How Tucker Kraft’s impact on Packers’ offense can grow in Year 3

Paul Bretl | 7/10/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers have to “do a better job” of featuring tight end Tucker Kraft in the passing game in 2025. That’s not only my opinion, or I’m sure the opinion of many of you out there, but that’s also what Matt LaFleur said during his end-of-season press conference back in January.

“That’s one thing we spent some time on this offseason,” said offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, “is just kind of where we can get him to take the next step and I think just his route-running ability, getting him on more individual things like that, and just kind of growing him there. I think he did a really good job in the run game. That’s one thing that hopefully he can keep improving there to be a dominant player up front. Just trying to find different ways to give him the ball, that’s gonna be the big thing for us.”

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It’s not like Kraft was forgotten about last season. His 70 targets in 2024 were the fourth-most on the team and were tied for the 18th-most among all tight ends. And with those targets, Kraft was extremely effective, ranking sixth in receiving yards with 733, third in yards per catch, and he led all tight ends in average YAC per reception, according to PFF.

“One thing I feel like I could’ve done better is separate in man-to-man,” Kraft said during minicamp. “Most of my game was check downs underneath and my yards after catch ability, so I’m looking to put it all together. I’m looking to have every resource I need based off the repetitions I’ve gotten over and over and over this offseason.”

However, there are certainly still more opportunities out there for Kraft as well when it comes to impacting the pass game. When we discuss how Kraft can be better featured within the offense, that doesn’t only refer to the number of passes that come his way, but it’s also about how he’s utilized in the passing game.

It’s, at times, making him one of the first reads in Jordan Love’s progression, so he is more of a focal point in the passing game. It’s also about moving Kraft around more pre-snap and allowing him to attack different parts of the field. Of Kraft’s 70 targets, only 10 came 10 yards or more beyond the line of scrimmage.

Particularly over the middle of the field–where tight ends can be a real mismatch–on those intermediate to deep routes, Kraft was 6-for-6 when targeted on such throws, totaling 184 yards with two touchdowns.

“We’ve got to definitely find ways to keep stretching him down the field because he catches the ball really well,” Jordan Love said of Kraft. “He made a couple big-time plays down the field last year, but a big part of our offense is having the tight ends in some different protection roles and things like that. We’ll mix it up, get some other guys out there maybe doing some protection stuff and let him go run some routes down the field.”

While Kraft was efficient on those deeper targets last season, he’s still relatively inexperienced when it comes to running those routes–just 17 such targets over his first two seasons–and is perfecting the nuances that come with attacking the second and third levels of the field more regularly. Part of earning more of those opportunities in-game includes showcasing the ability to consistently make those plays–and do so with the proper technique–in practice.

“We’ll take like a seam route, for example,” said Kraft, “like not being able to push my width past my landmark on the field, being able to stretch the field vertical. Identifying if the linebacker in front of me is about to mash me inside or if he’s gonna drop for the hook. Just reading my keys, triangles on defense, just becoming more efficient pre snap and then also, as I stated previously, just separating man-to-man.”

Having a do-it-all presence at tight end, like Kraft can provide, can be a cheat code of sorts for an offense, especially in LaFleur’s scheme, which is built on multiplicity. When a tight end can impact the passing game, be moved around the formation, and is a capable blocker, it adds a layer of unpredictability to an offense.

With that player able to shoulder a variety of responsibilities, it opens up the playbook for the play-caller and allows the offense to throw a variety of looks at opponents, keeping defenders off balance and guessing. This not only creates opportunities for the tight end to exploit, but for his teammates as well.

That blocking ability of Kraft’s is also a big part of what the Packers do offensively. So, as Love alluded to, an important element when it comes to Kraft seeing more opportunities to impact other levels of the field through the pass game, is that someone, whether it be Luke Musgrave, John FitzPatrick, or Ben Sims, needs to then shoulder the blocking responsibilities and provide a steady presence on those plays.

