Packers Team Notes

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 68, Ole Miss LB Chris Paul Jr

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers may have struck gold when they drafted Edgerrin Cooper in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Texas A&M linebacker put together an impressive rookie campaign. Despite only starting four games and missing three more due to injury, the explosive linebacker recorded 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and one interception.

With Cooper and former first-round pick Quay Walker, the Packers have the makings of a formidable linebacker group.

The Packers could be losing fellow linebackers Eric Wilson and Isaiah McDuffie to free agency, leaving the depth at the position depleted.

With those potential departures, Ty’Ron Hopper could take on a more prominent role during his second year in the league.

Even if Hopper emerges, the Packers will need depth behind the young trio of Cooper, Walker and Hopper. A potential target in the 2025 NFL Draft is Chris Paul Jr. The Ole Miss linebacker checks in at No. 68 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

During three seasons at Arkansas, Paul recorded 137 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and six sacks. During his lone season as a Rebel, he recorded 88 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception and four pass deflections.

“Paul has the stats to back up being a great tackler, but perhaps most impressively, he took on a leadership role on the defense,” Sam Hutchens, the Ole Miss beat writer for the Clarion Ledger, said. “Not easy for a first-year Rebel transfer to do, but his teammates responded.”

He’s here. He’s there. He’s every-freaking-where. The Ole Miss linebacker is a bloodhound and always in on the action.

Paul is highly instinctive, which gives him a head start and he uses his quickness to evade blockers. Paul is explosive in short areas and explodes into the gap. With his lateral quickness, he has outstanding range as a run defender. He has a high batting average as a tackler and drives through the ball carrier. According to Pro Football Focus, Paul missed four tackles this past season.

“He won’t wow with his size or power, but he stopped the run effectively,” Hutchens said. “He flashed quickness in filling holes, and an ability to hold his own against bigger players.”

Paul gets proper depth in his drops and has the change of direction skills to turn and run with tight ends and running backs. He plays cleanly in space.

“He’s solid in coverage,” Hutchens said. “Which is where being undersized and a little lighter than most linebackers helps.”

Paul logged 316 snaps on special teams during his collegiate career and it could be an area where he makes an immediate impact as a rookie.

Fit with the Packers​

In 2022, the Packers drafted Walker with the 22nd overall pick. Last year the Packers drafted Cooper in the second round and Hopper in the third round.

With those three on the roster and a year removed from using a pair of Top 100 picks on the position, Gutekunst may wait until Day 3 before adding a linebacker or two to the mix. Which makes Paul an ideal target early on Day 3 of the draft.

“From what I learned interviewing him and other teammates, he truly loves football,” Hutchens said. “It shows in big-picture stuff, like helping hold a team together after an upset home loss against Kentucky.”

Paul is a fearless run defender and has the upside in coverage to develop into a four-down linebacker. All that paired with his instincts and Paul would provide quality depth as a rookie and could enter the starting lineup down the road if the Packers don’t re-sign Walker to a second contract.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...ture-packers-no-68-ole-miss-lb-chris-paul-jr/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Despite injuries, Packers rookie class still ranked top 10 in 2024

Injuries derailed a chance at the top spots, but the rookie class of the Green Bay Packers still ranked in the top 10 at NFL.com.

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.

Filice pointed to the contributions of All-Rookie team picks Edgerrin Cooper and Evan Williams and the versatile starting ability of defensive back Javon Bullard as top reasons why the Packers were a top 10 rookie class.

Cooper looks like a future star after finishing with 13 tackles for loss. Williams was a promising mix of playmaking and reliability as a rookie starter next to Xavier McKinney. And Bullard was a preferred starter — whether it was at safety or nickel — from start to finish as a rookie.

It’s possible the Packers would have had a top-10 rookie class had offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, the team’s first-round pick, and running back MarShawn Lloyd, the team’s first of two third-round picks, been healthy for the full season. Morgan injured his shoulder at least three times before needing surgery after only six games, while Lloyd was dealt one unfortunate injury situation after another and ended up seeing action in just one game.

Morgan could have been an important rotational player at guard for the Packers offensive line. Lloyd has all the explosive ability necessary to create big plays as a runner or receiver. The Packers will have to wait until 2025 to realize their value.

Injuries impacted the rest of the class, too. Cooper missed three games with a hamstring injury. Williams suffered two different lower-body soft-tissue injuries and ended up missing four games. Bullard injured his ankle and missed two games. Injuries are a part of professional football, but missing time is especially difficult on young players who need the on-field experience.

It will be interesting to see where this class goes in 2025. Third-round pick Ty’Ron Hopper might have a chance to be a base defense starter at linebacker while retaining a major role on special teams. Fifth-round pick Jacob Monk could be an option at center if Josh Myers departs or a key interior offensive line backup. Fifth-round pick Kitan Oladapo looked good in the season finale, and the Packers might want to find ways of getting him on the field defensively in 2025 despite all the depth at safety. Others, including Travis Glover and Kalen King, will have opportunities to stick as important backups.

