Packers Have Draft Need on the Defensive Line
Packers defensive linemen Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary are two of 11 first-round picks the Packers have used on front four players dating back to 1998.
In 1998, after losing Super Bowl XXXII to the Denver Broncos, Packers General Manager Ron Wolf made one of his boldest moves of his tenure by trading up for North Carolina Defensive End Vonnie Holliday. Playing opposite Reggie White, Holliday made the NFL All-Rookie team and finished with eight sacks, the most of his 15-year career.
Since that selection, the Packers under Wolf, Mike Sherman, Ted Thompson and now Brian Gutekunst have selected an Edge player or interior lineman 11 times, the most amongst all positions since 1998.
These players include: 1998 Holliday, 2001 Jamal Reynolds, 2007 Justin Harrell, 2009 B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews, 2012 Nick Perry, 2013 Datone Jones, 2016 Kenny Clark, 2019 Rashan Gary, 2022 Devonte Wyatt, and 2023 Lukas Van Ness.
In comparison, the only other position group that’s close to the defensive front is defensive back with eight players drafted in Round 1 (or the first pick in Round 2): 1999 Antuan Edwards, 2004 Ahmad Carroll, 2014 Haha Clinton-Dix, 2015 Demarious Randall, 2017 Kevin King, 2018 Jaire Alexander, 2019 Darnell Savage, and 2021 Eric Stokes.
Heading into the 2025 draft, the defensive line is one of the strengths of the draft and it matches the Packers having needs along the front four.
The NFL Draft site GBNReport.com (https://gbnreport.com/2025-big-board) has 27 Edge Rushers and Interior Tackles among its Top 100 prospects before the Draft Combine at the end of the month. A few of the players who might be around when the Packers draft at the 23rd overall pick or in the second round:
- Defensive Ends - James Pearce, Tennessee; Mike Green, Marshall; Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M; Nic Scourton, Texas A&M; Jack Sawyer, Ohio State; Donovan Ezerauku, Boston College; Princely Umanmielen, Mississippi; JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State.
2025 NFL Draft Edge Rusher Rankings 👀
(Senior Bowl Edition) pic.twitter.com/xQvOLkcedW
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 6, 2025
- Defensive Tackles - Walter Nolen, Mississippi; Derrick Harmon, Oregon; Kenneth Grant, Michigan; Deone Walker, Kentucky; Tyliek Williams, Ohio State; T.J. Sanders, South Carolina; Darius Alexander, Toledo.
2025 NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings 👀 pic.twitter.com/fxvxohqEpZ
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 12, 2025
For all of the first round assets used on the defensive front, the Packers pass rush was very inconsistent in 2024. Last year’s unit had four former first round picks: Gary, Van Ness, Clark and Wyatt. But with Wyatt going into his fourth year (the last of his rookie deal if his 5th-year option isn't picked up) and with Clark approaching age 30, the defensive tackle position will likely be addressed in the draft.
Darius Alexander is just incredible at the Senior Bowl.
He’s one of 10 defensive tackles who could go in the first two rounds. pic.twitter.com/oxUyTvdoAD
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 1, 2025
In 2013, Ted Thompson drafted defensive tackle Datone Jones in Round 1 and three years later, he drafted Kenny Clark in round 1. This was the same offseason B.J Raji retired and Jones was being used more as an edge player than inside.
TJ Sanders is a pure athlete at defensive tackle.
He’s a twitchy, explosive DT at 6’4, 284lbs and wreaks havoc against both the run and pass. 60 pressures, 10 sacks, and 54 stops in the last two seasons at South Carolina.
Top 50 player for me right now. pic.twitter.com/f4zVSQsarB
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 3, 2025
With the disappointment of both Wyatt and Van Ness to show they are not consistent difference makers, it would make sense to draft a few players early along the defensive front. And it was evident from the performance of the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, the quality depth along the defensive line is as important as ever in the NFL.
Kenneth Grant deserves some of the hype Mason Graham has been getting.
