Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - This and That
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Interesting that the draft in Green Bay had the most-watched Day 3 ever with over 4.3 million viewers, 43% more than last year's draft. Can you think of a Green Bay related reason for this?
The Packers signed Isaiah Simmons to a contract very similar to that of Mecole Hardman. The important part of each contract is that the Packers can easily cut either player with minimal financial implications (Hardman 150k guaranteed, Simmons 167.5K guaranteed). Smart roll of the dice on two players with some elite athletic traits. If just one of them pans out and actually contributes, it's a home run.
Just in case you need more evidence of Barryn Sorrell's character and drive, Bill Huber got this quote from Jack Gilmore, the Senior Bowl's director of Football Operations:
“First of all,” Gilmore said, “he was the only Texas player to play in our game and we invited at least five. So, while it wasn’t the popular thing to do in Austin to come to Mobile, Barryn Sorrell didn’t care. He came and he competed and he stayed throughout the whole week. So, I think I want to start there and just acknowledge that. I think that shows how competitive Barryn is.”
The Packers; fifth-year option decisions went as I expected, with Devonte Wyatt getting locked up for the next two years and Quay Walker left out in the cold. Not really, though - all indications are they want to work on an extension for Walker so they can apply some of the contract to this year's cap space. He would have been in line for a $10M raise in 2026 if the option was picked up and that was just unreasonable. Having said that, I was as critical of Walker as anyone, but he definitely improved over the second half of last season and getting to play full time with Cooper should make them one of the better LB tandems in the league.
To flip around a famous movie line, Just went I thought he was back in, he pulls himself out again. I'm referring to Jaire Alexander, of course. After a week where we were told Jaire participated in the virtual zoom practices and a reconciliation with the Packers was possible, we now hear that he hasn't been at the in-person practices this week. Of course, it is "voluntary," but I'm already exhausted by the Jaire news cycle roller coaster. Speaking of which, now there's an "understanding."
I'm told there already is an understanding in place between the #Packers and CB Jaire Alexander to come to an agreement on his roster and contract situation first, prior to an arrival for the team's offseason program, per league source.
Alexander is not currently in attendance… pic.twitter.com/52Q5cEnryF
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 2, 2025
The NFL Schedule comes out a week from today and here's what we know so far.
Packers will play home games against the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers.
Packers will play road games: against the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals.
The Packers are coming to Jersey again! Luckily, with Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and Jaxson Dart now on the Giants' roster, the Packers should be safe from being embarrassed by Tommy Cutlets again. I still can't believe I paid good money to watch that debacle in person. Ugh...
Go Pack Go
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__________________________
"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
__________________________
Comments (86)
GregC
May 07, 2025 at 06:49 am
I heard that the high TV ratings for day three of the draft were due to curiosity about when or if Shedeur Sanders would be drafted. Makes sense. They've never had a storyline like that.
As far as I can tell, the "understanding" between the Packers and Jaire Alexander is just a way to stall for time. I've been assuming he's as good as gone, but maybe not.
LambeauPlain
May 07, 2025 at 08:33 am
I don't know if Sanders was the catalyst. Rodgers was a more compelling storyline given he was projected as the first or second pick.
Tom Brady was a 6th round selection although his Michigan career was barely a trial launch for what would rocket him to NFL SB wins.
It was fun, I will admit, tuning in to watch Mel Kipper fall apart watching Sanders plummet declaring the NFL drafters "don't really know what they are doing after all" by ignoring his draft crush.
GregC
May 07, 2025 at 12:50 pm
Rodgers' situation was different. He was drafted on day one. Maybe a bigger story than Sanders, but no reason to watch the draft on day two or three.
dblbogey
May 07, 2025 at 03:17 pm
Kiper has done well for a man with no special talent.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2025 at 01:08 pm
I think this is more than just stalling for time. Nobody wants Ja injured. The risk is more treacherous while his contract situation is an unknown. It makes sense to take things one step at a time.
Similarly, some people hate JL10 for "holding in" until his contract was settled, but it was the right thing to do for the same reason.
NickPerry
May 07, 2025 at 07:09 am
Walker really started playing well towards the end of last season just before he was hurt. IIRC Wyatt did the same thing except he started out strong, got hurt, and then seemed mostly like a JAG. If Walker can just play and NOT think so much I think that will help. I'm stoked about the new D-Line coach, Covington. I thought it was an excellent hire and will only improve this D-Line.