The top players will determine how good this class ends up being. If Morgan develops into a quality starting offensive lineman, Cooper continues to be a difference-making linebacker, Bullard, Williams, Hopper and Oladapo settle into roles for Jeff Hafley’s defense and Lloyd gives the offense an explosive weapon, this could be an excellent class that keeps the Packers competitive for years to come.

So, who took the top spot in the rankings? The Washington Commanders, who got franchise-changing quarterback Jayden Daniels, plus three other immediate starters. The Los Angeles Rams (No. 2) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 5), two other playoff teams in the NFC, also cracked the top five.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...ers-rookie-class-still-ranked-top-10-in-2024/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers free agent target: Pros and cons of DT Milton Williams

The Green Bay Packers are approaching free agency in 2025 with no priority free agents, plenty of salary cap space and a need to add veteran talent to a young, cheap and ascending roster.

One year after signing safety Xavier McKinney and running back Josh Jacobs in free agency, general manager Brian Gutekunst is in a position to make another splash in 2025.

Until free agency, Packers Wire will run through potential options, continuing today with defensive tackle Milton Williams, in an attempt to identify the pros and cons of each potential target for Gutekunst.

Williams, a 2021 draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, figures to be one of the most coveted free agents of the cycle.

Let’s dig into the pros and cons of the Packers going after Williams:

Pros​

— Williams was a key contributor to the Eagles’ dominant pass rush in 2024. He finished with 5.0 sacks and a career-high 40 quarterback pressures, which ranked 19th among defensive linemen, according to Pro Football Focus.

— Williams will only be 26 in April. He’s an ascending player who maybe hasn’t reached his full potential, especially when you consider he was a rotational player in Philadelphia.

— Williams had a significant impact in the Eagles’ Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs, registering four tackles, four pressures, and two sacks, including a strip-sack against Patrick Mahomes.

— Pass-rush is an obvious need for Green Bay this offseason, and Williams would provide an immediate boost.

— Williams’ 17.7 percent pass rush win rate would have ranked first on the Packers this season, per PFF.

— Williams best projects as a three-tech but is alignment versatile and can remain impactful filling a variety of roles along the defensive line.

— Williams was regarding an exceptional athlete coming out of Louisiana Tech, posting a 9.96 RAS during his pre-draft testing.

— At 6-3, 290 lbs, Williams demonstrates the necessary play strength to match his muscular frame. Even when double-teamed, he was rated as an above-average pass rusher.

— Williams possesses exceptional hand usage, a good understanding of leverage, and a quick first step to make him an imposing pass rusher.

— Has missed only one game due to injury (concussion).

Cons​

— Williams has played 67 games in his career but only started in 19 of those games. He has also never played more than 50 percent of the defensive snaps. For as much upside as Williams has, he’s never been a full-time starter.

— Williams logged a career-low 24 total tackles in 2024.

— While Williams has shined as a pass rusher, his run defense leaves something to be desired. PFF gave him a 43.1 run-defense grade this season. If Williams can’t contribute more in the run game, he will continue to be a situational player.

— Former first-round pick Devonte Wyatt has been Green Bay’s primary pass-rushing three-tech over the past two seasons and is coming off a breakout year. You can’t help but wonder if it would hurt Wyatt’s development or if there wouldn’t be enough snaps to go around if they brought in Williams.

— Williams benefitted from playing next to elite talent like Jalen Carter. The Packers don’t have as much talent as the Eagles, which makes you wonder if Williams can be “the guy.” Kenny Clark has been that guy for the Packers but is coming off a down year and is set to turn 30 next season.

— Building off the previous point, the team needs to start thinking about finding a replacement for Clark, seeing that 2025 may be his last season in Green Bay. Clark has been an every-down player for the Packers, but given Williams’ struggles in the run game, he may not be up for the task.

— Spotrac projects Williams’ next contract to carry a $12 million average annual salary, but that estimate can probably be tossed aside. Williams could command as much as $20 million per year on the open market, putting him among the top 15 highest-paid DTs. Are the Packers willing to pay that much for an interior pass-rush specialist?

— Williams has expressed interest in re-signing with the Eagles. It takes two to tango, but Green Bay may not even get the chance to make an offer.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...t-target-pros-and-cons-of-dt-milton-williams/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers free agent target: Pros and cons of WR Tee Higgins

The Green Bay Packers are approaching free agency in 2025 with no priority free agents, plenty of salary cap space and a need to add veteran talent to a young, cheap and ascending roster.

One year after signing safety Xavier McKinney and running back Josh Jacobs in free agency, general manager Brian Gutekunst is in a position to make another splash in 2025.

Until free agency, Packers Wire will run through potential options, starting today with receiver Tee Higgins, in an attempt to identify the pros and cons of each potential target for Gutekunst.

Higgins, a 2020 draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, figures to be one of the most coveted free agents of the cycle.

Let’s dig into the pros and cons of the Packers going after Higgins:

Pros​

— Higgins is a big receiver (6-4) with legitimate difference-making ability. He has averaged at least 8.0 yards per target in all five of his NFL seasons and has a career average of 9.0 yards per target — an excellent number. By yards per route run, Higgins has an average of 1.92 yards — another excellent mark. He makes the most of his opportunities.

— Higgins is only 26 years old. He fits the Packers’ recent model of signing young, ascending players coming off their rookie contracts.