I’d take either of them in the top 10 picks. pic.twitter.com/mq0k3Xpyjx
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 11, 2025
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Mitch McLaughlin is a Packers fan and shareholder residing in Sacramento, California. He will be writing Packers stories each week on Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter: @McLaughlinMitch
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Comments (56)
bjb2012sime
February 16, 2025 at 10:55 am
Nice recap of defensive player draft selection futility; the average success rate for first round picks is supposedly 50%. I posit that the Packers fell below that on both position groups referenced above. This may offer one element for the Packers inordinate expenditure of draft capital on defensive with suboptimal returns.
This year we still need DL and CB help......insert the oft-quoted definition of insanity here.
P.S. The second pick after Holliday was Randy Moss.
splitpea1
February 16, 2025 at 11:31 am
I don't know if we'll be drafting "a few" players early along the defensive front unless we want to rebuild the whole thing... but we'll need at least one.
Slaton did a good job last season in his role, but we're not sure whether or not he'll be back. He's more suited to a 3-4 than what we're doing now. He's also a durable player and has said he wants to come back; so we'll see how it plays out.
The somewhat realistic DL prospect for the Packers I like most is Kenneth Grant, He has the national championship pedigree and has moves; not raw and totally reliant on a bull rush, so hopefully he won't take forever to develop; also the kind of athlete Gute likes. I've seen him between 19 and 24 on the draft boards, so he's right in our range.
jannesbjornson
February 16, 2025 at 12:26 pm
Slaton does his job. He's worth fair value. Philly really runs a five-man front with three DTs and morphs to 4-2 looks with Nolen as the chase/blitz guy. You have to hit on your higher picks. Roseman knows his stuff.
Since'75
February 16, 2025 at 08:34 pm
Yea he does.
Vachio
February 16, 2025 at 04:23 pm
I'm a KG fan, too. Men that large that move like that are a rare find. Could be a total game wrecker and we need some game wreckers.
Since'75
February 16, 2025 at 08:43 pm
Preston Smith asked to be traded because he didn't like the 4-3.
So he was happy to land in Pittsburgh playing back in a 3-4.
Unfortunately, he played just as well for the Steelers as he did for the Packers last season.
Now he's looking for a team, maybe at the vets minimum?
He got paid a lot of money for someone that averaged 7 sacks a season and an average of 1 forced fumble a season.
He hit the lottery (twice) with Gute and Ball.
greengold
February 16, 2025 at 12:27 pm
Do. We. Ever.
Thankfully the draft is deep there.
We also need a LEGIT WR1, CB1 & 2. Oh, wait…!!!! There’s more! How about a starting LT who can pass block -AND - run block??? How about a starting RG who can also do both at a high level. Even better, an OC???
What in the Wide World of Sports ever happened to “I think Zach Tom could be a HOF Center?”
Ho-ly shit.
I’m DONE with potential. Give me production.
Rashan Gary has to learn how to finish. Kenny Clark needs to put the weight and strength back on for a return to 1/2T.
How many Round 1 picks are failing to deliver and/or regressing?
I don’t want to hear one more time how important Josh Myers is. Rasheed Walker is in the very same one-dimensional category. Brian Gutekunst? And, YOU ALLOW THAT? After investing in Josh Jacobs???
…PAGING! BRIAN GUTEKUNST!
That’s OK with you? Sean Rhyan’s really tearing it up as a run blocker too?
Hell no! You’ve got THREE of your starting 5 OL who can’t run block for shit.
But, everything’s great… “Youngest team in the NFL!!!” 3 goddam years in a row!!!
The Packers have ONE player with 10 or more years experience. Our K, if anyone is wondering. ONLY FOUR with 7 or more years experience. The SB Champs had 14.
I look at Matt LaFleur, and the way a good number of players don’t show up, and my first thought is “COUNTRY CLUB!!!”
This team needs leadership. AND, players who will deliver the goods with honest, rock-solid dedication and production. A properly, consistently well-prepared HC would help too.