I'd like to see Alexander play this year in GB. Obviously the Packers are better with Alexander on the field. It's also the BIGGEST issue with Alexander, getting him to STAY on the field. Hopefully his head is with the Packers.
The Packers have a a really difficult schedule this season but the toughest games are at least at Lambeau. The Ravens, Bengals, Commanders, & Eagles are all going to be tough games. Even if they play them later in the season, the weather really wouldn't be an advantage. This is the season everything needs to come together.
dobber
May 07, 2025 at 09:45 am
"I'd like to see Alexander play this year in GB. "
IF the Packers re-do JA's deal and he stays in GB, I think it's a prelude to dealing him at the deadline (assuming they have enough healthy DBs to do so). That way the Packers control where he goes in the short term, he likely goes to a contender (which will make him happier, I think), and they're likely to get better compensation than if they let him walk as a FA for a pick in 2027.
Coldworld
May 07, 2025 at 10:15 am
If Jaire is playing well and healthy then I don’t think we would trade him this year unless the rest of the team was a massive disappointment.
If Jaire reworks his contract, the quad pro quo may be a more favorable out for him next year via trade to teams he’s got some say in. He will be 29 then and have another chance at big money with a revised deal that wouldn’t deter other teams. That means us eating some dead money probably, through void years or incentives deemed unlikely to be achieved this year for cap purposes due to his health limiting his field time last year.
dobber
May 07, 2025 at 12:05 pm
What I'm hearing is that a re-work on the deal would include FA after 2025.
Packers0808
May 07, 2025 at 07:17 am
I see Rochell has been cut by the Chiefs and with an opening on Packers, then he will be back?
GregC
May 07, 2025 at 08:39 am
I don't think he played a single snap on defense last year, so he probably wouldn't be much of an option at CB. Good special teams player though.
dobber
May 07, 2025 at 09:47 am
Yeah, we seem to be romanticizing Rochell and Ballentine, but they didn't move the needle last year. I'd rather got with the younger guys (King and Robinson) and the UDFAs.
NickPerry
May 07, 2025 at 04:43 pm
Me too...Especially King. I'm anxious to see what happens with him. He had that great season at Penn St, came back for another season and was no where near the guy they had the year before. It will be interesting to watch his growth.
Coldworld
May 07, 2025 at 10:18 am
Rochell looked like our second best perimeter cover guy through camp (Valentine was mostly injured). Yet even when activated, Hafley never used him. Why?
If Hafley doesn’t like him enough to give him a shot in a season with injuries, then why bring him back? We ultimately would be better off with youth that has upside and is cheaper to just play STs.
Packers0808
May 07, 2025 at 10:46 am
Special team player and already knows the system. Big Pluses?
GregC
May 07, 2025 at 12:57 pm
I'm thinking no. They need another CB who they actually trust enough to play on defense.
Tundraboy
May 07, 2025 at 03:05 pm
Exactly, let's get our priorities straight here.
LLCHESTY
May 07, 2025 at 01:07 pm
For the Chiefs to release a top athlete so soon points to a processing problem to me. Or he hadn't bothered to learn the basic plays and terminology on defense. You don't cut a 9.65 RAS guy that has proven his worth on STs unless there's a problem.
GregC
May 07, 2025 at 02:29 pm
Players like Rochell are constantly being signed and cut all over the NFL. After four years in the league, his RAS score is irrelevant. It may be as simple as the Chiefs drafting or signing another player who they like a little better.
stockholder
May 07, 2025 at 07:19 am
Alexander: Communication or money -
Over The Cap projects Green Bay to have
just $6.5 million in effective cap space for 2026.
The ninth-lowest figure in the NFL.
Do you really believe they'll tie up nearly 10%
of their salary cap on him?
(With so many Free agents questions coming.)
Gute's revolving door, just won't stop with Alexander.
JerseyAl
May 07, 2025 at 08:30 am
Your favorite term, "Gute's revolving door" is meant as a criticism without regard that every team has a revolving door - It's constant churn. That's the NFL and professional sports in general. If you want to be critical, that's fine, but find a more succinct way to express it. "Revolving door" is just an NFL reality and not a criticism. You should drop that one.
stockholder
May 07, 2025 at 12:01 pm
I'm not concerned about every team.