— The Packers might need at No. 1 receiver. Higgins could qualify. In fact, this could be a similar addition to the Eagles trading for A.J. Brown in 2022.

— Higgins caught 10 touchdown passes in 2024, including seven in the red zone. Despite often playing Robin to Ja’Marr Chase’s Batman, Higgins has 34 career touchdown catches in only 70 games.

— Higgins can play outside or in the slot, giving him the multi-position versatility the Packers require of receivers. Higgins has played roughly 20 percent of his snaps from the slot.

— Higgins is a dependable catcher of the football. He’s dropped only 6.5 percent of targets in his career, including only two total drops in 2024.

— At 6-4, Higgins is an excellent contested catch winner, and his incredible catch radius would give Jordan Love a receiver who can make him right when throws aren’t perfect.

— Higgins is terrific in the short to intermediate ranges. It’s easy to envision him running all the routes required of an X receiver in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

— The Packers are going to spread the ball around on offense, and that fits Higgins, who has never received more than 110 targets in a season. He’s proven he can be a valuable and effective pass-catcher without super high volume.

Cons​

— He’s going to be expensive, no doubt about it. Last year, Calvin Ridley signed a four-year, $92 million deal with the Tennessee Titans, and Ridley wasn’t on Higgins’ level as a free agent. A deal worth at least $25 million or more per season — and likely approaching or beating $30 million — might be required. Competition will be fierce.

— It’s still possible he won’t be available at all. The franchise tag remains in play.

— Playing opposite Ja’Marr Chase has likely made his life much easier as a receiver. There is always the Allen Lazard risk — that playing with a superstar No. 1 elevated his efficiency to unsustainable levels.

— The Packers like drafting and developing wide receivers, and their track record of finding quality receivers on Day 2 of the draft and developing them into good players is impressive. Does Gutekunst want to give a top-of-the-market deal to a wide receiver?

— Higgins has missed time to injury — including five games in 2024 and five more in 2023. Soft-tissue injuries are a legitimate concern — there’s a history of hamstring issues.

— Higgins doesn’t have elite speed and might not be the kind of field-stretching receiver the Packers need. But this would be a preference or style con. The Packers can absolutely fit Higgins into the passing game as currently constructed.

— The Packers have big financial decisions to make on their own receivers after 2025. Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson are free agents, and Jayden Reed might position himself for a big, new deal. Lots of puzzle pieces to consider at receiver this offseason.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...agent-target-pros-and-cons-of-wr-tee-higgins/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers get Ohio State OT Josh Simmons in Daniel Jeremiah's second mock draft

The Green Bay Packers received a physically gifted and versatile offensive lineman coming off a major injury in the first round of Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft for NFL.com.

At No. 23 overall in the first round, Jeremiah sent Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons to the Packers.

From Jeremiah: “Simmons is coming off a knee injury, but he’s as gifted as any offensive lineman in the class. He also has the tools to play multiple spots on the O-line, something Green Bay has always valued.”

Simmons, listed at 6-5 and 310 pounds, gave up only a single pressure in pass protection across six games and 158 snaps played in 2024. He had season-ending knee surgery in October.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN he expects Simmons will be cleared in time for the start of training camp this summer.

A San Diego State transfer, Simmons played over 1,100 snaps at left tackle for the Buckeyes over the last two seasons and has experience at right tackle as recently as 2022. Since 2023, Simmons has allowed only five total sacks (one) and quarterback hits (four).

Simmons ranks as Jeremiah’s No. 30 overall player in his top 50 prospects as of Jan. 28.

His scouting report:

Simmons is a gifted left tackle prospect. He was having an outstanding 2024 campaign before suffering a season-ending knee injury in October. He has excellent size, movement skills and balance. In the passing game, he has a smooth/fluid set. He can easily redirect and plays with a wide/firm base. He uses a sharp punch before steering and controlling defenders. He will overset on occasion, but he’s nimble enough to redirect and recover. In the run game, he plays under control, stays on his feet and maintains leverage/position. He can adjust in space on combos. The main question with Simmons is health. What he put on tape this fall should generate plenty of optimism about his chances of becoming a quality starting left tackle in the NFL.

Simmons ranks much higher for Dane Brugler of The Athletic, who has the Ohio State tackle as his No. 17 overall player.

Simmons made a strong case over the first month of the season for OT1 status in this class, before a non-contact knee injury ended his year. His projection is still somewhat in limbo until NFL teams get updated medical info on his patella injury. If fully healthy, Simmons has the body control and nimble feet to be a starting blindside tackle in the NFL.

The Packers drafted Arizona’s Jordan Morgan in the first round of last year’s draft, but he worked inside at guard as a rookie and could be an expected starter at guard as a second-year player in 2025. The Packers like Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom as a tackle duo, but Walker is heading into a contract year and Tom is a five-position player who will likely get a mega contract extension at some point this offseason.

In Simmons, the Packers would get a valuable insurance policy at offensive tackle and an opportunity to keep developing top-tier talent in front of Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs. It’s possible Simmons could be the long-term blindside protector at left tackle, especially if the Packers aren’t sold on Walker as being worth a long-term extension after 2025.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...immons-in-daniel-jeremiahs-second-mock-draft/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers free agent target: Pros and cons of CB Asante Samuel Jr.

