10 Prominent Packers Who Could Fail to Make 53-Man Roster in 2025
By markoldacres
Training camp is less than two weeks away, and the battle for playing time, as well as roster spots, will soon begin in earnest.
Like last year, the Packers have an exceptionally deep and competitive roster, and that means some players who had real roles on the team in recent years are likely to be cut this time around.
This is not to say they cannot return to the practice squad, but Green Bay had a host of players claimed by other teams at cut down time back in 2024, and they could be a prime spot for clubs to pick from once again this year.
Here are the ten most prominent and likely Packers who could miss out on the 53-man roster in 2025:
Emanuel Wilson
With former third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd missing most of his rookie year, Wilson became a valuable backup to Josh Jacobs, and ran the ball well when given opportunities. In fact, he ranked 12th at PFF in overall grade among running backs last year.
However, Lloyd is a certainty to make the team, and if Green Bay only keeps three backs on the roster in order to open up spots elsewhere, and Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst want their third back to primarily be reliable on third down and in pass protection, Wilson could miss out.
Bo Melton
Melton has been a real part of the Packers offense since the back end of the 2023 season, but with Green Bay drafting two receivers in the first three rounds, including a similar body type in Matthew Golden, the fourth-year receiver faces an uphill battle to make the team, never mind play.
If released, Melton is likely to draw interest and could be a viable number three or four receiver on most teams.
Zayne Anderson
A strong special teams presence, Anderson has also been solid when called into action from scrimmage, but with Xavier McKinney and three 2024 draft picks who have all shown encouraging signs ahead of him, this may be the year his run with Green Bay comes to an end.
Ultimately his special teams value may save him, but with McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard and Kitan Oladapo on the roster, and Anderson turning 29 by the end of the season, the Packers may feel his roster spot can be better used elsewhere.
Mecole Hardman
Hardman’s impressive plays in OTAs have got him off on the right foot, but set to earn only a modest salary and having been signed before the Packers drafted Golden and Savion Williams, he is still not a guarantee to make the team by any means.
The ceiling of what he has produced on offense, as well as his experience, likely gives Hardman a leg up over the other wideouts he is competing for a roster spot with, but he still may need to win the kick and punt return jobs to justify his place on the team.
Brenton Cox Jr.
After the Packers traded Preston Smith to the Steelers at the deadline last year, Cox started to see the field more as a rotational pass rusher and made the most of it, flashing some real potential.
But with Lukas Van Ness seemingly set to become a true starter this year, and plenty of competition for the backup spots, Cox will have to win his job all over again in 2025.
Chris Brooks
If Green Bay only keeps three running backs this year, Brooks is the other stylistic choice to Wilson as a less dynamic, albeit still solid runner, who has become trustworthy in the other aspects of the position.
In the end, Wilson and Brooks may both make the team, but if it comes down to one or the other, it will be a tough decision.
Malik Heath
Heath has had real value as a physical, bruising receiver who can win in contested situations as well as being a plus run blocker, but like the other receivers on this list, has his work cut out for him to make the team.
Melton and Hardman are more dynamic receivers and have both had bigger offensive roles throughout their careers, so Heath will need to take his play to a new level in 2025 to be in the mix.
Arron Mosby
Like Cox, Mosby also saw the field a decent amount down the stretch in 2024, and is a viable fourth edge rusher.
The EDGE room is now crowded though after the drafting of Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, and Mosby is probably the first player who could fall victim to the depth of the group.
Kingsley Enagbare
Enagbare has been a successful fifth-round pick, giving the Packers three years of satisfactory ‘number three’ EDGE play, and even became a starter after the trade deadline in 2024.
He was not as impactful as a starter though, and his ceiling may be that of a backup. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, with younger players who potentially have more upside nipping at his heels, it would not be a shock to see Enagbare cut at the end of camp.
Colby Wooden
Former fourth-rounder Wooden has not managed to find a clear role in the defense yet, and the Packers have asked him to put on weight in each of his offseasons as they try to find the right way to utilize him.
Green Bay did not spend any premium capital on defensive tackles this spring, but based on Wooden’s underwhelming play through two years, and the more natural run stopping abilities of rookies Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse, Wooden’s time could be up if he does not take a step.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (71)
Cheezehead72
July 14, 2025 at 06:53 am
I see Wooden, Enagbare, Heath, Mosbey, and Anderson being released for the initial 53 and the Packers will pick up as many as they can for the PS.