LaFleur’s gotta change his ways.
Otherwise, …. Yeah. All is well. Nothing to see here. Move along, folks.
jannesbjornson
February 16, 2025 at 01:50 pm
They are all on the clock. I would have already delivered pink slips. Holmgren and Big Mike said the Superbowl is the target during their Introduction to the Media. LaFleur acted like a mascot.
greengold
February 17, 2025 at 02:32 am
Yes. Why in the living F does Rich Bisaccia still have a job? Because the Packers Special Teams have improved? If that answer is “no,” then Houston, we have a problem.
I didn’t realize the bottom 1/3 was held in such high esteem. Again.
LeotisHarris
February 16, 2025 at 03:46 pm
Yeah, but, GG, Josh Myers is really important to, oh, wait. Never mind.
greengold
February 17, 2025 at 02:44 am
B I N G O .
B A N G O .
B O N G O .
Alberta_Packer
February 16, 2025 at 07:44 pm
Having read your commentary gg - I am reminded of the Chinese proverb - "Talk does not cook rice."
SicSemperTyrannis
February 17, 2025 at 10:03 am
People are saying #50 at RT is too good to move. That means nothing to me until I see our front office actually doing that, which does seem likely. Our LT showed a great burst of progress, then has played at about that level since but not super consistent. Putting last year's first round pick Morgan at LG so Jenkins can play C seems sketchy. Somehow Monk at C is something MLF hasn't even looked at; undisclosed injury? Strong consensus that Josh Meyers won't be returning but again that's meaningless until we see it happen.
Is drafting a C and keeping Morgan at swing tackle really our best option?
Packerpasty
February 17, 2025 at 10:39 am
yup...the good old "youngest team" B.S....heard it enough now along with a sixth year guy who's "only started two years"...please...no more...
RobinsonDavis
February 16, 2025 at 01:08 pm
Good piece, Mitch!
It is why so many believe the Packers will pick a D-lineman with the 1st pick. The draft direction will be steered first by whom we sign, or for that matter, DON'T sign, as free agents. I would love to see the Packers sign BOTH Milton Williams and Josh Sweat, while tripling up on day 2. Regardless it is a fair bet the Packers will pick a d-lineman #1, potentially doubling down with a free agent or a second pick later. It has been stated by many that the draft is deep with D-linemen this year. We agree, and think it is UNIQUELY deep, with excellent players to be found in the 2nd to 4th rounds, potentially.
With the Pack selecting in the lower portion of the draft again, we see a similar scenario playing out with D-linemen this year, as what happened with OT selections last year. Will the Packers select the 5th, 6th, or 7th best D-linemen on the board, or would they be better off selecting another position that gets pushed down, like the 2nd or 3rd best CB, WR, or OT in this class? I believe the Packers were almost required to select an OT last year, based on what they saw transpiring for this year's OT class, and the pending contract years for existing players at the position. Much of the same could be looked at this year for the D-line and CBs. (By the way this is no call-out on Jordan Morgan whom I believe is way to early to determine success or failure on....Rock-it big-man!). The Packers need for CB was clear last year for THIS year, and their unwillingness to spend draft capital to improve it, now leaves us with potentially 3-4 spots to fill pending free agency/contracts. I am of the opinion though, you draft the athletic big-men with proven production if they are available.
stockholder
February 16, 2025 at 01:13 pm
No - Sign Slayton for the tush push.
Nolan- Balance Issue. I say he's a big DE.
Deone Walker- Was injured, Left Senior Bowl Early.
We can't afford a Harrel or someone hiding injuries.
Guys up front take 3 years. Pass on Dt early.
Avoid the injury game. Reload the Offense-
For the next generation=
23. Emeka Egbuka. WR OSU Starts
58. Azareye’h Thomas OT Minn.
87. Jared Wilson. C. Georgia
123. Jaylin Noel. WR Iowa st.
160. Dont’e Thornton. WR Tenn
200. Caleb Ransaw DB Tulane
239. CJ West. Dt Ind
251. Cam Jackson DT Fl
Alberta_Packer
February 16, 2025 at 01:32 pm
Some agreement here stock:
*With Murphy retiring - the tush push should be safe
*Nolan would be OK - being versatile - which the Packers like but I prefer others before him
*Deone Walker - big but not an ideal frame for the D-line. A Day 3 pick.