One significant difference for Kraft this offseason compared to last is that he has been able to participate in OTAs and minicamp. A year ago at this time, he was rehabbing a torn pectoral injury and wasn’t back on the field until August. Those additional on-field reps, especially as Kraft’s role on offense potentially expands, have been extremely valuable.

“Last offseason, I had a torn pec,” said Kraft. “I didn’t get a chance to have an opportunity to do any of this, so really being able to apply my technique and stack reps, coverages and schemes and fronts, I just got a much better feel of the game this offseason.”

Although there isn’t a ton to glean from offseason programs, not surprisingly, Kraft has seen his share of targets in the passing game. For a Packers’ offense that has some question marks at wide receiver, Kraft can provide a steady presence in the pass game, along with some playmaking potential mixed in.

“Tuck’s going to be a big part of the offense,” Love said. “I think Tuck, since he’s stepped on the scene, has shown who he is a playmaker and shown us reasons why we should just keep getting him the ball. I think a big part of going into this season is going to be finding ways to continue to get Tuck the ball, get him as many touches as we can in the game because he’s a dynamic playmaker and does some really good things once he gets it in his hands. That’s going to be a focus going into the season, is trying to make sure we can get him as many touches as possible each week.”

In competitive Packers RB room, confident Emanuel Wilson looks to build off 2024 performance

Paul Bretl | 7/9/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Once undrafted out of Division-II Fort Valley State and a late addition to the Packers’ 2023 offseason roster, just like that, Emanuel Wilson is about to embark on his third NFL season in Green Bay, one that features a deep running back room with playing time and potentially roster spots up for grabs.

“It feels a little weird,” Wilson said about being in Year 3 already, “but then again, it’s just football at the end of the day. I just try to keep the main thing the main thing, really.”

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After appearing in seven games as a rookie in 2023, which included 14 carries, Wilson’s role this past year expanded greatly. With MarShawn Lloyd sidelined for much of the year, Wilson emerged as the Packers’ top backup running back option behind Josh Jacobs, finishing second in both snaps and carries among his position group.

With those 103 rush attempts, Wilson was highly effective, averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per rush, while also scoring four touchdowns. Out of 57 eligible running backs, Wilson ranked eighth in yards per rush. He also forced 28 missed tackles and ranked 24th in PFF’s breakaway rate metric, which measures how often a back generates a run of 15-plus yards.

“I felt good about it,” Wilson said of his play. “I had an improvement from my rookie year, a lot of improvements that I worked on as far as my pass pro, learning the offense and playing fast; also learning from Josh and the coaches.”

As running backs coach Ben Sirmans described last season, Wilson’s ability to make defenders miss and routinely generate positive plays begins with his acceleration and being able to start and stop on a dime.

“He’s got really, really good feet and acceleration,” said running backs coach Ben Sirmans. “And when I say that, like his cutting ability, he can stop and start at full speed, and I think what happens with that, is when defenders are, whether they’re coming at him or he’s got to read a block, is when they’re ready to change direction as he’s changing direction, he’s already by them. So I think that’s a facet of his skill set that kind of has allowed him to have those explosive runs.”

The learning curve for every player making the jump from college to the NFL level is going to vary, but for Wilson, coming from the D-II collegiate level, it was particularly steep. For one, the playbook under Matt LaFleur is quite robust, but getting opportunities on Sundays at running back, especially for rotational players, isn’t only about what they can do as a ball carrier, they also have to hold their own in the passing game, both as pass catchers and in pass protection.

That last part can often be the most difficult for a young running back, and it was an area for Wilson where significant growth was needed as a rookie, and it’s now an aspect of his game that has grown substantially over the last two years.

“He took a great jump from his rookie year to last year,” Sirmans said of Wilson. “I think he only had one mental mistake,” Sirmans said of Wilson, “even though he didn’t play as much as a rookie but he played a lot this (past) year, to have only one mistake just speaks volumes to how he has grown so even this year he seems a lot more comfortable in the offense, he’s practicing a lot harder, so I think he’s finally gotten to that point where he’s kind of evolved a lot more. So definitely expecting a lot of things out of him.”