The real question is do they release Wilson or Brooks, both, or neither. There is a good chance they keep both and have 4 RBs on the initial 53 because they will keep only 2 QBs and they might go with 3 TEs on the initial 53.
Guam
July 14, 2025 at 06:54 am
I will be shocked if either Cox or Enagbare don't make the team. I view both of them as locks baring serious injury. I think Brooks/Wilson and Heath/Hardman/Melton are two of the most interesting questions of training camp.
I lean toward Wilson because he is the better running back and can learn to be a better protector. Brooks is a very good protector but I think has maxxed out as a running back. Keep Wilson on growth potential.
Heath/Hardman/Melton - I have no idea.......... Kinda of hope Melton can make the switch to CB.
dobber
July 14, 2025 at 10:27 am
"I will be shocked if either Cox or Enagbare don't make the team."
I agree. Enagbare is a workmanlike, but not distinctive, DE. Sorrell has a lot of the same traits, and I think was drafted to be his replacement. I'd like to think that if they decided they didn't have a spot for Enagbare that they could find a taker in trade. I think Cox is part of the reason why they didn't jump at pass-rushers earlier in the draft. Both he and Mosby showed some ability to make things happen rushing the passer. At this point, Mosby is probably out and Cox makes it as a rotational rusher.
Coldworld
July 14, 2025 at 12:14 pm
Mosby was good in coverage and against the run. His pass rush was negligible. I see his replacement as Oliver, a guy who can drop into coverage, tackle in space, but with much more burst and speed than Mosby.
Enagbare is interesting because he’s solid but not particularly special at anything, run or pass. Not a bad player to have as depth but not a player you do t want to be trying to improve upon. He did play last year with some be limitations after his leg injury in 2023 (which we thought would mean considerable missed time), so it’s possible that he’s an improved version of himself.
I think he has to be. In football, once a player has shown he can do what most can’t, teams hold onto them regardless of how they got there. Cox did that. Enagbare has to show he can step up more than others given that and the two draft picks. If not, I agree, he’s a potential candidate for a late pick or player swap later in camp.
dobber
July 14, 2025 at 12:54 pm
I don't think there's anything here I disagree with.
dblbogey
July 14, 2025 at 03:39 pm
I disagree with this part: :But with Lukas Van Ness seemingly set to become a true starter this year, and plenty of competition for the backup spots, Cox will have to win his job all over again in 2025."
Sorry, even as an Iowa Hawkeye fan I'll say Cox is better than LVN. If we are counting on LVN, who has shown nothing, and cut Cox, who has shown a much higher ceiling, we're in for a long season.
Guam
July 14, 2025 at 02:58 pm
Enagbare is exceptional at nothing but adequate at everything. Not a guy you give away until it comes second contract time and then you take the comp pick. And I believe you are spot on that Sorrell is his replacement after the 2025 season.
Gman1976
July 14, 2025 at 02:50 pm
Bank on this: Cox isn't going anywhere after how he finished the season. He's both a young and an ascending player.
crayzpackfan
July 14, 2025 at 03:37 pm
I agree. Couldn't believe my eyes when I read his name on this list. Unless he suddenly has behavior issues again like in college, he's a lock for the 53.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 15, 2025 at 04:33 am
$17.25M cash: Rashan Gary
$3.4M cash: Enagbare
$2.3M cash: Van Ness ($5.45M guaranteed left)
$1.07M cap: Sorrell
$1.03M cash: Cox
$1.03M cash: Mosby
$941K cap: Oliver
Money should not be much of a factor as everyone aside from Gary is cheap. The Packers do not cut 4th round picks, so Sorrell is safe. 5th round picks are pretty safe. 3 locks, and I think Cox is a very good bet to be the 4th Edge, but 7 candidates. GB keeps 5 or perhaps 6. I would not let Van Ness' $5M in guaranteed cash stop me from dumping him if he has not gone to a coach during the off-season: he needs coaching as to run defense and to learn some pass rush moves, but I think the Packers will let draftocracy reign and he is the 5th Edge. That leaves Mosby and Enagbare. I'd guess Mosby can get to the PS.