The Green Bay Packers are approaching free agency in 2025 with no priority free agents, plenty of salary cap space and a need to add veteran talent to a young, cheap and ascending roster.

One year after signing safety Xavier McKinney and running back Josh Jacobs in free agency, general manager Brian Gutekunst is in a position to make another splash in 2025.

Until free agency, Packers Wire will run through potential options, continuing today with cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., in an attempt to identify the pros and cons of each potential target for Gutekunst.

Samuel, a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 draft, visited Green Bay pre-draft and has a clear coaching connection to the Packers.

Let’s dig into the pros and cons of the Packers going after Samuel:

Pros​

— Samuel is only 25 years old and has both starting experience and production history. He’s a 47-game starter at cornerback with six career interceptions (two each in 2021-23) and 37 pass breakups (at least 10 every year between 2021-23).

— Samuel spent his first three seasons working under current Packers pass game coordinator Derrick Ansley in Los Angeles. Ansley was his position coach in 2021 and 2022 and the Chargers defensive coordinator in 2023. Familiarity is so important in determining fits for players.

— The Packers need competition and depth at cornerback, especially if Jaire Alexander is released or traded and Eric Stokes leaves in free agency. Most of Samuel’s NFL experience is outside as a perimeter cornerback.

— Samuel has two years of effective coverage at corner. He produced coverage grades at PFF over 75.0 in both 2022 and 2023.

— Eric Stokes hasn’t broken up a pass since 2021. Samuel has consistently gotten his hands on the football. The playmaking upgrade from Stokes to Samuel would be significant.

— Samuel, the son of former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel, was in Green Bay on a pre-draft visit in 2021. The personnel staff will have something close to a complete profile on him, especially with Ansley’s insight coming from Los Angeles.

Cons​

— Samuel missed all but four games in 2024 while dealing with a stinger in his shoulder area after a collision in practice. Per Kris Rhim of ESPN, Samuel said the issue is something he’s had since he was born, suggesting it could be a recurring issue in a contact sport.

— It’s unclear how big the market for Samuel will be, but young corners usually command big money. The injury in 2024 might dampen his market some, but Samuel probably won’t come cheap.

— Samuel is definitely on the smaller side. He’s listed at 5-10 and 180 pounds. The Packers have generally avoided smaller players at corner.

— Tackling has been an issue, possibly due to his lack of size. Per PFF, Samuel has missed 36 career tackles and has a missed tackle percentage of 16.7. That’s very high and would create a potential run-defending liability.

— Samuel has never finished a season with a run defense grade at PFF above 60.6.

— Samuel has only three career tackles for loss and zero forced fumbles. He gets his hands on the ball in the passing game but isn’t a negative play creator otherwise. (For comparison, Keisean Nixon had eight tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in 2024 alone.)

— The Chargers gave up a lot of points on defense in 2022 and 2023 when Samuel was a starter. Last season, Samuel played in only four games but the Chargers rose to the No. 1 scoring defense under Jesse Minter.

— The Packers like Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as perimeter corners, so spending money on a smaller player coming off a major injury might not interest Brian Gutekunst.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...-target-pros-and-cons-of-cb-asante-samuel-jr/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 66, Marshall DE Mike Green

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers’ pass rush could use a different flavor and more juice. Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare and Brenton Cox Jr are all power-packed pass rushers and that room could use a Clay Matthews-like player.

A player that would provide plenty of juice to Green Bay’s pass rush is Mike Green. The Marshall edge rusher checks in at No. 66 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

Green was a three-star wide receiver recruit, who started his collegiate career at Virginia before departing in 2022. His departure from Virginia will likely be a talking point in a lot of his team interviews during the NFL Scouting Combine.

During his first season at Marshall,, Green recorded 43 tacklers, nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

This past season Green was named the Sun Belt Player of the Year after he led the FBS in sacks (17) and tackles for loss (23).

“Big Mike was the heartbeat of the team,” Ralph Street, the defensive line coach for Marshall said. “He led bible study for the team and students that wanted to attend on campus. He outworks everybody. If I was to show you practice clips of him chasing the ball you wouldn’t believe it. He starts every drill in front and finishes every drill first. His approach inspires others to be better. His leadership is so conducive for his teammates to grow and learn from him. His game changing plays brought competitive energy to the team to execute at a higher level. Mike meant everything to the team.”

Green is twitched up and has a quick first step and is able to convert speed to power. He rushes low and fast, showing the lower body flexibility to bend and run the arc with speed. He’s able to stay balanced through contact. He has a deep bag of tricks as a pass rusher, that’s highlighted by his spin and swim moves. Along with his 17 sacks, Green recorded 59 pressures.

During a two-week stretch when Marshall played Virginia Tech and Ohio State, Green recorded three sacks and nine pressures, with two sacks and eight of those pressures coming against Virginia Tech.

“He’s so dominant because of his preparation,” Street said. “He spends countless hours watching film and taking notes. Athletically, he’s a freak of nature. His contact balance is elite from his wrestling background. He’s a natural bender and has great mobility in the hips and ankles. He can generate so much power from a stand still which allows him to power rush.”