*I see possible regression in the D-line - thru age, free agency and unfulfilled expectations - so D-line will be re-stocked earlier than later in the draft.
* like Thomas, Noel and Thornton. Also add Bech
* CJ West - late round gem ?
jannesbjornson
February 16, 2025 at 01:37 pm
The simulators are way off value.
#35 Jack Sawyer Edge OSU.
#38 Xavier Restrepo WR Miami
#89 Cobee Bryant CB Kansas
#102 Elijah Arroyo TE Miami, (he doesn't leave the 2nd rd).
#119 Jordon Phillips DT Maryland
#123 Jared Wilson C Georgia
#160 Jah Joyner Edge Gophers
#167 Lindenberg LB Gophers
#200 Ja'Corey Brookes WR Louisville
#239 A.Hassanein Edge Boise State ( will not fall out of rd 4)
Sign Byron Murphy , FA Cornerback, Sign Trey Smith, if KC doesn't tag him....
stockholder
February 16, 2025 at 02:12 pm
If they trade back - I See a OL.
And By taking the OL Minnesota.
It's planning ahead for a change.
Combine numbers will change the simulators.
jannesbjornson
February 16, 2025 at 02:54 pm
Get veterans for the O line, just like Veach does for KC.....Film, not track meets. The Playing Field shows speed and quickness vs Humans, not Air.
stockholder
February 16, 2025 at 06:14 pm
A veteran for OL works .
Like Turner. If they want RG fixed!
My selection of a OL is insurance.
In case of Tom, Walker, or Jenkins.
Against injuries, or just wanting to move on.
I also think Gute will take a center.
Wilson is smart, young, and is versatile.
greengold
February 17, 2025 at 02:54 am
That’s great and all, but when was the last time you checked how good any of the OL players available in FA were at run blocking?
There’s not even 1 handful… comprehensively amongst all 5 OL positions. There’s 1 OC worth pursuing. Maybe 2 LTs…, and, yes, RG should be upgraded as well.
Wilson is great. There’s probably 5 OCs better than Myers in this draft class.
I question Gutekunst signing Josh Jacobs, and NOT insuring he has SOLID RUN BLOCKERS in front of him. We have 2 in Tom & Jenkins, leaving 3 gaping wounds with our current setup.
Jordan Morgan SHOULD BE OUR STARTING LT. He had historically great run and pass blocking numbers for an LT his last two years at Arizona.
Who is the dumbass MF who moved him to OG?
This is just more of the kind of stuff that points directly back at LaFleur. Frankly, it also points to Mark Murphy as well, and I can’t wait for Murphy to be gone. Hopefully, we bring Bob Harlan’s business model back, and GM = HOFO once again.
stockholder
February 17, 2025 at 06:34 am
Morgan is playing Guard because of his short arms.
That was his projection by most draft Guru's.
Which is why I wanted St.Jean.
Jenkins might end up at center. opening the door for Morgan.
Because Walker is doing better than expected.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 17, 2025 at 10:10 am
Jordan Morgan looked physically weak in many of his snaps in the NFL. I have no idea if that was injury related but hopefully that will be fixed by week 1 ...
jannesbjornson
February 17, 2025 at 08:44 pm
Absolutely true GG. Morgan had the best footwork of the LTs last spring. Most of the big guys ended up at RT. Wasting his talent at Guard. He has the big mitts and mirroring the defender and delivering the strike is based on footwork to the point of leverage. LaFleur has shown people who he is. A Cheerleader. I wouldn't count on Policy to be any different as a paper shuffler. There is no sense of urgency @ Packertown,LLC.