Control: 4 years (Sorrell, Oliver); 3 years (Gary plus Mosby - he is an ERFA), 2 years (Van Ness plus 5th year option and Cox, 1 year plus RFA in 2026); 1 year (Enagbare).
As a note, Von Miller announced that he wants to play another year and that tree teams are interested in him. Miller played 258 snaps in 2023 and 279 snaps in 2024 (in 13 games, so about 21 snaps per game). In those 279 snaps, he had 32 pressures per PFF to earn an 83 pass rush grade (62 run defense), while PFR listed him with 16 pressures, 8 QB hits, and 6.0 sacks. I would strongly consider Miller at the $6M to $8M range as an instant pass rusher. And if Miller as an old vet wants to let half of training camp go by before signing, thus allowing the Packers to get a look at LVN, Cox, Sorrell, and Oliver, that is okay, too.
stockholder
July 14, 2025 at 06:56 am
Give me Brooks backing up Wyatt.
And the rookies from Georgia pushing
everyone else off.
jannesbjornson
July 14, 2025 at 10:11 am
They may go with Sorrell and Oliver if they show speed to the QB. In the 4-3/flex defense the LBs have to stone the RBs. Maybe Cox beats out Van Ness ? Somebody should be traded by the end of Summer Session.
LambeauPlain
July 14, 2025 at 11:06 am
Cox, Jr. beat out Van Ness during the second half of the season. How did he do it? He played. His production was impressive and showed, had he not pooped in his mess kits at GA and FL, he may have been a day one or two draft choice. Van Ness was given snaps at DT for a reason...see if he can stick with ability at both DE and DT.
Sorrell is going to be on the 53, barring injury. Oliver has the added utility of having skills as an off ball LB. He might make the PS.
T7Steve
July 14, 2025 at 07:08 am
I hate to see any players go, but it's the NFL and it's good they're going to be pushed with stiff competition. I hate it when it's said that this guy's a new third round pick so he's a lock over someone that's played meaningful snaps. The most surprising players on this list for me are Cox and Enagbare whom I thought were locks till I see this article and where they are contract wise, so it has me rethinking.
GregC
July 14, 2025 at 07:23 am
If you pick a player in the third round and cut him before the season begins, there is something seriously wrong with the decision-making in your front office. Players picked that high may not have proven anything in the NFL yet, because they haven't had the opportunity, but they've probably proven more in college than some of the players on your roster have proven in the NFL.
T7Steve
July 14, 2025 at 08:04 am
Like Josh Myers? I was actually just using what round as an example but I get that they have to try them out, but usually there's room and need where they draft those high picks, but to put them over someone that's successfully played meaningful snaps in the NFL, before camp starts, better be a big improvement.
GregC
July 14, 2025 at 08:10 am
What does Josh Myers have to do with this? Was there another center on the roster who was better than him?
T7Steve
July 14, 2025 at 08:31 am
I'm just saying he was a 3rd round pick and was a lock for 3 seasons. Now he'll have to work just to be a backup on his new team. I'm evidently not doing a good job of getting my drift across. Sorry. I'm just trying to say that once camp starts "may the best man win", no locks or coaches' favorites because of draft status.
jannesbjornson
July 14, 2025 at 10:13 am
Drafted a guy with an injury in the Second round.
dobber
July 14, 2025 at 10:30 am
Myers was a second round pick and his contract was allowed to expire, he wasn't cut. It's a business decision on a guy who can play, much like they did with Runyan: they could do better. His contract with the Jets isn't very much, and with the Packers buying Banks and Hobbs likely won't figure into the comp pick equation.
Coldworld
July 14, 2025 at 09:58 am
Well, presumably there is an argument for Elgton Jenkins. What there wasn’t was much option at G. Gute may have thought Tom, but no better option at RT either. However, there is at least a plausible argument that Myers was seen by the Packers as the 2nd or 3rd best C on the roster the last couple of seasons, if looking purely at C in isolation.
dobber
July 14, 2025 at 10:33 am
In isolation, perhaps. You make a good point in that pushing Myers to the bench might have put a player at OT or G that was inferior to the OL combination they would have with Myers....5 best on the field?