Green plays above his weight class against the run. He’s violent and is powerful at the point of attack. He’s used to receiving extra attention and slaps his shoulders into oncoming chippers. If left unblocked as a backside defender, he has the pursuit speed to chase down ball carriers. Due to his initial burst he can be in the backfield before the offense knew what hit them. To go along with his 23 tackles for loss, Green recorded 49 run stops.

“He destroys blocks and ball carriers,” Street said. “He led the country in tackles for loss. Mike has a great understanding of what types of blocks he’s attacking from formation recognition, back location and down and distance. He plays with great pad level and his hand placement is always great to create knock back and disengage the blockers to make the tackle on the ball carrier.”

Fit with the Packers​

Green Bay’s pass rush ran hot and cold, mostly cold during Hafley’s first season as defensive coordinator. The duo of Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness combined for 10.5 sacks and 67 pressures.

Nobody inside 1265 Lombardi Avenue is giving up on that duo, but they both need to be better next season and the Packers could add a player like Green, who is built and moves differently than Gary and Van Ness.

With his first step quickness and flexibility, Green would provide Green Bay’s pass rush with a much-needed shot in the arm.

“He’s driven to be the best,” Street said. “He’s a true competitor. He competes and wants to be the best in everything. His discipline and work ethic reflects his goals. He would play in the NFL for free. The guy meets with me every morning at 8 AM. He is an accelerated learner his ability to process and to anticipate the progression and make the correct read is unmatched. He knows blocking schemes for gap scheme offenses, zone run plays and can draw every protection we’ll face in our fronts we play. At times he’s not human. He’s the best player on the team and was the easiest to coach and the most disciplined including out working himself because he set his own standard.”

Green weighed in at 251 pounds at the Senior Bowl. The Packers typically like their edge rushers to be north of 260 pounds. Given Green’s ability to hunt the quarterback and make splash plays behind the line of scrimmage, Brian Gutekunst may be able to overlook his weight.

If Green is on the board when the Packers are on the clock with the 23rd overall pick, his talent may be difficult to pass up. The Packers need to create more havoc up front next season. Adding a player who led the FBS in sacks and tackles for loss could go a long way in helping Green Bay’s defensive line be a more dominant force.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/19/unpacking-future-packers-no-66-marshall-de-mike-green/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 65, Ohio State C Seth McLaughlin

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft.

Corey Linsley started at center for the Green Bay Packers for seven seasons. After 89 career starts, the former Ohio State product was replaced by Josh Myers, another Ohio State center in 2021.

Brian Gutekunst selected Myers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has since started 56 games at center for the Packers.

Myers is set to hit free agency and if the Packers don’t re-sign the former Ohio State Buckeye, Gutekunst could once again replace a Buckeye with a Buckeye.

Seth McLaughlin could be a Day 3 target for the Packers as they potentially look for Myers’ replacement. The Ohio State center checks in at No. 65 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A transfer from Alabama, McLaughlin started 24 games at center for the Crimson Tide. McLaughlin started 10 games for the Buckeyes this year before having his season cut short due to an Achilles injury. Despite only playing in 10 games, McLaughlin still won the Rimington Trophy.

“McLaughlin’s greatest strength is being the smartest player on every football field he’s on,” Tony Gerdeman, the lead writer for Buckeye Huddle said. “He will pick up the offense and know his job and everybody else’s on the offensive line. He will put his linemates in the right spot on the vast majority of snaps. Coaches love him and he’s the kind of guy that can handle a playbook.”

McLaughlin may be the smartest player in this draft class. He’s a heady player who quickly sorts through movements. He has a great understanding of rush angles and uses his lateral quickness to cut off defenders. McLaughlin has patient hands and uses a timely punch to get into rushers. He’s able to reset his hands and has a strong core to anchor against power. In 10 games this season, McLaughlin gave up zero sacks and seven pressures.

“He got stronger at Ohio State than he was at Alabama, so that has helped in his ability to hold up against the pass rush,” Gerdeman said. “As with most centers, he is mobile and able to anticipate. The credit for some of the lack of pressure likely comes from the fact that he’s working against nose tackles rather than three techs, but he studies the opposition and is always prepared for what he’s going to face.”

The Ohio State center is comfortable on his feet and rapidly climbs to the second level. He’s able to redirect defenders to open up running lanes. He won’t win any bench press competitions, but he’s strong at the point of attack and is able to drive defenders downfield.

“His technique and awareness are elite,” Gerdeman said. “They help to make up for any lack of ideal physical abilities. The effort is always going to be there. He knows what will work offensively based on what his teammates do well and what the defense struggles to defend.”

Fit with the Packers​

If the Packers let Myers walk, it’s reasonable to think the Packers already have his replacement on the roster in the form of one Elgton Jenkins.

Jenkins could slide from left guard to center, which would open the door for Jordan Morgan, last year’s first-round pick to start at left guard.

It’s also plausible that the Packers want to keep Jenkins at left guard, a position where he’s thrived.

If the Packers are to target a center in the 2025 NFL Draft, McLaughlin could be an ideal choice on Day 3.

He has a high football IQ and if he’s fully recovered from his season-ending injury, he could be a plug-and-play center.