This offseason, Wilson has been focused on continuing to expand his game so he can shoulder more responsibilities within LaFleur’s offense. Maintaining a good playing weight and working on his speed have been other points of emphasis as well.

“With Chris back,” Wilson said, “he’s teaching me a little bit of the ‘F’ role a little bit. I’m trying to learn that as well.”

Wilson added, “Really just work on my speed, really. Just trying to improve my speed. Also watching my weight, as well. Really just been my main focus is my speed and my weight.”

We know that Jacobs will be leading the way at running back for the Packers, but how the playing time shakes out behind him remains to be seen. The Packers find themselves in a situation where they have several options, along with different skill sets to utilize, which helps foster competition.

After navigating numerous injuries as a rookie, Lloyd is fully healthy and ready for what’s next. As LaFleur has described, Lloyd brings a different element to the Packers’ backfield with his speed and burst. Brooks, meanwhile, filled a do-it-all role at the running back spot last season, lining up across the formation while particularly standing out in pass protection.

As alluded to, it might not only be playing time that is up for grabs this summer behind Jacobs, but potentially roster spots as well. Typically, teams roster three running backs on the 53-man roster, and if the Packers choose to go heavy and keep four, that means having to go light at another position.

“Wonderful,” Wilson said of the running back depth. “The room is full with talent, honestly.” … “Just being able to have everybody in that room, we’re all teaching each other something. Really just trying to uplift one another.”

Now about to enter his third NFL season, Wilson is very familiar with the playbook, the responsibilities that he has on a given play, and with the reps he’s had, both in practices and in games, he is entering the upcoming training camp with a new level of confidence.

“It gives me a lot of confidence,” Wilson said of his play last season, “because I know I could have done a lot more better, make better reads and also press the line of scrimmage on my runs; also using my eyes in protection.”

Variety of ways that Matthew Golden can impact Packers WR room this season

Paul Bretl | 7/4/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers need more from their wide receiver unit this season. That responsibility won’t only fall on the shoulders of incoming rookie Matthew Golden–it will be a group effort–but as a first-round selection, he will have to be an important part of that equation.

“I just like his approach, how he comes to work every day,” Matt LaFleur said of Golden during minicamp practices. “You know, he gives great effort. His attitude’s been outstanding, and obviously he’s got, he’s a talented young, young player. So still got a lot to learn, but I think he’s showing improvement every day.”

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The addition of Golden to the Packers’ offense brings more elite speed to the wide receiver room, an element that will very much be needed while Christian Watson is sidelined. During the pre-draft process, Golden would run a 4.29-second 40-yard dash.

Having that kind of speed within an offense and the ability to stretch the field can obviously help generate explosive plays, and as Matt LaFleur says, explosives lead to points. While Golden’s 22 targets last season with Texas of 20-plus yards isn’t an overwhelming amount, he was extremely efficient on those throws, catching 13 of them, which was tied for the eighth most in college football.

But that big-play ability isn’t the only benefit that comes from having a player who can win down the field. When defenses have to respect that vertical presence, it creates more space underneath and over the middle of the field for other pass-catchers to take advantage of.

However, Golden isn’t only a downfield threat. He will offer a lot more to this Packers’ offense and can impact the passing game in a variety of ways. Along with Golden’s 22 targets downfield last season, he also had 26 targets on passes from 10-19 yards and 26 others on passes from 0-9 yards, according to PFF.

His target distribution across the field was incredibly consistent, and with that, Golden also has experience lining up both from the slot and out wide. This interchangeability that Golden brings to the NFL level is precisely what LaFleur wants to have at the receiver position, as it allows him to really customize game plans based on the opponent, and it makes defending this Packers offense more challenging, with there being that level of unpredictability because so many players can fill a variety of different roles.

“The routes he’s running, the things he’s doing, he looks very smooth, looks real smooth in all the routes he’s running,” said Jordan Love during OTAs. “He’s got great hands, great body control, all those things, so I think for him the biggest thing is just how fast can he pick up the offense and being as consistent as possible with knowing what he needs to do on every play.”