I'm only concerned how he runs the packers.
So do want censorship when it comes to Gute?
Or stay blind to the "harm" he could do.
I understand that his approval numbers
may never be higher after the draft.
But let's not turn this into a One way street.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2025 at 01:19 pm
That's too many lines for a Haiku.
dblbogey
May 07, 2025 at 03:24 pm
Stockholder has many favorite terms, mostly demeaning of Gute. We generally just laugh, downvote and move on. Thanks again for your columns. Always interesting.
stockholder
May 07, 2025 at 06:41 pm
Thinking backward is largely intuitive and suggestive.
dobber
May 07, 2025 at 08:32 am
Remember that the 2026 cap projection includes all contractual commitments based on current deals. It includes two very large commitments to JA and Clark. There will be cuts. There will be restructures.
Just a few months ago, they were projected well over the cap.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2025 at 01:14 pm
Please explain how signing Ja to play this season impacts the '26 cap.
That's a serious question, I've read competing claims and am confused on this.
T7Steve
May 07, 2025 at 07:23 am
As I've mentioned earlier, the 5th year options went the way that Spoff predicted. Like Love and QBs, the 5th year for Quay was combining all LBs that includes edge rushers and thus too much for an off the line LB. They'll do a deal that will work out for both sides that's more cap friendly.
Part of the negotiation agreement with Jaire must be that he has to stay in the news. Like his name must be mentioned at least twice a week by a coach or front office person. If he's back, I hope he's really all in (not just says so) and as good a teammate as he's always been reported to be.
LambeauPlain
May 07, 2025 at 08:02 am
Regarding Walker: "the 5th year for Quay was combining all LBs that includes edge rushers and thus too much for an off the line LB." That's a Bingo, Steve!
Does the NFL lump all first round Safeties & CBs together to set their 5th year options? I don't know.
GregC
May 07, 2025 at 08:29 am
No, they don't lump safeties and CBs together. The current setup is apparently a result of the salary rules lagging behind changes in how defense is played. The 3-4 defense has been around for several decades, but it's only in maybe the past eight years or so that the terms "edge" and "off-ball linebacker" have come into play to distinguish those positions regardless of whether a defense is 3-4 or 4-3. The switch has coincided with those positions having different values. They need to update the salary rules to reflect the new reality. Maybe that will have to wait until the next round of negotiations between the NFL and the players union.
Coldworld
May 07, 2025 at 11:08 am
No, but the rise of the slot position raises an interesting wrinkle
dobber
May 07, 2025 at 08:37 am
Yep. Most analysts for awhile have been saying that based on how 5th year option numbers were structured, it would be foolish for the Packers to give Walker his.
They also have a couple UDFAs that look promising on film and Simmons, who would need more money if they kept him (but likely not as much as Walker). It's not a given that Walker comes back. It's possible they let him walk, but I think they're enamored enough with the Walker-Cooper tandem that they'll try to bring him back, and maybe have that deal in place before mid-season.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2025 at 01:21 pm
Staying in the news should impact a player's pay now?!?
How about staying on the FIELD?
Cheezehead72
May 07, 2025 at 07:24 am
The one thing you have to remember about the 5th year option is that once the player signs the contract it is fully guaranteed and that causes a lot of teams to not offer it and sign a player they want to keep to a long term contract. There are a few reasons to offer the fifth year option to Wyatt over Walker the main reason s the difference in the cost but it could be due to durability, the roster, the attitude of the player, and whether or not they think they can sign them to a longer contract.
Dragon5
May 07, 2025 at 07:41 am
Day 3 turnout...if we go by the NFL player (like Ashton Jeanty) status quo:
"There's not much to do here..."
An outlier like hosting the draft on a Saturday when the 9 to 5s are free to explore.
Side note: Would it be any surprise if the Saints roll out a controlled demolition this year to persuade the hometown next of kin Manning?
13TimeChamps
May 07, 2025 at 09:56 am
So far, Arch Manning is just hype and potential. He's basically done nothing on the field at this point. Based on his production so far, if his last name wasn't Manning, no one would be even talking about him.
