier they are in, give or take a few games, and barring when they have serious injuries in-season. 

This year, I really do not know what to expect. I could see this team missing the playoffs entirely or legitimately contending winning the NFC. I don't know if their defense gets better in year 2; we have seen DCs fade after early results. I don't know if Jordan Love is serviceable or the star he looked like he could be. I don't know if their younger guys develop enough to get pressure with a base defense - what is LVN? Are the Lions dropping off? The Vikings without a vet QB? Just lots of uncertainty. You can make a case for anything from 7-13 wins and defend the argument rationally.

Yeah, I can get this.  They have a lot of key players with a wide range of potential results.  Many looks like they could break out...or flop.  Likewise with Love.  We've seen his ceiling, but was it a flash in the pan or something he can maintain?  Is injury prone going to be his monicker? 

I tend to think they will be above 500, but how much? 

Sadly, due to all the injuries early, we (at best) will be enduring another 3-4 game "preseason" in the season... Hope for some wins, but these games probably won't tell us much about the team. 

[BrewerFan]

20 hours ago, CheezWizHed said:

Slaton had very poor technique as a rookie, thus he barely played any.  He had to learn to use his girth and it wasn't until around year 3 that he really broke through. 

I guess it's really not all that important what he did his first two years(even setting aside he was playing NT in a 3-4), but if you want to go by PFF, he graded out well his 2nd year(almost identical to his 3rd year). 

Of course by PFF he graded out poorly last year whereas Next Gen had him graded out much higher. I'm JUST looking for a guy who doesn't get out of his lane and can eat up a couple blockers. Close up that lane, create congestion and let the pursuit come. I thought he did that well early and then he he broke out vs the Giants in 2022. That's when he just dominated that OL... as well as the Eagles. But again, that was as a NT and in a different role. 

 

But since my point is... I think given the cost to sign him, it would have been worth bringing him back, the last two years are more relevant. 

I like Wooden and Brooks just fine. Brooks especially, but they're both pass rushers and far more 3 techniques than 1 technique's like Slaton...and I would guess Clark would play much more as a 1Tech with Wyatt as the 3, but the back injury is a concern. I don't like Brinson there. So Stackhouse is going to have to step up. 

[BrewerFan]

16 hours ago, OldHeidelberg said:

Maybe it's the Brewers and maybe it was the losing streak down the stretch last season. But I think this is the most talented team they have had post Rodgers, there should be more excitement than there is. All that youth is now entering their primes and there is very solid depth across the roster. Can't wait until Detroit game, I think we're going to smoke em and then the enthusiasm will start. 

Yeah, I'm not down on how last year ended, I'm just... not sure they are as physical as Detroit and Philly, maybe throw SF in there. 
Plus, I've not been sure how they were going to make up for the lack of depth at CB, how they were going fill the hole left by Slaton when they already got pushed around. That and it's kinda hard to see how this team will mesh as they haven't played together but I do see studs all over the field. Safety they have an elite duo. Their LBers I think will be better... namely because of Cooper, but I'm hoping Walker can step up. 

On offense, I just haven't seen Banks and the OL(I keep wanting to say Brooks there). How that meshes. I'm not even sure what the starting OL is. I like the RBs. I really wish Lloyd was healthy as I think he adds an element you don't have. Same with the pass catchers. I love Kraft, Reed, Golden looks great. Wicks just needs to catch the ball and I'm confident he's going to be a big part of this offense. Musgrave has been...mocked a bit on here, but I'm high on him, just needs to stay on the field. 

 

I usually have a much better feeling about the team at this point of the year, but I just don't know what to expect. The definitely have a lot of talent. A lot of guys we haven't seen. What's the OL to start the year? They go with Walker/Banks/Jenkins/Morgan/Tom? Yeah, the Offense I'm not worried about aside from maybe looking shaky early. It's about just how explosive can they be. Can they keep some of those guys healthy, can they eventually get Watson back... can Love take that next step? I still think he CAN be an MVP caliber QB. So I guess most of my questions are defense related... but I like Hafley and it wouldnt' surprise me to see the Packers season kinda mimick the Brewers with a slower start and then picking up steam.

 

I like your scenario the best. Just come out and put it on Detroit and go wire to wire!

 

[CheezWizHed]

5 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

I guess it's really not all that important what he did his first two years(even setting aside he was playing NT in a 3-4), but if you want to go by PFF, he graded out well his 2nd year(almost identical to his 3rd year). 