Thegreatreynoldo
July 15, 2025 at 05:13 am
Yes, but attending practices, I never got the impression that the Packers were interested in improving at center. It was just a given from the get-go that Myers was going to be the starter. Yes, they drafted Monk with the 163rd pick (Linsley was the 161st pick, so it is possible to get competition from a 5th round pick), but he never challenged Myers. Indeed, Myers is one of the few OL who never was cross-trained.
I admit this is about the feeling I got, and nothing I can quantify. I mean, it seemed to me as though the staff really, really, wanted Telfort to be a player. They gave Telfort tons of snaps with the ones, and made us all think Gary was going to be a beast and get 25 sacks during the season.
My memory sucks. IIRC, Monk got reps with the threes, and some work with the twos. Myers and Rhyan got snaps with the ones, with Rhyan getting some with the twos. Maybe Linsley forced the staff to let him compete with the ones and Monk did not, though I remember a bunch of fans noting how well Monk played in the preseason.
I can't help remembering a healthy Zach Tom riding the bench for the first 6 games of his rookie season, then playing in game 7 due to Runyan getting a concussion (Tom > runyan even then), and starting games 8 and 9 due to injuries to bakh and Jenkins. Then he sat for 3 games.
I just feel like this staff predetermines the depth chart. Stokes was going to play no matter what, for example.
Coldworld
July 15, 2025 at 08:48 am
Add Hanson, Newman: the feeling that they have a tendency to anoint individuals and defend them at all costs (playing the best football of [insert name]’s life” has been said of all 3 despite on field outcomes. This has been a consistent doubt since Stenavich was elevated. On the other hand others have had to platoon, which seems to hinder not help both players. I therefore share your gut feeling on this one.
Cheezehead72
July 14, 2025 at 08:33 am
The thing you have to remember about the upside to players that were just drafted is they have 4 or 3 years on their rookie contracts over a player that might be in their last year. Also players that have been with the team might have peeked. If the GM and the coaches believe a player has peeked they might keep a player that they believe has more potential.
I would say Cox has a good chance of being on the final 53 as long as he comes into camp with a good attitude and practices hard.
T7Steve
July 14, 2025 at 08:43 am
Yes. That's why I said I have to rethink now due to that status.
GregC
July 14, 2025 at 07:27 am
Arron Moseby will be gone almost for sure. Malik Heath will probably be gone. On the other end of the spectrum, it's hard to see Brenton Cox or Emmanuel Wilson getting cut, and Kingsley Enagbare probably stays too. The others are all very much in the gray area.
Coldworld
July 14, 2025 at 08:08 am
I’d be absolutely stunned if they let Cox go after what he achieved later last season as a rusher. He was decent against the run too. There aren’t enough players that can put up numbers of that sort in the league as a whole.
dobber
July 14, 2025 at 10:36 am
The Packers likely have two years of relatively cheap control on Cox, yet. They'll have to tender him next year as an RFA, but if he balls out this year, they'll have to make a hard decision on whether to buy out the RFA year with a longer term contract.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 15, 2025 at 05:23 am
It is a good problem to have. A second round tender will scare off most teams unless Cox lights it up. And they can still match. Cap might be tight in 2026, that is likely. The hard choice might be which tender to exercise, and that depends on how well Cox plays.
Packman60
July 14, 2025 at 08:14 am
I agree with the writers analysis on everyone, but Cox. He appears to be on an upward trajectory based on his play the 2nd half of the year and believe he will be the top back-up and have an impactful year for the Pack. Wooden is the only other one that to me is a question mark, but I think he's a tweeter and the Pack need a run stuffer behind Clark, so he is likely to be the odd man out.
TXCHEESE
July 14, 2025 at 08:39 am
I too have a hard time believing Cox is going anywhere, unless he totally failed the off-season. He was the best pass rusher they had the last portion of the season.
Packers0808
July 14, 2025 at 09:26 am
Wilson and Heath make the team as well as Cox and Engabare.
LambeauPlain
July 14, 2025 at 11:14 am
I don't believe the Pack keep 6 DEs on the 53. I see 4, maybe 5 DEs if Van Ness shows proficiency at DT.