Unless he puts up a Heisman worthy season, it's unlikely he'll even come out next year, much less be the number 1 pick.
murf7777
May 07, 2025 at 11:02 am
Not so fast my friend. Manning actually was very productive when he played and his hype is real. His numbers show he outplayed Ewers and quite possibly he did. In 90 pass attempts he threw at a 68% completion % with 9 TD's, which is one every 10 attempts or 10% of his throws. Ewers threw at a 7% clip and in his first 2 years it was in the 5% range. Manning had a big 10.4 compared to Ewers 7.8 yards per attempt. Manning also rushed for 108 yards and 4 TD's, while Ewers was a -82 yards and 2TDS.
An argument that Manning's play was all mop up duty, doesn't hold water. While some of it was, he was also used in close games to play a series here and there.
At 6'4" He's very good size and is said to have a very quick release with a strong arm. The times I saw him play he seemed impressive
What's not to like?
13TimeChamps
May 07, 2025 at 11:45 am
Valid points.
Believe me, I have no horse in this race, and I have no idea how good Manning will turn out. I was simply responding to the OP insinuating he will be the top pick in next years draft and teams should tank for him. I've seen this on other sites as well as far as him being the top pick. That to me is undeserved hype after a total of 90 pass attempts.
There are others who believe he should wait a year before coming out. Either way, I wish the young man well.
murf7777
May 07, 2025 at 07:46 am
I like how the Packers schedule looks this coming year. The toughest non-devision games are at home, Balt, Wash, Philly & Cincinnati, all playoff teams. While their toughest teams away are at Pitt, Dallas and upcoming Denver team, based on last year, not a very tough away schedule. They also have NYG, Browns & AZ on the away schedule. I think they will be favored in all of their away games except Detroit.
You could argue just having Balt, Wash, Philly and Cinci on your schedule makes it difficult, but you’re almost always going to have a schedule with some really tough teams and having them at home is a big advantage.
Perhaps, at least on paper, this is the best team since our last SB team. A few things has to happen for us to have another special year. Love has to perform at a pro-bowl level, and the defense and offense has to be in the top 5. They were both close last year so these possibilities are real. Looking forward to a great year. GPG
T7Steve
May 07, 2025 at 08:00 am
They were close to top 5 last year and I think the youngsters getting a bunch of penalties early helped keep them down and cost some close games or kept them close even if the Packers won.
LambeauPlain
May 07, 2025 at 08:25 am
Taking care of business in the North has to be the priority. For whatever reason, the Packers played the North teams tough but were not as "tough" and prepared as the adversary.
LaFleur got out coached by all three enemy North HC's and I don't know why. His second games against them were even worse than the first.
That has to change. Going 1-5 was embarrassingly unacceptable, especially since the Ugly Purple showed in the Playoffs they were overrated and the lions were as far from the Eagles as the Packers were. Washington pounded the lions and the Eagles pounded Washington.
The lowest point differential vs the Eagles in the playoffs were the Packers losing by 12. They actually played them the best...and were all banged up at WR.
Was it inconsistent coaching or a lack of talent? Kind of points to coaching, doesn't it?
T7Steve
May 07, 2025 at 09:10 am
"Was it inconsistent coaching or a lack of talent? Kind of points to coaching, doesn't it?"
Also, included was the O-line depth and indecision. Their top FA lineman and their #1 pick 6th man were hurt and not enough done about it. At least Gute realized and addressed this problem. If you can't win in the trenches, it won't matter if all the receivers and QB are Hall Of Fame caliber.
Tundraboy
May 07, 2025 at 03:18 pm
Too many seasons have ended largely because of OL chaos, injuries, odd switches etc. Just can't win when it matters if you can't win either trench wars, but, in this era there is little to no chance without great OL play. I'm old enough to see that and recognize that now.
GregC
May 07, 2025 at 09:31 am
The lowest point differential vs. the Eagles in the playoffs was not the Packers, it was the Rams. They lost by 6 points and even had a lead in the second half.
dobber
May 07, 2025 at 10:38 am
Overall, the Packers' point differential in division games last year was -3 per game., which leads you to think they played close games, but the Packers got smoked out of the gate in 3 of 6 division games last year (2 MN, 1 Det), and played catch-up to make the final score close. The two Chicago games were dogfights...they had a late lead at Detroit and couldn't hold on.