“People still get hung up on some bad snaps at Alabama, but that was a Jalen Milroe clapping and ‘ready’ issue more than anything else,” Gerdeman said. “The NFL is aware of what those old issues were and it will not factor into his draft stock this year. McLaughlin has been a professional center for years already. The Achilles injury may cost him a round or two, but whoever drafts him will have somebody who can mentally handle everything they give him. He’s more physically equipped to handle it than he was a year ago.”

The Packers have had success drafting Ohio State centers in the past. With a potential job opening again, Gutekunst could once again turn to the Buckeye pipeline to find the future anchor of Green Bay’s offensive line.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...e-packers-no-65-ohio-state-c-seth-mclaughlin/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

NFL releases renderings of 2025 NFL Draft setup in Green Bay

After months and months of planning, the NFL now has an idea of what the 2025 NFL Draft will look like near Lambeau Field in late April.

The league released renderings of the draft event setup on Thursday, including detailed looks of the planned draft stage and campus in Green Bay. The 2025 draft will be held between Thursday, April 24 and Saturday, April 26.

“It’s exciting to see these renderings. The draft is really starting to take shape,” Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said in the team’s press release. “It looks like a great setup. All fans and attendees will be treated to an exciting event, and we’re proud to have Lambeau Field featured so prominently.”

The sprawling event will be centered around Lambeau Field down Lombardi Ave., with the stage to the east of the stadium and other activities set up in parking areas and in Titletown.

Here is an overhead rendering of the complete draft campus:

Credit: Packers.com

The draft stage:

Credit: Packers.com

And the complete draft theater:

Credit: Packers.com

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...derings-of-2025-nfl-draft-setup-in-green-bay/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Reasons for and against Packers re-signing LB Isaiah McDuffie

The Green Bay Packers have a decision to make on linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, who has started 25 games over the last two seasons — including all 17 in 2024 — but has an expiring contract this offseason. He is one of two preferred defensive starters — including defensive tackle TJ Slaton — who will be free agents when their rookie contracts expire at the start of the new league year.

Will the Packers prioritize returning McDuffie or move forward with other young players at linebacker?

Here are some reasons for and against re-signing McDuffie, and what we would do if we were the Packers this offseason:

Reasons for​

— McDuffie, a sixth-round draft pick in 2021, developed over four seasons in Green Bay and has played over 1,200 defensive snaps for the Packers over the last two seasons. He was a 17-game starter in Jeff Hafley’s first season as defensive coordinator. The Packers clearly trust him in a big role on defense.

— McDuffie is a core special teamer, having played almost 800 special teams snaps over the last four seasons. Even if not a starter at linebacker in 2025, McDuffie would have value for the third phase.

— McDuffie is only 25 years old. Like Josh Myers, he’s a young but experienced player, and teams like to keep young players entering their prime.

— The Packers view him as a tough, reliable player at a position that demands both qualities. One of McDuffie’s strengths is against the run, where his toughness against blocks shines through.

— It’s possible McDuffie won’t be an expensive player to retain. He’s young and has starting experience, but the guess here is that teams won’t be lining up to give him a big deal in free agency.

— McDuffie has missed only one game to injury over the last three seasons. He’s been highly durable even in an expanded role on defense and special teams.

— McDuffie has a career missed tackle percentage of 8.9, per PFF. That’s a strong mark for a linebacker. He missed only 17 total tackles on defense while playing over 1,200 snaps over the last two seasons.

— The Packers have young linebackers to develop, but with McDuffie and Eric Wilson both hitting free agency, depth at the position is lacking. In fact, the Packers only have three linebackers under contract right now.

— The free agent market is overflowing with off-ball linebackers, potentially pushing down McDuffie’s price point.

Reasons against​

— McDuffie played a lot of snaps over the last two years, but he also played at a replacement level. He is both undersized and lacking dynamite athletic qualities. This might be a situation where the Packers need to force themselves to try and get better at a position.

— Coverage is so important in modern football, and McDuffie rated as one of the NFL’s worst coverage linebackers in 2024. Among 87 qualifying linebackers last season, McDuffie’s coverage grade at PFF ranked 74th. He allowed completions on 84.4 percent of targets and gave up five total touchdowns into his coverage. He also missed seven tackles while in coverage. Teams found ways of exploiting him — whether it was throwing behind him in zone or getting easy completions to tight ends or running backs in man coverage.

— McDuffie produced 28 “stops,” or a tackle creating an offensive failure. The 28 were a career high, but full-time linebackers need to make more impact tackles. McDuffie had the fifth-fewest stops among linebackers with at least 600 snaps played in 2024. He made plenty of tackles but not enough disruptive plays.

— The Packers drafted Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper at linebacker last April, and it’s possible Hopper will be expected to handle the No. 3 linebacker duties behind Cooper and Quay Walker in 2025. Hopper got some run on defense around midseason as a rookie but ended up playing only a handful of snaps. The Packers are likely banking on him taking a second-year leap and contributing a lot more at linebacker next season. Letting McDuffie sign elsewhere clears the way for Hopper to get on the field.