Golden would finish his 2024 season at Texas, catching 70% of his 83 targets. In addition to his high catch rate, Golden showcased his big-play ability, averaging a hefty 17.0 yards per catch, which not only included downfield throws but also a steady playmaking presence with the ball in his hands as well.

And not to be overlooked, but two of Golden’s best performances in 2024 came in two of Texas’ biggest games. In the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, Golden went for 162 yards. Then, in Texas’ first College Football Playoff game, Golden went for 149 yards.

On paper, it’s easy to see why the Packers selected Golden in the first round. From a speed and skill set standpoint, he checks many of the boxes that the Packers desire at the receiver position, and by all accounts, he has acclimated himself well in the early going.

“Oh, man, the kid’s a stud,” Romeo Doubs said. “Doesn’t really say much. He just comes in and works. He has been real consistent in that area. If he has any questions for me, he comes to me. If he goes to Jayden, he goes to Jayden and makes sure that he asks as many questions as he can because he is a rookie. The kid’s playing fast right now, so I’m excited to see him.”

With that said, like any first-year player, Golden is navigating the learning curve that comes with making the jump to the NFL level. This includes going up against bigger, stronger, and faster defenders, along with learning a new playbook, one that under LaFleur is quite robust.

So while there may be a variety of ways that Golden can leave his mark on the passing game with the different ways he can be utilized, step No. 1 this offseason has been learning the playbook and the foundational elements of the LaFleur offense. From there, more can then be added to Golden’s plate.

“I think for him, every day he’s been getting better just understanding what he needs to do,” Love said during minicamp. “You could tell the first couple days there might be a couple routes here and there where he just might be thinking a little bit too much out there and not just going out there and playing fast, which is expected for someone who just got here and is learning the whole offense and everything.

“I think the faster he can pick up everything, which I think he’s been doing a great job of understanding where he needs to be and just knowing that, but obviously the more installs, the more offense we put in, it gets harder. The more he can stay locked in with all that, I think he’s definitely going to be a playmaker for us and excited to see how far he can go.”

As the Packers do, they’ve rotated fairly heavily at the wide receiver position during OTA and minicamp practices. But firmly in the mix when it comes to first-team reps with Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks is Golden.

Perhaps more than anything, what the Packers are searching for at the receiver position is consistency. Dropped passes and wrong or mistimed routes were far too prevalent last season, paritcularly during those final games of the 2024 season.

Again, Golden on his own won’t solve those issues within the entire Packers’ receiver room, but his presence can provide additional playmaking potential and increase the overall competition at this position with there now being fewer roster spots, snaps, and targets to go around. That, in turn, then hopefully elevates the play of this entire group.

“I think the world’s changed a little bit,” said Brian Gutekunst during the draft about receivers making a quick impact. “It always takes receivers a little bit of time to get going. It used to be kind of that end of Year 2, middle of Year 3 when they really–things slowed down for them and they could really produce. We’ve had a lot of history where that happened.

“I think because of the high school football and the way they throw it around, the 7-on-7s, and just some of the things have changed on the lower levels, guys are coming in and making an impact quicker and I certainly think Matthew has the opportunity to do that.”

Experience a key factor in Evan Williams’ growth within a highly competitive Packers’ safety room

Paul Bretl | 7/2/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Packers’ safety Evan Williams was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team in 2024. So, now in Year 2 of his NFL career, what’s next for Williams?

“He’s got to continue to learn his body, and because I know we had, there were some injuries last year, just to make sure that he’s available,” said Matt LaFleur during minicamp. “But I think just building on what he’s already done and being consistent with it again. Another guy that loves the game. He’s extremely intelligent. He comes in with the right mentality. And he just works.”

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Williams played a small role early on in his rookie season, seeing just 34 total snaps over the first four games. But following some reshuffling in the secondary, which included moving Javon Bullard to the nickel, Williams started at safety in Week 5 next to Xavier McKinney and held on to that role until a quad injury in Week 16 sidelined him until Green Bay’s playoff game with Philadelphia.