Gary, Cox, Jr, Sorrell, Van Ness and either Oliver or Enagbare is my early camp prediction.
dobber
July 14, 2025 at 12:52 pm
I don't see them cutting him, but Oliver is hard to figure as a true tweener. Guys with his size and lack of length not named Von Miller have a hard time sticking on the edge, especially in an even front. If he can play some off-ball LB and show on STs, he could push Welch off the roster and that would give him the chance for a limited number of snaps as a designated rusher.
Leatherhead
July 14, 2025 at 08:08 pm
I agree that Wilson, Cox, and Enagbare are all in. I'm not sure that Heath is one of our top 6, especially after Watson is ready.
greengold
July 14, 2025 at 09:44 am
Most def deep into offseason. Don't be surprised if Elgton Jenkins isn't on our final 53. Personally, I don't see that cap math working. I mean, KC's Creed Humphrey makes $18M...
Jenkins is going to be 30, already one of the top paid OL in the NFL. He wants more, while sitting out.
Green Bay saving $20M? That, I can see.
Guam
July 14, 2025 at 09:53 am
I think he is on the roster this season unless he forces a trade (i.e. wants a third contract). I don't see Jenkins on the roster in 2026. That $20MM is too much for an IOL.
greengold
July 14, 2025 at 10:11 am
Yeah, Guam. I get you, but, I think there won't be a resolution to his deal and he gets bounced out. Coming off his worst career year statistically? I just don't see it.
Seems more like an entirely new OL is being built right now. One they can roll with for a solid 5 years or more. Elgton doesn't really fit that scenario either.
I'm looking forward to seeing what Trey Hill, an OC out of Georgia that Gutekunst signed to a futures contract prior to the draft can show. If anyone has scouted him and knows exactly what he can bring, it's Gutekunst.
You never hear about him, but I think he's going to show well in TC.
His 2021 draft profile:
C Trey Hill - Georgia
6-4 335, 33 5/8" arms
PFF Run Block Grade 74.9. Pass Block Grade 73.4. Zone Grade 78.2.
Hill gave up 1 sack and 1 Hurry in his 511 snaps 2020 season. In 2019 he gave up 0 sacks and 0 Hurries in 873 snaps. Started both of those years blocking for DeAndre Swift and James Cook.
Girthy. OC with flexibility to play OG. MAULER. MASS. POWER. Burries LBs and holds POA v DL. Runs feet through contact and plays to whistle. Engulfs interior DL. Not a plus athlete, but moves better than expected. for his size.
Had knee surgery in 2020. Originally drafted R6 by CIN in 2021.
LambeauPlain
July 14, 2025 at 11:17 am
As long as he is healthy (Jenkins has always been available and warrior, unlike a certain departed CB), Jenks is a lock.
Coldworld
July 14, 2025 at 01:47 pm
I don’t want it to happen, but I can see it potentially doing so. Jenkins is at an age where he wants a big 3rd deal but the Packers may not be willing to meet his expectations if they see him as a pure C/G now. He was previously paid as a player capable of starting at T.
One hopes for reasonableness on both sides, but I can’t help feeling there is a risk that Jenkins still sees himself as the player he was pre injury when he signed his last deal. He’s been good but not that. The Packers may well decide they have more upside at lower cost or can acquire a similar player cheaper if Jenkins pushes too hard.
HawkPacker
July 14, 2025 at 05:10 pm
I did not think that Jenkins necessarily wanted a new contract but that he wanted some guarantees to his current contract. I believe as it stands now, there are no guarantees for him moving forward.
Oppy
July 14, 2025 at 08:55 pm
I think it's possible- nothing more, nothing less- that Jenkins is feeling a bit of the "Hey, you gave me a 4 year extension for $66 million.. and now you're moving me to C and the guy you signed in FA to fill my spot got 4 years, $77 million? And he's not as good of a LG as I am? I want another $11 Million" type feelings.
It's most likely a desire for guarantees or an extension since he's being asked to move into semi-uncomfortable territory with the position switch, but, hey, people get hung up over money and perceived respect, too. Never know.
dobber
July 14, 2025 at 12:43 pm
"Seems more like an entirely new OL is being built right now. One they can roll with for a solid 5 years or more. Elgton doesn't really fit that scenario either."