We interpret the game flow differently by game, of course, and the implication would be that this is a team that might have deserved some better luck than 1-5, but those three games where they got punched in the mouth and weren't really in it until the 4th quarter really stand out to me.
They were 4-2 v. the division in 2023 and they need to be around there in 2025. I think we're all in agreement that the Packers can't have another 1-5 performance in 2025 and make the playoffs.
dobber
May 07, 2025 at 10:00 am
There's going to be some regression in some of these teams: Washington, Denver, Pittsburgh, Minnesota. I suspect those teams will not look nearly as good in 2025 as they did in 2024. I think Pittsburgh might be really bad, actually.
I also think some of those teams will be markedly better than in 2024: Cinci, Cleveland, AZ. I think AZ has some really good young talent, if their coach can get things figured out and if they can get Murray playing better.
I think the Packers made their leaps last year based on their defense. The record got better than in 2023, but I don't think we felt as good about it. They didn't finish fast, where good Decembers have been a hallmark of Packers teams in the LaF era. It's imperative that they have a good start in 2025 or things could fray at the edges fast.
murf7777
May 07, 2025 at 10:51 am
Good point that last year's team production doesn't mean it will be the same as this coming year.
I'd add Philly to the list that will regress. They lost a lot on the defense side due to Free Agency. And, unless your NE or KC it's extremely difficult to do it again and stay motivated, keep players happy, etc.... Cinci will be tough, but don't see Cleveland being much...who the heck will QB the Browns to a winning record? It's like Da Bears, QB's go there to die. AZ seems to always be somewhere in the middle of the pack and I'd put them there again, if not lower. I agree about Pittsburgh, but I still wouldn't bet against Tomlin getting them to 9-8.
Minnesota is going to have some good and bad games, mainly due to playing a 1st year starting QB. I'm also not sold on JJ McCarthy. I hate to admit it, but da bears might be quite a bit tougher with them investing heavily in their OL in FA and offense in the draft to help Williams. It will all be up to Williams to see which way he goes. Is he another QB who can't read defenses quick enough or will he perform to a high level. Boom or bust for him. Detroit, based on talent, is going to be tough, but it's hard to predict how much losing their 2 coordinators will hurt them.
dobber
May 07, 2025 at 12:32 pm
Chicago and MN both put resources into their OLs, which means that if they guessed right, they're going to be tough. One thing that's plagued the Bears is that they've taken shots at the OL but kept guessing wrong. The Vikings, as near as we can tell in May, seem like they have good starters but they're dreadfully thin. If they get beat up, I think they'll struggle.
LambeauPlain
May 07, 2025 at 08:11 am
Getting Walker "to play full time with Cooper should make them one of the better LB tandems in the league."
I believe the Packers agree with you, Al! That is what I think too.
Yes, it took half the season for Walker to play faster in Hafley's "Read and React" vs Barry's read, contemplate, back pedal into your soft zone and look for your man.
It took Cooper awhile learn and earn a starting spot and play like a Jet Fighter. Injuries and rookie learning curve slowed him down but by season's end he was everywhere on the field.
dobber
May 07, 2025 at 10:21 am
This is in part why I'm less concerned with the run D. and the departure of Slaton who was primarily an early-down stopper. It's so hard to pin down his impact: his usage was very volatile depending on game flow and opponent's tendencies. He had 6 games where he played 30+ snaps. He had 8 games where he played fewer than 20 snaps.
Which brings me back to the run D--I think it improved because the LBs played downhill more and played more on the other side of the LOS. Their defensive TFL jumped from 68 in 2022 to 76 in 2023 to 95 in 2024. That makes a difference. How much of it was enabled by Slaton? How many snaps do they need to get out of Stackhouse/Brinson (we seem to assume Stackhouse is going to make this team)?
Coldworld
May 07, 2025 at 11:14 am
I want Stackhouse to make this team as the Slaton replacement. Why? Because I want to see us use Brinson in tandem with Clark and work on his potential to penetrate from there, not try to make him an elite run stuffer who we hope will do more along the way.
LLCHESTY
May 07, 2025 at 01:24 pm
I guess Gutey said they view Brinson mainly as a pass rusher at this point so I'm guessing his easiest way to earn snaps is rushing from the 1T. Maybe he pushes Brooks for some backup 3T snaps but it seems unlikely. I think they hope they can play him enough to see if they think he can eventually replace Clark or they'll try again in next year's draft.