Williams finished the season making 46 of his 54 tackle attempts. He allowed a completion rate of only 57.7% in coverage at 11.2 yards per catch with one interception and three pass breakups. Out of 103 eligible safeties, Williams ranked ninth in completion rate, and he tied for sixth in run-stop rate as well, according to PFF.

“I’d honestly give it to my surroundings more than anything,” Williams said of his play last season. “Coaching staff for just laying out a plan and making it simple for us, allowing us to go out there and play fast; use our instincts. Instincts are something I definitely hang my hat on as a player.

“I give props to the coaching staff and also just the experience in our room. ‘X’ helped me a lot last year as far as picking up the playbook and how to handle yourself as a pro, how to watch film. Just those little things that can give you an edge on any given Sunday. I’ll point to my surroundings at first.”

As the season progressed and Williams got more practice and in-game reps under his belt, his confidence grew. This not only resulted in Williams making more plays, but it also expanded how Jeff Hafley utilized him within the defense by putting more responsibilities on his plate.

“If I had to give myself any credit,” Williams added, “I’d just say I kind of hang my hat on being able to pick things up and not make the same mistake twice. Whenever I’m on the field, I want a coach to have the utmost trust I’m gonna execute and just be where I need to be to make those type of plays. That was something I came into training camp knowing to go as hard as I can and just be a student, just be a sponge, soak up as much information as I could and I think that led to some good things my first year.”

That experience gained in Year 1 is often a catalyst behind that Year 2 leap that we often see so many successful NFL players make. For one, rather than going through the pre-draft process, players have the ability to hone in on their craft and specific areas they want to improve upon.

But in addition to that, there is the familiarity that comes with being in the same system for another year. As defensive backs coach Ryan Downard described during OTAs, a lot of that growth can come from the continuity of being in the same defensive system for a second year, because with that, not only comes a greater understanding of what his roles and responsibilities are, but also those around him, and how offenses are trying to attack Green Bay’s defense.

“It’s been pretty big for me,” Williams said of the experience he’s gained over the last year. “I feel like I’m a guy that learns through experience, learns through being in the fire more than just sitting back and watching. I feel like each rep, each step I’m taking this year, I’m just gaining confidence, gaining experience.

“Honestly I’m just looking to take that step being a confident football player out there and hopefully I’ll have the defense just playbook in my back pocket so I can take that next step and think about other things; think about ok what is the offense trying to do here? What is this formation telling me? I feel like I could take steps in that department and taking it a step further and becoming a more proactive player rather than just being reactive.”

Even though Williams made the All-Rookie team in 2024, playing time is not guaranteed in Year 2. With ample versatility throughout the secondary, the Packers aren’t short on options when it comes to utilizing different personnel groupings.

Through the small sample size that is OTAs and minicamp, we saw a lot of mixing and matching in the secondary. This included Bullard being in the slot with McKinney and Williams as the deep safeties, which is what we often saw last year. But there were also instances where Nate Hobbs lined up in the nickel and Bullard took over at safety next to McKinney.

That versatility element can be a superpower for the Green Bay secondary and affords Hafley flexibility as he can really customize game plans to what the opponent does and adjust on the fly quite quickly based on what the in-game situation dictates. Bullard and Williams will both be a part of the defensive equation for the Packers this season, but exactly how they factor in may still have to be determined.

“High,” said Williams about the competition in the safety room. “I’ll say that much. But you know, that’s what you’ve got to love, especially as a competitor. You see all these guys taking strides. KT, you said it, KT’s going into his second year, everybody’s just getting more comfortable with the system, and everybody’s doing their utmost to show the coaches, ‘OK, I belong here, you can trust me in these scenarios.’ And I feel like as a whole, that really just boosts all of our confidence and just boosts all of our competitive juices.”

Packers’ Zach Tom looks to establish himself as a top RT in the NFL

Paul Bretl | 6/26/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Including the playoffs, Packers’ right tackle Zach Tom made 18 starts last season and played 1,134 total snaps on offense and another 89 on special teams.