— Salary cap dollars must be spent wisely. Should the Packers use precious money on a middling linebacker? If McDuffie’s market is quiet, the Packers could see value in returning him on a big discount. But it’s possible the Packers will be willing to let another team pay him and move on with Hopper — a third-round pick — at linebacker.

— The Packers may need to decide between McDuffie and veteran Eric Wilson in terms of returning a linebacker in free agency. McDuffie is younger, and played more snaps in 2024, but Wilson is a leader on special teams and produced more splash plays last season.

What I would do​

Move on, unless a big hometown discount is involved. The Packers have invested valuable draft capital at linebacker over the last three years, and the addition of Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper on Day 2 of the draft last April likely foreshadowed the Packers’ plans this offseason. Would they like McDuffie back? Probably, especially at the right price. He could be an excellent No. 4 linebacker who plays a bunch of roles on special teams. But that might be a hard sell to McDuffie, who has started 25 games over the last two seasons and probably wants both a nice payday and a chance to start in 2025. Can the Packers offer both? In an ideal world, Hopper develops as a second-year player and gives Jeff Hafley’s defense a capable third linebacker on a cheap rookie contract. If McDuffie wants to come back on a cheap veteran deal and compete with Hopper, sign us up. If not, the Packers can and should move forward with developing Hopper, possibly re-signing Eric Wilson and looking to the draft for adding another developmental option at linebacker.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...gainst-packers-re-signing-lb-isaiah-mcduffie/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers keeping personnel exec Jon-Eric Sullivan after multiple GM interviews

Green Bay Packers personnel executive Jon-Eric Sullivan interviewed with four different teams with general manager openings during the 2025 hiring cycle but will remain on Brian Gutekunst’s staff for at least another year.

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced the team is hiring James Gladstone to be their new general manager on Friday.

Sullivan, who has been in Green Bay for over two decades, was a finalist for the job in Jacksonville. He also interviewed with New York Jets, Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders since the end of the 2024 season, but all three teams hired other candidates.

Sullivan is the Packers’ vice president of player personnel underneath Gutekunst.

Sullivan joined the Packers as an intern in 2003. He spent eight years (2008-15) as an area scout, two seasons as the director of college scouting (2016-17) and four seasons as co-director of player personnel (2018-2021). He promoted to vice president of player personnel in 2022.

The 2025 season would be Sullivan’s 22nd with the Packers if he returns.

Four interviews this cycle suggest Sullivan is on the verge of landing a general manager job. He’ll likely be a hot candidate again during the 2026 cycle.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...n-eric-sullivan-after-multiple-gm-interviews/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 64, Texas WR Matthew Golden

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers will be without the big-play services of Christian Watson for the majority of the upcoming season. The former second-round pick and explosive playmaker tore his ACL during the regular season finale against the Chicago Bears and may not return to action until late in the 2025 campaign.

Matthew Golden is a player who could help replace Watson while he is on the sideline and potentially develop into the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. The Texas wide receiver checks in at No. 64 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A four-star recruit, Golden started his collegiate career at Houston. During his two seasons at Houston, Golden hauled in 76 receptions for 988 yards and 13 touchdowns.

During his lone season with the Longhorns, Golden recorded 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns.

“Golden was the one constant in the receiver room for Texas this season,” Joey Hickey, a contributing writer for Athlon Sports, said. “Isaiah Bond was expected to be the go-to receiver but had his injury issues. Golden stepped up and made big plays.”

Golden is a three-level threat and crisp route runner. He has smooth body movements in and out of his breaks. He has good feel for route tempo.

A former track athlete, Golden has the vertical speed to take the top off a defense and create explosive plays. He finds an extra gear downfield to create late separation on vertical routes and tracks the ball well.

The Texas wide receiver has outstanding body control and is comfortable making catches in traffic. He was tagged with four drops this past season and had 10 drops during his two seasons at Houston.

“Golden runs great routes but also has a strong grasp on identifying coverages and knowing how to manipulate the defense,” Hickey said. “He’s got great speed but he’s also a very precise route runner which makes him tough to defend.”

Golden doesn’t have to throttle down at the catch point and quickly turns upf field to create YAC. If he makes the first defender miss, he has the speed to make a housecall. According to Pro Football Focus, Golden picked up 303 yards after the catch this past season.

“Golden has good vision to go with his speed,” Hickey said. “A huge part of his initial impact in college football was as a kick returner at Houston before transferring to Texas. His ability to make defenders miss is one of his strengths.”

Golden was a special teams standout during his prep career and will provide immediate special teams value as a return specialist. During his two seasons at Houston he averaged 31.2 yards per kick return and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.

Fit with the Packers​

The Packers haven’t drafted a wide receiver in the first round since 2002, when they selected Javon Walker with the 20th overall pick.

Golden is a late first, early second-round target that could go in the same range that Watson did back in 2022, when the Packers traded up in the second round to get the NDSU product with the 34th overall pick.

If Golden is still on the board when the curtains close on the first round on Apri 24th, it would not be surprising to see Gutekunst make a move up to snag the dynamic playmaker.

“Wide receivers aren’t often as selfless as Golden,” Hickey said. “He’s truly a team over self player, which makes it easy for a coach to want to get him the football. He has a good head on his shoulders. You can count on him not only to be available but produce. He’s caught six or more touchdowns in all three of his seasons in college football. The on field reliability paired with high character traits make him a great potential addition.”