Yeah, Jenkins is an odd fit in a young OL. He's more of a transitional piece: they didn't like what they had in Myers, and they didn't see a C on the FA market they wanted to pay for (or maybe that provided the skill set they wanted). I think Jenkins (and his agent) understands that he could get cut and the Packers get money back on the cap...I don't think he holds out. That's cutting his own throat.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what Trey Hill, an OC out of Georgia...You never hear about him, but I think he's going to show well in TC."
It's possible he makes it. I think his ticket to the 53 is to beat out Monk and show G/C versatility. He played both at UGA. That said, the Bengals drafted him and, after he played a couple full games of snaps as a rookie, the Bengals signed Ted Karras on an FA deal to be their starting C. They resigned Karras to a one-year deal for 2025 rather than bringing back Hill. Hill's been hurt some, has been limited to placekicking team STs, and hasn't played an offensive snap since 2021. Hill profiles as a PS player if he makes it that far.
Coldworld
July 14, 2025 at 02:03 pm
Hill is interesting. Here’s one anonymous scout comment that sums him up perfectly:
“In 2019, I thought Hill was going to be the top center in his draft class. He looked really talented, but as a junior his technique went bad and he got overweight. I ended grading him as a 3/4 (late third-round or early fourth-round pick).”
Which is he? In his Junior year he was slow and had trouble getting low instead of waist bending. If he’s focused and driven to have a career, he might indeed be a hidden gem, but is he?
Guam
July 14, 2025 at 02:54 pm
Jenkins is a better center than anyone else currently on the roster and is due $17 MM this year which I suspect is more than he will get anywhere else. He has little leverage on the Packers other than not playing and that would a financially idiotic decision. I think he eventually shows up and plays, but time will tell.
Did they pick up Hill as a FA? Seems I missed that one.
Coldworld
July 14, 2025 at 03:26 pm
Mid January. One year, 1.1 million deal. He was cut by the Bengals in August 2024 and brought back to their PS.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 15, 2025 at 05:40 am
Jenkins get $12.8M cash in 2025. $20M cash in 2026. None guaranteed.
That's 2 yrs./$33M. Jenkins can get more than that. Hell, Banks just got 2 years, $47.5M. Remember, the market gets set by the dumbest NFL GM. [Yeah, I hate the Banks signing.]
dobber
July 14, 2025 at 10:42 am
At this point, there doesn't seem to be anything tangible that indicates he won't report for camp in a couple weeks.
Virtually all the reports are clickbait.
splitpea1
July 14, 2025 at 11:12 am
It's kind of a reach to say that LVN is "seemingly set on becoming on becoming a true starter this year...." In whose mind? He'll have to earn that job. Remember that he only tallied three sacks in 428 defensive snaps last season while Cox had four in just 160 snaps. So I think we need all the promise and insurance we can get from a pass rush perspective, and unless Cox has an absolutely miserable camp, I fully expect him to make the team.
Regarding Heath, he is an MLF favorite because of his willingness to do the dirty work. Despite a forgettable playoff showing, he made the most of his opportunities in the regular season. So maybe his days aren't numbered quite yet.
Hardman: I would like to see him have a strong showing and make the team, if anything just to keep our starting receivers away from return duties. And maybe he'll show better judgment as to when or when not to bring the ball out of the end zone as opposed to Nixon in the past.
Cheezehead72
July 14, 2025 at 12:20 pm
I will agree with you on Heath that he is willing to do the dirty work and that being blocking on running plays. I do like that about him but unless he is one of the top three WRs he will not be out there on running plays. Also Heath has a great shot at coming back to the PS because I believe no team will pick him up.
Packers0808
July 14, 2025 at 02:28 pm
Wouldn't be surprised in least bit if Van Ess doesn't show up in camp and good one does, Packers let Van Ess walk!
Lphill
July 14, 2025 at 11:19 am
Cox is a keeper, big mistake to cut him.
NJ-RICK
July 14, 2025 at 01:51 pm
It seems to me that everyone is afraid to comment about LVN, the kid is a bust... Gute made a mistake drafting him in the 1st round. I would trade the kid now and get what you can get for him. There are other players behind that want an oppurtunity to get on the field and prove their worth. Another bad pick by a mediocre GM.