There was so many NT types drafted this year that I don't think getting Stackhouse to the PS would be a problem. If it was they'll be some vet FAs that wouldn't be much more than vet minimum.
LeotisHarris
May 07, 2025 at 08:35 am
It's satisfying to see Josina Anderson generating language that keeps her in the running for the annual Shams Charania Award For Excellence In Divulging Of Information Through Syntax Comprehended By Many.
LLCHESTY
May 07, 2025 at 01:21 pm
Say Wha?
packer132
May 07, 2025 at 08:49 am
I like the Eagles playing at Lambeau along with Washington. Some away games that Packers should win are Giants, Browns, and Cardinals.
The key though is to win the divisional games and I would love to see a 5-1 record. This should be a fun season to be a Green Bay fan.
GregC
May 07, 2025 at 09:36 am
Yes, there are already some fun matchups on the schedule. I hope the schedule makers mix things up this year instead of beginning and ending with the Bears and playing at Minnesota in the next-to-last game. Two years of that in a row was already boring.
NFLfan
May 07, 2025 at 09:24 am
The upcoming schedule looks daunting. I feel good about Jacobs, Kraft, MacKinney, Cooper, Tom but less certain about the DL as it seems too much is riding on the new coach and unproven new players.
I'm also not certain about Love's improvement. Has he really improved his poor footwork, will this O-line protect him better so he has a chance to connect w/his receivers? Are the new OL additions proven winners?
Is Rasheed Walker enough of an adequate LT in today's football? Is anyone else ready to compete with him to fill that strategic role? Will Love find chemistry with the receivers, none of whom are on the level of previous stalwarts, the Nelsons, Adams. Doubs is a #2-3, Wicks is inconsistent, Golden should not be expected to carry the Offense yet. Has the coaching improved? None inspire a relaxed confidence in me.
The CB room is not substantively improved, IMO, either. Jaire should be seen as a non-factor.He may remain but his history shows majority unavailability. Overall,I see quite a bit of hopeful thinking but too much of it borders on fantasy.
These are real questions/concerns and not an invitation to spar with the usual apologists.
T7Steve
May 07, 2025 at 10:17 am
"Overall, I see quite a bit of hopeful thinking but too much of it borders on fantasy."
Are you accusing us of being like Bear fans who can only be hopeful before football is played?
Don't you think we have better chances than that?
Coldworld
May 07, 2025 at 10:07 am
Did Walker noticeably improve? I say that as an honest question not as a rejection of the notion. I just don’t see anything tangible enough to be confident that he became a difference maker commensurate with his draft position.
I do think he got more comfortable with the Hafley D, but was it merely that or something more? Something comparable to Nick Collins play in season 3 perhaps, where hindsight clearly showed him putting it together and, obviously, he came it in season 4 and never looked back. I hope so, but I haven’t been see it myself yet.
T7Steve
May 07, 2025 at 10:23 am
Don't you think the biggest relief for him was when Cooper could start seeing more playing time? It's easier to cut loose when you have confidence in the guy playing next to you. Even more, the coach can have the confidence to cut Quay loose and take some of the pressure off him to do it all.
Coldworld
May 07, 2025 at 11:15 am
I think that was one factor that obscures the picture, though they weren’t together all that often unfortunately.
T7Steve
May 07, 2025 at 12:25 pm
Yes, injuries retarded Cooper's learning and participation. The Packers were wise to go slow with his development and use (I think) because they saw his potential.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2025 at 03:14 pm
Yes, #7 noticeably improved. Whether it's actually instinctual or not remains to be seen. If it will be repeatable or not also remains to be seen.
splitpea1
May 07, 2025 at 10:39 am
I've read a lot about Sorrell, but not a whole lot about Oliver. He has a lot to offer from a pass rush perspective, so it will be interesting to see if he can earn some snaps outside of special teams. Both Oliver and our mystery LB Hopper share similar athletic traits and concerns; at any rate, it would nice to see at least one of them get more than a handful of defensive snaps for the entire season.