A year ago at this time, the Packers had a promising wide receiver room. Fast forward a year and the shine has worn off a little.

Dontayvion Wicks struggled with drops, something that has plagued him since his Virginia days.

Jayden Reed started off his sophomore season with a bang, before cooling off and also getting the case of butterfingers.

Romeo Doubs suffered two concussions this past season and also had an isolated incident earlier in the season that caused the Packers to suspend the former Day 3 selection.

Gutekunst needs to make it a priority to add at least one if not two wide receivers to the mix this offseason. With his big-play ability, Golden could be an ideal target.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/21/unpacking-future-packers-no-64-texas-wr-matthew-golden/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 63, Boston College C Drew Kendall

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers could be losing starting center Josh Myers to free agency this offseason. Given the fact that the Packers have potential replacements for the former Ohio State Buckeye already on the roster, it’s likely that the Packers let Myers walk this offseason.

If Myers walks, the Packers could slide Elgton Jenkins from left guard to center and have Jordan Morgan take over at left guard. Another option is kicking Zach Tom from right tackle to center and having Morgan replace Tom at right tackle.

Regardless of who starts at center, the Packers will need to address the depth along the offensive line.

Drew Kendall is a player the Packers could target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft as they search for depth along the interior of the offensive line. The Boston College center checks in at No. 63 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

The son of former NFL guard Pete Kendall, Drew Kendall finished his career at Boston College with 37 career starts at center. He was named a captain this past season and was named first-team All-ACC.

“Drew Kendall is one of the most consistent players I’ve covered at Boston College,” Trevor Hass, the Boston College beat writer for The Boston Globe, said. “You know what you’re getting from him every single game, and his reliability had a ripple effect throughout the roster. As a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection this past year, he helped make life much easier for quarterbacks Thomas Castellanos and Grayson James. Kendall is someone head coach Bill O’Brien could fully trust, and he took a strong unit to the next level alongside Ozzy Trapilo.”

The son of a former NFL player who started 188 games over a 13-year career, Kendall has been around the game of football for quite some time. He’s a heady player, who understands protections and will impress teams during the interview process.

“I would say his greatest strength is his football mind and IQ,” Hass said. “He’s an extremely bright person who understands what defenses are presenting and how to react accordingly. That translates to interviews, where he always gives thoughtful, measured responses. He’s someone who doesn’t get too high or too low and understands that football has ebbs and flows. An injury-riddled Boston College offensive line struggled in a 3-9 season in 2022, then he helped orchestrate a turnaround that yielded great success in 2023 and 2024.”

Kendall has a great understanding of angles and it helps him seal running lanes. He has good lateral agility and looks comfortable on the move. The Boston College center hits his landmarks when he climbs to the second level.

“Kendall combines size, speed and strength well,” Hass said. “He’s a big dude, but he’s not one of those stiff linemen who can’t move. He’s fluid on his feet, but he can also go toe to toe with bigger guys as needed. His anticipation is excellent, and his feel for the game helps separate him in that area, among others.”

Kendall is the definition of a technician. His feet and hands are always in sync. He has an efficient punch to strike defenders. He has good vision and awareness. He’s a great communicator and strives to protect the integrity of the pocket. According to Pro Football Focus, Kendall gave up one sack and five pressures this past season.

“He posted a team-best 83.1 pass block grade last year and was critical in helping James find a rhythm late in the season,” Hass said. “When James took over at quarterback, he found immediate chemistry with Kendall and relied on him to buy him time. Kendall knows the playbook inside and out, and his preparation helps put him over the top.”

Fit with the Packers​

Myers is the only starting offensive lineman with an expiring contract. If the Packers were to play a game tomorrow, the starting center would likely be Jenkins or Tom.

The Packers truly believe that Tom could be an all-pro player at all five positions across the offensive line and has developed into one of the best right tackles in the league. Would they take that position of strength and move him to center? Crazier things have happened.

Jenkins is also a rock-solid left guard, who has shown he can be a rock-solid center.

The smart money leads one to believe that Jenkins will be the team’s starting center when the season kicks off and Morgan will take his place at left guard.

That still leaves the Packers with a lack of quality depth behind their starting five.

While Kendall doesn’t offer versatility, he’d provide the Packers with a center who could step in if Jenkins gets hurt and keep them from having to play musical chairs.

With his football IQ, lateral athleticism and veteran-like savvy, Kendall could seamlessly slide in at center if an injury were to occur.

“Drew Kendall’s father, Pete Kendall, played at Boston College and was a first-round pick in the NFL Draft in 1996,” Hass said. “Kendall knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and he’s been on an upward trajectory since his days as a youth star in Norwell, Mass. He’s someone who approaches the game the right way, understands that mastering the little things yields big results and knows what it takes to win. I believe he’ll have a successful NFL career.”

Kendall is likely going to be drafted late on Day 3. The Packers could target the Boston College center in the sixth or seventh round as they look to improve their depth along the interior of the offensive line.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...-packers-no-63-boston-college-c-drew-kendall/