GregC
July 14, 2025 at 02:09 pm
I don't think anybody is afraid to comment on LVN. He gets criticized a lot here, or to be more precise, the decision to draft him at #13 overall gets criticized. The reason he hasn't been mentioned in relation to this article is that he's not going to get cut. He won't get traded either. It's too early to give up on him.
Cheezehead72
July 14, 2025 at 02:53 pm
I do not consider LNV a bust. Give him this year to prove himself. If her does not prove himself then think about moving on. He was drafted for potential. He is young. He has played only two years. He still could develop into a quality player. All you that think he was drafted too early need to realize he may not have been there when the packer picked again.
PackerBackerAZ
July 14, 2025 at 05:43 pm
If Van Ness wasn't picked at #13 and the Packers had missed getting him, then another team would have to deal with his ineptitude. Plus, maybe, the Packers might have gotten a starting player. Aw heck, who am I kidding, It would still have been Gutekunst picking in the first round.
Leatherhead
July 14, 2025 at 08:18 pm
I think you should go to spotrac.com and look at some of the Top DEs in FA last year, and what their contract is.
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/_/year/2025/position/de
Josh Sweat had four sacks and 22 tackles after two seasons. He's about a $19M/year guy.
10 sacks and 70 tackles for Chase Young his first two years. He's making $17M
Dayo Oyedingbo is getting $16M. He had 6 sacks and 37 tackles his first two seasons. Last year, he had 3 sacks and 31 tackles. How much did we pay Van Ness for doing more than that?
Point being, these were the top FA DEs last year, and none of them really started off their first two seasons like future Pro Bowlers. This talk about Van Ness being a bust is nonsense.
LeotisHarris
July 14, 2025 at 04:45 pm
Cox deserves a place on the We Like Our Guys List.
PhantomII
July 14, 2025 at 04:51 pm
I swear...he should be starting with RG....has same stats with 1/4 the starts.....who's running this team???
Major Snafu
July 14, 2025 at 07:07 pm
You guys may have convinced me lvn is bustomatic. I see a couple of mentioned receivers gone, probably keep 3 ribs and one to the ps.
Hey we're way ahead unloading two deadwood guys already, Jairre the lip, and Stokes the lost. Talk about two highly wasted picks who contributed nothing.
Leatherhead
July 15, 2025 at 09:14 am
And I think that the Packers have learned from this. Why spend high picks on DBs like Savage, Alexander, Stokes, Jackson, Randall, King, etc. when we get better results in FA....Woodson, Tramon, Shields, Nixon, McKinney, etc.
I think it was a reason that we took Morgan instead of Cooper DeJean.
Oppy
July 14, 2025 at 09:03 pm
Chris Brooks has a legitimate chance at being RB #3.
He provided comparable performance to Emanuel Wilson, albeit in about 1/3 to 1/4 the sample size.
With that being said, Marhsawn Lloyd is still nothing but potential at this point. We're all excited for what he -could- bring to the table, but he's yet to show he can perform on Sundays up to that potential.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 15, 2025 at 05:56 am
Agreed. Jacobs was and will be the starter. As backups, Wilson was the runner and Brooks was be the 3rd down back. We are all assuming that Lloyd be the backup runner in 2025, leaving the 3rd down back role open. Maybe Lloyd is more complete than I think. In any event, Lloyd as a 3rd round pick will make the team. Unless the Packers keep 4 RBs, I think Wilson is in considerable danger.
Leatherhead
July 15, 2025 at 09:15 am
We are not all assuming Lloyd will be the backup. At least one of us thinks that Wilson did an excellent job last year and will be our backup again this year.
Oppy
July 15, 2025 at 09:57 am
Wilson did a great job, but Lloyd's skillset could make him a threat to score on any touch.
Still need to see him do it at this level, but the talent is there, and he's got a rare combination of traits that make him unique on this roster.
Coldworld
July 15, 2025 at 10:58 am
Lloyds skillset is different to that of Jacobs or Wilson. Wilson’s is very similar to that of Jacobs. Theron lies the distinction. Lloyd should be able to offer diversity Jacobs can’t. Wilson last year was able to continue the offense as if Jacobs were still in remarkable effectively.