Alberta_Packer
February 16, 2025 at 03:27 pm
If you are referring to Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) - he is being projected as a Guard - not OT - in the Pros. Packers need help more at OT than IOL. Josh Conery Jr. OT) makes more sense for the Packers.
stockholder
February 16, 2025 at 06:54 pm
I've seen RT. Too big for a pulling Guard.
Regardless Gute won't trade out of the first.
Alberta_Packer
February 16, 2025 at 07:18 pm
RT could be his highest ceiling. Some "experts" that I follow - opined that he could be an top tier RG / LG. After watching some of the quick-fast Edge rushers have their way with him on the 1 v 1 at the Senior Bowl - I think that G is more likely than T.
Leatherhead
February 16, 2025 at 06:31 pm
Interesting you mentioned that. At Consensus, I was able to make two small trade backs with the Ravens and Bills that landed extra picks on the 2nd and 3rd round. 5 picks between 30 and 91, instead of 3 between 23 and 87.
greengold
February 17, 2025 at 03:34 am
I would love to see Gutekunst trade back like that this year.
jannesbjornson
February 16, 2025 at 01:42 pm
Thomas is a CB from Florida State. A dominant defense from 2023-2024.
Leatherhead
February 16, 2025 at 03:47 pm
Agree!
Agree!
Agree! Pass on DT early!!
Agree on Reload the Offense
A WR in the first???? Bold choice, but possible.
TWO Olinemen on Day 2?? We could use them.
What have you done with stockholder?
stockholder
February 16, 2025 at 06:43 pm
The safest pick is Egbuka.
if he's available.
(If Egbuka.runs 4.3 - I doubt it.)
Cb is the reach. But Need. Get a FA.
OL would be too early.
Edge is the gamble/pivot. 50/50
Would Gute chance being booed?
Not this draft!.
For the first time as GM.
He must follow the mocks. @23.
greengold
February 17, 2025 at 03:45 am
Once again, just like OL… who do you pursue in FA at CB? Are they well rounded CBs with coverage, run stop, man, zone, size, speed, production and availability history in their resumes to make them work a large FA $$$$ cap chunk???
I said, “their,” laughingly… is there even 1…??? Is he from Detroit? lol.
Yeah, FA is not always a loaded supermarket where you can find upgrades anywhere.
stockholder
February 17, 2025 at 06:26 am
Nate Hobbs Db. LV
Pauson ADebo. NO
slot and press.
Andy says Alexander is just about gone
jannesbjornson
February 17, 2025 at 07:39 am
Murphy.
greengold
February 17, 2025 at 03:52 am
Barring a trade down, which I am hoping for, I think WR, CB, EDGE, DT, OT should all warrant consideration at #23.
The Eagles had 2 R1 WRs on their roster, and AJ Brown wasn’t one of the two.
Can’t get ‘em if you don’t take ‘em! Not sure, myself, that this is the absolute right year to take WR in R1…
Alberta_Packer
February 16, 2025 at 01:17 pm
It would be irresponsible not to draft 1-2 D-line players in this year's draft - given the wealth of the position. As for the Packers D-line - perhaps the new coach (Covington) can re-imagine the line. This possibly could mean Kenny returning to his old familiar as 1-tech - while hard-coaching LVN to take that "leap" is his play (I have to remind myself that this would be LVN's senior year in College - so he still has not peaked).
As for the Draft itself - this year has the greatest probability of finding a great-good D-lineman than in any I can remember. So the Packers should not overthink it - just take the BPA.
RobinsonDavis
February 16, 2025 at 01:43 pm
"58. Azareye’h Thomas OT Minn"??
He's not an OT and he is not from Minnesota.
"Guys up front take 3 years. Pass on Dt early" - Like Braden Fiske??
"Avoid the injury" - Could be the reason why they passed on Cooper DeJean in the 1st round last year. It may have been a part of it, but I don't think it was the only reason. It kills me we didn't trade up later though.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 17, 2025 at 10:42 am
Wrt Superbowl star Cooper Dejean, Gutey has made it a habit to draft multiple people at a position of need. He took a calculated risk to sit pat on the CB room to focus elsewhere. The combined output of Ja and Stokes made that a failure with the only real improvement coming from #25.