Of course by PFF he graded out poorly last year whereas Next Gen had him graded out much higher. I'm JUST looking for a guy who doesn't get out of his lane and can eat up a couple blockers. Close up that lane, create congestion and let the pursuit come. I thought he did that well early and then he he broke out vs the Giants in 2022. That's when he just dominated that OL... as well as the Eagles. But again, that was as a NT and in a different role. 

 

But since my point is... I think given the cost to sign him, it would have been worth bringing him back, the last two years are more relevant. 

I like Wooden and Brooks just fine. Brooks especially, but they're both pass rushers and far more 3 techniques than 1 technique's like Slaton...and I would guess Clark would play much more as a 1Tech with Wyatt as the 3, but the back injury is a concern. I don't like Brinson there. So Stackhouse is going to have to step up. 

My point about Slaton's first couple of year's performance was more about potential development path of Stackhouse/Brinson.  Right now, I'd bet on Brinson to make the 53-man over Stackhouse (maybe PS for him?).  

Wouldn't shock me to see a waiver wire claim either. 

[LouisEly]

Final 53:

QB (2): 10 Jordan Love, 2 Malik Willis

Released: 16 Sean Clifford, 19 Taylor Elgersma

 

RB (3): 8 Josh Jacobs, 31 Emanuel Wilson, 30 Chris Brooks

Injured reserve/designated to return: 32 MarShawn Lloyd

Released: 23 Israel Abanikanda, 46 Amar Johnson, 44 Tyrion Davis-Price

WR (6): 87 Romeo Doubs, 11 Jayden Reed, 13 Dontayvion Wicks, 22 Matthew Golden, 18 Malik Heath, 83 Savion Williams

Physically unable to perform: 9 Christian Watson

 

Released: 6 Mecole Hardman, 81 Julian Hicks, 84 Cornelius Johnson, 82 Will Sheppard, 80 Isaiah Neyor

TE (4): 85 Tucker Kraft, 88 Luke Musgrave, 86 John FitzPatrick, 89 Ben Sims

Released: 48 Messiah Swinson, 43 Johnny Lumpkin

OL (9): 74 Elgton Jenkins, 65 Aaron Banks, 50 Zach Tom, 63 Rasheed Walker, 75 Sean Rhyan, 77 Jordan Morgan, 71 Anthony Belton, 70 Darian Kinnard, 67 Donovan Jennings

Injured reserve/designated to return: 62 Jacob Monk

 

Physically unable to perform: 73 John Williams

Released: 76 Kadeem Telfort, 64 Trey Hill, 68 Lecitus Smith, 60 Tyler Cooper, 61 JJ Lippe, 72 Brant Banks

DE (5): 52 Rashan Gary, 90 Lukas Van Ness, 55 Kingsley Enagbare, 57 Brenton Cox Jr., 99 Barryn Sorrell

Physically unable to perform: 45 Collin Oliver

Released: 53 Arron Mosby, 49 Deslin Alexandre

 

DT (6): 97 Kenny Clark, 95 Devonte Wyatt, 94 Karl Brooks, 96 Colby Wooden, 91 Warren Brinson, 93 Nazir Stackhouse

Released: 98 James Ester, 69 Devonte O'Malley

LB (4): 7 Quay Walker, 56 Edgerrin Cooper, 58 Isaiah McDuffie, 59 Ty'Ron Hopper

Released: 54 Kristian Welch, 28 Isaiah Simmons, 48 Jamon Johnson, 51 Jared Bartlett

CB (6): 21 Nate Hobbs, 25 Keisean Nixon, 24 Carrington Valentine, 16 Bo Melton, 36 Kamal Hadden, 26 Micah Robinson

 

Released: 34 Kalen King, 35 Corey Ballentine, 46 Tyron Herring

S (5): 29 Xavier McKinney, 33 Evan Williams, 20 Javon Bullard, 39 Zayne Anderson, 27 Kitan Oladapo

Injured reserve: 40 Omar Brown

Released: 37 Johnathan Baldwin, 38 Jaylin Simpson

Spec. (3): 17 Brandon McManus, 19 Daniel Whelan, 42 Matt Orzech

 

Released: 41 Mark McNamee

[LouisEly]

Only real surprise on my end was keeping both Brinson and Stackhouse and releasing Welch.