Ideally, Lloyd can assume the 3rd down role as he’s much more of a varied threat than the others and that includes Brooks. The key to that though is protection. If Lloyd can’t protect well enough for that then Brooks becomes relevant again and whether the need for a protection back overrides the ability to step in as Jacobs’ understudy as Lloyd is going to be rostered if healthy.
If Lloyd can protect, then Brooks is likely back to the PS or gone. Lloyd is simply more of a versatile 3rd down piece and a better athlete. On paper, Amar Johnson looks like a potential Brooks understudy.
deepsouth
July 14, 2025 at 10:48 pm
I like Zayne Anderson but he may be let go and if that happens it is not that big of
a deal. I think Wooden will be gone and probably Enegbare as well as he is set to
get a raise. Heath and Mosby are headed to the PS. Melton might be gone too but
someone will pick him up. The rest on the list will make it but if they only keep
three running backs either Wilson or Brooks will have to go : I would keep four backs.
LV N has to produce more than he has shown so far and my guess is that he will but
it will not be enough to keep him in 2026. I suspect that Cox and the two guys we
drafted will earn reps that come at LVN's expense. The pass rush group as a whole
should be better this year.
dobber
July 15, 2025 at 08:11 am
I think it's pretty clear that the Packers staff really likes Anderson and really likes its depth at S. I think it's likely that we see 3 safeties playing a lot of snaps every week rather than going deep into the CB room--which means you need playable depth. I will admit that I didn't think much of Zayne Anderson at first, but he proved himself to be a pretty competent fill-in when they needed him last year. He's good on STs and he's cheap...good locker room guy, too, as I understand. I think he'll be hard to push off the 53 unless one of these UDFAs really shows well. There's virtually no cap savings to keep a UDFA over Anderson.
I agree on Wooden. Have a hunch that Brinson will push him off the roster. I think Enagbare is a solid but unspectacular DE and is valuable (and cheap) enough that they won't let go unless they can find a taker in trade.
"Heath and Mosby are headed to the PS."
Heath has a unique skill set and physical type in the Packers WR room, and if there's an injury, it could open the door for him to make the cut. Waiver claims at final cutdowns don't happen a lot, but I suppose another team might take a shot at him. I agree in that there's no room in the Inn for Mosby.
I just don't understand why so many people are so enamored with Melton. There are an awful lot of Meltons out there, and a lot of them will be scrounging for practice squad spots after cutdowns.
"LV N has to produce more than he has shown so far and my guess is that he will but
it will not be enough to keep him in 2026."
LVN's 5th year option doesn't kick in until 2027 so unless he has a total breakdown or is traded, he'll be on the roster in 2026.
"I suspect that Cox and the two guys we
drafted will earn reps that come at LVN's expense."
The Packers like to rotate their DEs. None of them earned more than 60% of the game snaps last year. When P. Smith was dealt, Cox and Mosby stepped into his snaps, and Enagbare earned some additional time, too. It's possible that Cox plays LVN to the bench, but I expect him to be a passing down specialist and LVN/Enagbare/Gary to share the early snaps. I don't really expect Sorrell to play a lot unless there's an injury or trade.
"The pass rush group as a whole
should be better this year."
I hope you're right. Really hoping for more impactful play.
Coldworld
July 15, 2025 at 09:03 am
In relation to Heath, just musing, but a healthy Musgrave and the arrival of Williams have perhaps ended the uniqueness of what Heath brought previously?
Musgrave is bigger and physical for a WR if not a true TE. He’s likely to be on the 53 and he’s going to need a role to be found. What Heath does could largely be seen as within the compass of his abilities.
What isn’t could easily fall to Williams. At 222 pounds, Williams’ blocking is definitely in need of a lot of work, but he is notably physical in contact situations, which is Heath’s big strength. Williams is, of course, greatly more physically gifted once he has the ball in his hands. I’d say Heath has better hands than Williams admittedly, but not Musgrave particularly.
WD
July 15, 2025 at 11:21 am
Before Bo Melton is cut it would be wise to asses his ability to play CB. While we are strong at safety the depth is really lacking at CB. People pretend they know Melton can not play CB. They may be right but there is no evidence of that at this time. Who is gong to play outside CB? Who are the backups? Are the Packers really comfortable with what they have? They did not use a high pick on CB nor did they sign a free agent. This could come back to haunt them. Keep Bo!