T7Steve
May 07, 2025 at 10:56 am
If they don't see snaps except on STs, don't you think that means good things will be happening?
splitpea1
May 07, 2025 at 12:20 pm
Maybe, but I'm not opposed to seeing some development and unexpected nice surprises, either.
LLCHESTY
May 07, 2025 at 01:20 pm
They have already said Oliver won't be seeing any snaps at LB until he has a good command of the responsibilities at Edge.
LambeauPlain
May 07, 2025 at 02:15 pm
Packers said they will focus Oliver at DE...that is not Hopper's calling card, as far as we know. He needs to move up the depth chart as LB.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2025 at 04:06 pm
I know MLF wanted hybrid players. I remember AJJ rejected the notion, but Oliver is such a hybrid, just at the first and second levels. I have no idea if that's something Hafley wants to utilize, but it will be interesting to see ...
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Alberta_Packer
May 07, 2025 at 11:35 am
The JA-Pack situation has been exacerbated by an abysmal lack of sound analysis. The first actual pressure point for remediation - to both parties - are the upcoming OTAs (May 27). So all else this off-season have merely been moves to this endgame.
T7Steve
May 07, 2025 at 12:21 pm
They've mutually agreed that he won't do any physical participation unless they get a new deal done. He has already participated in remote classes (this all per Packers' source).
Alberta_Packer
May 07, 2025 at 12:42 pm
His physical non-participation also makes sense for the Packers. Because if he is injured - it will be under the terms and conditions of his current contract - which possibly could be more onerous to the salary cap.
So far - everything has been the logical progression towards a re-structured contract - TBA just before the OTAs.
PS. - Any interest from RegenaWamdi for your link...?
T7Steve
May 07, 2025 at 01:26 pm
The Packers, even with a sure thing like Love last season, won't allow participation till it's all on the dotted line.
"PS. - Any interest from RegenaWamdi for your link...?"
It would take a load off the wife or at least would have before the late 60s started creeping around.
GregC
May 07, 2025 at 01:06 pm
George Pickens traded to the Cowboys. There goes my dream of seeing Pickens, DK Metcalf, and Aaron Rodgers all on the same team.
T7Steve
May 07, 2025 at 01:28 pm
1 out of 3's not bad.
Leatherhead
May 07, 2025 at 07:14 pm
The Cowboys will have to fight like hell to stay out of the basement. They have a contract with Prescott that is really a handicap to getting right.
I liked Pickens, I wanted him in the 2nd round, we could have had him, we took Watson, the end.
PackEyedOptimist
May 07, 2025 at 02:04 pm
For any Savon Williams doubters, I suggest you read this piece:
si.com/nfl/packers/packers-draft-pick-savion-williams-coach-hes-like-dog-chasing-ball
A few tidbits from TCU receivers coach and former NFL receiver Malcolm Kelly :
“This dude is the ultimate team guy. He just wants to win, and he knows deep down that he can do things that a lot of guys can’t do. For us, we got to the point midway through the season, we were struggling at the time to run the ball and we just needed to change things up. And we said, ‘You know what? How can we guarantee that our best player touches the ball? (side note: I want to remind people that Jack Bech was the other receiver at TCU)
Kelly called Williams a “coach’s dream,” a “yes, sir, no, sir” player who was the hardest worker in the weight room and the practice field.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2025 at 04:37 pm
He'll fit right in with #8 and 25 ;)
Lphill
May 07, 2025 at 02:39 pm
I was talking to Joe Burrow at the met Gala in NYC Monday and he said he's excited to play in Lambeau and that he wants to score a TD and do a Lambeau leap, I said ok as long as the Packers win.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 08, 2025 at 04:38 pm
Lol
Tundraboy
May 07, 2025 at 02:57 pm
Aah My favorite time of year when Confessions immediately follows the draft. Like Spring When everything is full of hope and optimism, but this year feels much more real and tangible. GPG!!!
Turophile
May 07, 2025 at 05:59 pm
@JerseyAl
Regarding an earlier response (by you), just before the draft happened, replying to a post I made, you stated that Kenneth Grant would be gone a while before the Packers pick. I thought he might be there at 23 (and if not there was always Nolen and Harmon).
In the event you were right, Kenneth Grant went at pick 13 (while Nolen and Harmon both went before 23). Props to you for getting much closer to his draft position than I managed.