Oladapo is big enough to play a S/LB hybrid type of role, so perhaps he fills that 5th LB role.

My guess is that Jennings is just a placeholder until Monk is ready to return from IR.

Sorrell may go to IR with a promise to Welch that he will be re-signed to the 53.

Likely inactives: S. Williams, D. Jennings, M. Robinson, two of Sorrell/Brinson/Stackhouse

[homer]

The Micah Parsons rumors are getting interesting 

[HarveysWBs]

8 minutes ago, homer said:

The Micah Parsons rumors are getting interesting 

Nah, I’m still not buying this. The Packers have a big fan base and are always contenders, which makes them ideal candidates to serve as grist for the rumor mill. We never make big blockbuster trades like this, but agents are more than happy to spread our name around surreptitiously to drive up negotiating pressure and interest in their clients.

Same stuff, different player.

[endaround]

41 minutes ago, HarveysWBs said:

Nah, I’m still not buying this. The Packers have a big fan base and are always contenders, which makes them ideal candidates to serve as grist for the rumor mill. We never make big blockbuster trades like this, but agents are more than happy to spread our name around surreptitiously to drive up negotiating pressure and interest in their clients.

Same stuff, different player.

The Cowboys alone are enough for the rumor mill, adding Green Bay does nothing. Now the most likely outcome still is the Cowboys paying for Parsons after alienating him some more.  However, unlike Hendrickson and Garrett, Parsons is young enough to be a full on Gute target. Add in the Packers have a ton of cap space right now, and have a huge need and there actually maybe something here. 

[CheezWizHed]

12 hours ago, LouisEly said:

Only real surprise on my end was keeping both Brinson and Stackhouse and releasing Welch.

Oladapo is big enough to play a S/LB hybrid type of role, so perhaps he fills that 5th LB role.

My guess is that Jennings is just a placeholder until Monk is ready to return from IR.

Sorrell may go to IR with a promise to Welch that he will be re-signed to the 53.

Likely inactives: S. Williams, D. Jennings, M. Robinson, two of Sorrell/Brinson/Stackhouse

I highly doubt that we go into the season with 4 LBs.  Pretty low risk of Welch being claimed, so I'd assume he (or another LB) are added to the roster once someone else goes on IR.

The team now and the team at mid-season could be very different with Watson, Oliver, Williams, Monk, and Lloyd all potential IR/PUP returnees. Almost like having a mid-season trade. 

[OldSchoolSnapper]

10 hours ago, HarveysWBs said:

Nah, I’m still not buying this. The Packers have a big fan base and are always contenders, which makes them ideal candidates to serve as grist for the rumor mill. We never make big blockbuster trades like this, but agents are more than happy to spread our name around surreptitiously to drive up negotiating pressure and interest in their clients.

Same stuff, different player.

Yeah. 0%.

[BrewerFan]

19 hours ago, endaround said:

The Cowboys alone are enough for the rumor mill, adding Green Bay does nothing. Now the most likely outcome still is the Cowboys paying for Parsons after alienating him some more.  However, unlike Hendrickson and Garrett, Parsons is young enough to be a full on Gute target. Add in the Packers have a ton of cap space right now, and have a huge need and there actually maybe something here. 

The Packers did come up just short for Mack back in... 2017, 2018. Whatever year it was. From what I recall, we offered pretty much the same the Bears did, the Charges just took the Bears offer as they thought their picks would be better. 

There's also the belief that Policy would like to make a splash early on in his tenure(though I'm not sure if that'd be a good thing, I'd prefer our President stay out of that part of the process). 

Mack had such an impact on the Bears... as a player like that often does. 

At least 2 1sts and probably a 3rd and maybe a guy like Doubs OR... LVN. And then that contract would be massive. The rumor is 45M a year, though in order for that to happen, the Packers would have to have been granted some permission to talk to him, so that seems like it's probably more from Parsons camp.

 

I'm not sure if that'd be a good move or not. If it happens, I'll definitely get on board with it. We'd have an incredible front 7 in terms of speed and getting after the QB. The trickle down impact on Gary, Wyatt(who I think is going to break out)...Cooper and Walker. And I think they could move Parsons around and play him both at edge and a little bit off ball where he's really good vs the run. 

 

But Jerry will likely do what he always does. He'll wait too long and then overpay to keep him as Jones doesn't let stars leave. 