If only looking at that information, one could easily forget that Tom navigated a torn pectoral muscle last offseason that forced him to miss part of training camp.

“Credit to the training staff, strength staff, everybody,” said Tom of his recovery last season. “And credit to me, not to toot my own horn.”

Tom later added: “Honestly, once I came back, I mean, it wasn’t perfect, but you’re just playing football. You’re trying to, at least. I try not to think about injuries because everybody’s going through something.”

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As Tom said, injuries will never be an excuse–many players have to work through them over the course of a season. But he did notice at times last year where his “technique might have suffered” as he worked his pec injury back to full strength.

“That was probably something that was more just happening just naturally,” Tom said of his technique. “It’s not like I was trying to do anything differently because of the injury. But, like I said, I’m not going to sit over here and make excuses or anything.”

However, even with that being the case and having to deal with an injury during the offseason and an expedited ramp-up period heading into the 2024 season, as Tom had done in his first two NFL seasons, he made strides and operated at a high level.

Tom would rank 18th last season among all offensive tackles in ESPN’s pass block win rate metric, which as it sounds, measures how often a lineman is able to hold their block for 2.5 seconds or longer. In the run game, Tom had the third-highest run-blocking grade of any offensive tackle in football, according to PFF.

By these metrics, Tom operated as one of the best, most well-rounded tackles in the game last season, and like any competitor, he wants to be viewed as one of the best at his position. But more important than what the outside voices are saying, Tom is focused on winning games and what those inside the Packers’ building have to say.

“Absolutely,” said Tom about wanting to be viewed as a top right tackle. “It’s not like I set a goal to be the 10th-best tackle in the league. Obviously, I want to be the best. Absolutely, it’s nice to get recognition out there But, at this position, you’re not always going to get recognized.

“So I don’t really take what people on the outside are saying too seriously. I’m more so worried about what people on the inside are saying. But I just wanna win at this point.”

While the Packers prioritize versatility along the offensive line and spend the summers mixing and matching different configurations as they search for their “best five,” Tom has found a home at right tackle, although he has the ability to start at any position.

Tom’s pec last season was “as good as it could have been,” as he put it, but now with a full offseason behind him, he’s now past that injury and was able to participate in the on-field portion of offseason programs, which was something he was unable to do at this time last year.

“I think the biggest thing is just confidence with an injury like that,” Tom said. “And I think that’s the thing I’ve been working on this year, even in the weight room, just pushing weight with it.”

Tom is entering the final year of his rookie deal. In search of a contract extension, he could have made the decision to sit out the voluntary portion of the offseason, but instead, he was on the field to put himself and this Packers team in the best position to find success in 2024.

“I don’t really think it’ll do me any good to sit out,” Tom said. “I’m trying not to worry about the contract situation. I’m just trying to do what’s best for the team. And being here with the guys, I think that’s worth a lot more than – the contract situation will take care of itself. So, I’m just here working and grinding with the guys.”

On an appearance on CheeseheadTV, GM Brian Gutekunst said that the team and Tom’s representatives have had “really healthy conversations” around an extension. Gutekunst added that “these things take time.”

However, while those conversations are ongoing, Tom will let his representatives handle that part of the business. For him, his focus as he heads into Year 4 is continuing to find more consistency.

“I would just say consistency,” Tom said about what the next step for him is. “Being a guy that can set the tone during games, being a guy that you can really rely on to block those edge rushers – those elite edge rushers – one-on-one, take them out of the game. But, yeah, that’s the next step for me, for sure. Just being a guy that you know is going to get it done out there.”

Fourth year DT Devonte Wyatt will play key role in determining ceiling for Packers’ defensive front

Paul Bretl | 6/24/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — When talking about the need for more consistency from the Packers’ defensive front, a key part of that equation will be the play of fourth-year defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.

“Very excited, man,” Wyatt said during minicamp. “Just to see what I can do this year, what I can bring, and what I improved in during the offseason through all the training I’ve been doing.”