Rather than taking the same approach to DL / Edge I'd rather acquire Maxx Crosby and hope he brings both LVN and #52 up from just bullrushing with a reliably high motor. This is of course at cross purposes with this draft being loaded at DL and Gutey may prefer a rookie who looks like another Maxx Crosby in the making.
Ideally Gutey can sign Maxx Crosby plus an upgrade FA at CB & WR, then build the trenches through the draft. In this environment, the team that can convince its players that winning is more important than squeezing every dollar possible out of every contract year wins. Just as a round number, if JL10 had said that $20MM is a LOT of money to play a game you love for one season he would have forever won the hearts of every Packer fan, set the example for our other stars, and greatly improved his chances of hoisting the Lombardi.
Starrbrite
February 17, 2025 at 03:13 pm
“I’d rather acquire Max Crosby”—-I’ve always liked you Sic.
Let’s get’em!
RobinsonDavis
February 22, 2025 at 08:22 am
Been a while since I was on the site, so I apologize for this late reply SST! I agree with your point about CBs & You ARE correct that Gutey made a "calculated risk" not drafting a CB.
Here is the review again whether you agree or disagree with my points: Gutey had the opportunity to take DeJean or a number of the top CBs in the draft TWICE. And I do think they were about to pull the trigger on DeJean in the second round, but the Eagles gave up much more than fair value to grab him prior to the Packers Pick. The Packers immediately traded out of the next pick to New Orleans, and 3 more of the top CBs were drafted in succession.
At the time of the Pack's 1st of two 3rd round picks, Elijah Jones and Jarrian Jones were our next best CBs available in our chart. Elijah Jones was drafted the pick prior to Hopper, but after Lloyd. I felt strongly that he was going to be THE pick in that round, or a classic Nickle back in Jarrian. Neither happened. So, my point is that Gute had the opportunities, including trading-up, but he was not willing or able to part with Draft capital, or could not find a partner to do so for what he was offering.
LambeauPlain
February 16, 2025 at 02:01 pm
Thanks, Mitch...informative article!
I see you are a happy Cavalier King Charles owner! I had to say goodby to my Cav, Lambeau, a bit over a year ago. He was a big downsize from my two previous dogs...Newfoundlands, but his little heart was as big as theirs. The little guy returned twice as much love as he received.
I am certain Gutey will tap into this rich DL draft early and probably on day 3 and/or FA. Just do not ignore the OL. It is a greater need for the Offense than the DL is the #6 Defense with a new DL coach in Green Bay. But DL needs more competition in the room. OL needs even more. Weak depth.
Alberta_Packer
February 16, 2025 at 02:36 pm
While not a dog-owner LP - I have owned horses - whose company I generally preferred over humans. They certainly have enriched my life.
As to "just do not ignore the OL." We have seen that Gutey often has a surprise or two in every draft. That is why I think it is a real possibility that Josh Conerly Jr. (OT) will be the Packers first draft selection.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 17, 2025 at 10:50 am
That would be OT in round 1 two years in a row, I'd be very surprised.
Alberta_Packer
February 17, 2025 at 12:42 pm
I would prefer to take advantage of the excellent DL-Edge class in the first round. However the Packers are precariously thin at OT depth - so I see Gutekunst drafting more for need than BPA. Because after the first few OTs - the talent drops-off in a hurry.
Leatherhead
February 16, 2025 at 02:22 pm
Just because nobody has mentioned it so far,
the Packers have Clark, Gary, VanNess, Wyatt, Enagbare, Brooks and Wooden under contract for next year already. Currently, our roster stands at 60 and in addition to those seven people, we have 5 others who are either DTs or DES. 12 spots in all, out of 60.