[BrewerFan]

11 hours ago, CheezWizHed said:

I highly doubt that we go into the season with 4 LBs.  Pretty low risk of Welch being claimed, so I'd assume he (or another LB) are added to the roster once someone else goes on IR.

The team now and the team at mid-season could be very different with Watson, Oliver, Williams, Monk, and Lloyd all potential IR/PUP returnees. Almost like having a mid-season trade. 

I would guess Welch would be one of the players activated week 1. Big role on special teams, depth at MLB.

And just getting Watson back would be a huge addition. I can't cite them, but there were a lot of next gen stats. I think one was we averaged 3.8 more yards with him on the field... but whatever they were, it was just something that very clearly jumped out. He takes a safety with him wherever he goes. 

Williams and Lloyd both add something to the run game(presumably, we didn't really get to see how they planned on using Williams, but I thought that was the idea, he'd get snaps back there or be used on some jet sweeps). 

[HarveysWBs]

16 minutes ago, BrewerFan said:

But Jerry will likely do what he always does. He'll wait too long and then overpay to keep him as Jones doesn't let stars leave. 

Yeah, and after Jerry’s recent cancer fight, you have to think he’s even less inclined for a rebuild. Jerry has to be thinking he’s got fewer than ten seasons left. As such, he’ll do what he has to do to keep Parsons in the fold, since their short term prospects are way better with him than without him.

[BrewerFan]

9 hours ago, HarveysWBs said:

Yeah, and after Jerry’s recent cancer fight, you have to think he’s even less inclined for a rebuild. Jerry has to be thinking he’s got fewer than ten seasons left. As such, he’ll do what he has to do to keep Parsons in the fold, since their short term prospects are way better with him than without him.

I didn't even know about the Cancer, I just know he's old and desperately wants to win. Even before that, he's been pretty against rebuilding, so... I think you're right, he's gotta be even more against it now. 

Not quite a Mike Ilitch type situation, but close enough.

I just wonder... what the hell is the problem? These deals aren't simple, but 25 year old All Pro Edge? If he gets this done last off-season, he can probably get him signed for 32-33 for 4-5 years like Jerry likes to do. 

 

But, this is one time I wouldn't be shocked if we were the most aggressive team waiting in case the unlikely happens. 

[CheezWizHed]

12 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

Williams and Lloyd both add something to the run game(presumably, we didn't really get to see how they planned on using Williams, but I thought that was the idea, he'd get snaps back there or be used on some jet sweeps). 

Interesting idea in using an OL for jet sweeps... 😂

John Williams is the one on the PUP list (and thus come back mid-season). Savon Williams is on the active 53 man list. 😉

[BrewerFan]

52 minutes ago, CheezWizHed said:

Interesting idea in using an OL for jet sweeps... 😂

John Williams is the one on the PUP list (and thus come back mid-season). Savon Williams is on the active 53 man list. 😉

LOL...I swear, I was going to say, "it took me a second to figure out what Williams you were talking about," as I'd totally blanked on Savion Williams, but then...I  honestly didn't think you would think John Williams would make much of an impact! 

Plus, Savion has been banged up and I thought there was still some question if he'd be available or active for the first chunk of the season. 

But I overthought it. Still, plenty of players in that group to make your statement about a big mid-season addition true. 

[CheezWizHed]

1 hour ago, BrewerFan said:

LOL...I swear, I was going to say, "it took me a second to figure out what Williams you were talking about," as I'd totally blanked on Savion Williams, but then...I  honestly didn't think you would think John Williams would make much of an impact! 

Plus, Savion has been banged up and I thought there was still some question if he'd be available or active for the first chunk of the season. 

But I overthought it. Still, plenty of players in that group to make your statement about a big mid-season addition true. 

Yeah, Williams himself probably won't make a huge difference, but depth is depth. The group as a whole can make a big impact though. 

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I'm absolutely stunned 

[areacodes]

 

[homer]

 

 

[LouisEly]

Time for the season thread

[TwinsBrewersWorldSeries]

5 minutes ago, OldSchoolSnapper said:

I'm absolutely stunned 

I am too.  Our front offense has been pretty awful in the past decade in that it feels like we never actually attempt to get better.

That just changed in a big way.  Biggest signing since Woodson?  Since Reggie?

[Sixtolezcano]

That should help the Packer defense.