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Last season in particular, we got a glimpse of the impact that Wyatt can have, but now it’s about sustaining that success over the course of a full season.

Through the Packers’ first three games of 2024, Wyatt was off to a red-hot start. During that stretch, he totaled nine pressures, three sacks, and six tackles for loss. For some context, Wyatt ranked 10th among all defensive tackles in pressures, he was tied for first in sacks, and he was fifth in PFF’s pass rush productivity metric.

Unfortunately, an ankle injury sustained in Week 4 against Minnesota would derail that start to the season. Wyatt missed the next three games and upon his return, his production dipped. Over the next six games, from Weeks 8-14, Wyatt had just nine pressures, two sacks, and no tackles for loss.

“I don’t like speaking on it. I’m more of a go-out-there-and-show-you type of guy,” Wyatt said of his production last season. “But I’m pretty sure I would’ve had a great year if I didn’t get no injuries.”

Wyatt then added: “I did some things to help me with that. just working on more ankle mobilities, drinking more water, just healthier things to help my body.”

However, despite the dip in production during the middle portion of Wyatt’s season, he would finish the year on a higher note. During Green Bay’s final four regular season games, he totaled 14 pressures–the seventh-most during that span–and two sacks.

Wyatt has showcased his ability to get after the quarterback, but with TJ Slaton now in Cincinnati, he will presumably have to take on a larger role in the run game this season as well.

Through his first three NFL seasons, the overwhelming majority of Wyatt’s snaps have come during passing situations, where he can get after the quarterback. That was a luxury that the Packers had with Slaton on the roster and on the field during those more obvious running situations. But now those snaps will have to be absorbed by Wyatt, as well as Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks.

When on the field for running plays last season, Wyatt did hold up well, according to PFF’s metrics, ranking sixth among defensive tackles in run stop rate, with his averaged depth of tackle being less than a yard from the line of scrimmage.

“Really just I would say on my run game a little more and just really attacking the man,” said Wyatt on where he wants to improve this season. “That’s it, really. Just being more violent.”

Wyatt’s continued ascension will be an important factor when it comes to the Packers getting after the quarterback with more regularity–something that is a must this season. While on paper, they were top 10 in sacks and around the middle of the pack in pressures, the defensive front was aided by Jeff Hafley dialing up blitzes and simulated pressures regularly, along with stuffing the stat sheet against lesser opponents.

So perhaps a more accurate portrayal of the defensive front’s performance last season in regards to getting after the quarterback is ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric, which had the Packers ranked 26th.

“Man, just staying healthy and just staying hungry and keep building on what he’s been building on,” Kenny Clark said of Wyatt. “I think if he didn’t get hurt, I think just what he was going to do was going to be huge. He was making a lot of plays and all that kind of stuff, so just keeping that same mentality, keep working, keep grinding and yeah just keep on improving and he’ll be all right.”

The Packers picked up Wyatt’s fifth-year option for the 2026 season earlier this offseason, illustrating the belief that the team has in him to continue making progress.

Of course, the overall success of the pass rush and defense as a whole doesn’t solely fall on Wyatt’s shoulders, but he will play an important role in determining how high the ceiling is for these units. Performing at the level he did early on in 2024 and late in the year for a full season can come with a massive impact, not to mention that when there is a steady push from the interior defensive line, every other defender on the field benefits from that player’s presence with the pressure they generate, the mismatches they create, and the blockers they occupy.

“It’s crazy how fast this goes,” Matt LaFleur said of Wyatt entering his fourth NFL season. “I think he’s had some moments where he’s been outstanding, and I think we can build on that. I think he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, throughout the course of the offseason. I think he’s in a much better place, and I think that he’ll be ready to go. Again, another guy that I expect to go out there and play his best ball going into Year Four.”

With confidence growing after flashing playmaking abilities last season, Packers’ CB Carrington Valentine focused on consistency in 2025

Paul Bretl | 6/18/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Questions around the cornerback position for the Packers have lingered all offseason. Those unknowns have now grown with the team releasing Jaire Alexander. However, internally, GM Brian Gutekunst remains bullish on this unit.