We could resign Slaton for probably less than $5M/year. I like some of the DTs that have been mentioned as possibly available at #23, but I think I'd rather stay with Slaton, if possible, and use that first round draft pick on a DE/Edge.
Leatherhead
February 16, 2025 at 02:24 pm
Many of my recent simulations have the Packers getting a number of good guys on the DL. These people like Nolen, Grant, Green, Scourton...they're going to be there. We don't have to trade up to add a really good, big defender. I know things will change after the combine, but we'll almost certainly have a shot at one of them.
SSSSSSSSSSS
Since'75
February 16, 2025 at 09:16 pm
I see it's that time of the year for silly season.
We've had too many high picks who are at average or below.
Gute and TT made a living picking defensive players in the first round sans J. Love, and Jordan Morgan since 2012.
Anyone see Morgan, what happened to him?
1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks in the last 7 drafts that were above average imo are....
Alexander- Who might be on the way out, idk.
Jenkins
Gary (i suppose)
Love- he better be for 55 million/year
Reed- Jury is still out (sorry) but i like him, i'm hoping he improves his numbers.
Kraft ^ same ^
Cooper is too early, we'll see.
************
Credit due to Hafley, his defensive scoring was below 20ppg.
When your scoring defense is under 20, and you can stop the run game, that should qualify as a potential Championship defense.
Alberta_Packer
February 16, 2025 at 11:56 pm
I have more faith in Hafley and the D - in becoming a Championship calibre unit - than MLF and the O. In fact, I think that Hafley + D have already surpassed MLF + O in this regard.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 17, 2025 at 10:58 am
The big glitch is MLF calls pass plays but not run plays and it looks like it. I don't think one opponent was fooled about which was coming. After that, somebody else needs to handle responsibilities of clock management and coach's challenges as well as in game adjustments, whatever MLF calls himself.
All of that needs to be fixed for GB to be a contender no matter who's on the roster.
LambeauPlain
February 17, 2025 at 08:47 am
Want to challenge your narrative of Team Gutey drafting subpar players and "too many high picks who are at average or below."
This just published:
"Gennaro Filice of NFL Media ranked all 32 rookies classes coming out of the 2024 season, and the Packers — who saw injuries mostly ruin the rookie seasons of their first-round pick and one of their third-round picks — came in at No. 10."
Expect first rounder Morgan and third rounder Lloyd, staying healthy and producing may have pushed the Packers into the top 5...maybe higher?
Looks like yet another good draft class emerging for Team Gutey.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 17, 2025 at 11:05 am
I'd love to see Marshawn Lloyd run back both punts and kicks; remember, he has yet to prove that fumbling issues are behind him. CTFB and make moves in the open field, returner would be a huge opportunity for him.
Morgan looked weak in many of his few NFL snaps. Whether that's due to injury or not, hopefully that's fixed by week 1. Bring in Maxx Crosby or some other FA pass rusher and maybe Gary and LVN both improve over just bullrushing with a consistently high motor. That would bring Gutey up to 3 winners in round 1. He's been great in other rounds, just not 3.
Leatherhead
February 17, 2025 at 11:14 am
The Raiduhs were 3-2 without Crosby last year, and 1-11 with him. For the money it would take to bring him here, we could resign Slaton, Wilson, and McDuffie and have money left over.
Since'75
February 19, 2025 at 07:19 am
Sic.....
Gary is what he is, what you see is what you got.
Van Ness, sorry, but early returns aren't promising
*****************
"He's been great....."
Gute?
It's an opinion which is cool.
But...when we think of Packer greats, there are many, and they've all won something.
Since'75
February 19, 2025 at 07:13 am
LP....
I don't know (or care) who Gennaro Filice is, or what Country he is from.
I follow the Packers (longer than Mr. Filice has been alive), and i trust what my eyes see.
The thing is, i'm happy that i can do my own thinking.
Translation: i don't need a foreigner to prove a point, i'm fully capable on my own.
Just because some writer says something, it doesn't make it correct.
Just sayin.
Thumb down at will, it might make you feel better, i guess 🤷♂️