“I feel really good, really good,” Gutekunst said on Day 1 of minicamp. “Obviously the three guys combined have about 95 starts under their belt. I feel really good about that. We’ve got some young guys I’m really interested to see compete for those kind of final roster spots, but no, I’m excited about where that group is.

“The three guys have proven their ability in this league. I like their makeup, their toughness, their ability to play, their versatility. So I’m excited about that group.”

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Contributing to that confidence is the play of Carrington Valentine over the second half of last season and the expectations that the team has for him as he enters his third NFL season.

Navigating injuries and, early on in the season, a crowded cornerback room, Valentine’s playing time was sporadic at times. However, during the second half of the season, he seized control of the starting cornerback role opposite of Keisean Nixon.

Valentine, like the rest of the Packers’ secondary, did well to limit big plays. In four of Green Bay’s final six games, he allowed fewer than 10 yards per reception. Out of 71 eligible cornerbacks from Week 14 through the Wildcard round, Valentine ranked 29th in yards per catch allowed and was 10th in opposing passer rating.

However, what mostly caught everyone’s attention during that span of games was Valentine’s ball production. His two interceptions in that stretch were tied for the most among cornerbacks, and only four cornerbacks generated more total interceptions and pass breakups than Valentine did.

“I just felt like, when you go get the ball out the air, you kind of start taking the ball out the air, stuff like that, and then you start playing at that level and you know that there’s some more,” Valentine said during minicamp. “I felt like it was just scratching the surface. I just feel like going into the offseason, I’m ready to put that all together.”

Last offseason, as Valentine embarked on his second NFL season, one of the challenges that head coach Matt LaFleur issued him was to put on more weight. Valentine accepted and went from playing in the 180s during his rookie year to being nearly 200 pounds in Year 2.

This time around, Valentine’s offseason routine was by and large the same, but included some minor tweaks, such as focusing on distributing some of his weight elsewhere, specifically his legs, where he wanted “more power on the ground.”

Coming off a strong finish to the 2024 season, the next step for Valentine, as he put it, is consistency. That was his “big word” this offseason. While he flashed his big play abilities and, overall, limited yards after the catch, quarterbacks were very efficient when targeting Valentine last season, completing 81.8% of their passes. That down-in and down-out consistency, when paired with his ball production and limiting big plays, can help Valentine get to that next level.

“He’s been extremely coachable, high-character guy,” LaFleur said of Valentine. “Bust his butt every day, has approached it the right way. So I’m excited for him. I think he continues to prove and the more he plays, the better he gets. So I’m excited for him.”

Helping Valentine take that next step will be the continuity of being in Jeff Hafley’s system for a second year. While at this time last offseason, the defensive scheme was being learned and implemented, this offseason the defense has been able to “fine tune” the little things, as Valentine described.

With that experience that was gained last season comes comfort, and not only in knowing the individual responsibilities, but the responsibilities of your teammates, along with how offenses will want to attack you.

During minicamp, Kiesean Nixon and Nate Hobbs manned the outside cornerback positions when the Packers were in their base 4-3 defense. When in nickel, we at times saw Hobbs move inside, which allowed Valentine to then slide in and fill that starting outside role opposite of Nixon.

Versatility is one of the hallmark traits of this Packers’ secondary. That then brings flexibility for Hafley as he puts together his weekly game plans, which can be very tailored to who the opponent is. So with that, Valentine’s playing time from week to week could be quite fluid.

Since arriving in Green Bay as a seventh-round draft pick in 2023, Valentine has always believed in himself and his abilities. The Packers organization has quickly done so as well and with each season, game, and rep that passes, Valentine’s confidence continues to grow.

“Obviously when you make plays and stuff like that, you’re confidence keeps going up in the room,” Valentine said. “You also have sometimes you get humbled a little bit, but you never lose it. It’s just a part of you. It’s always going to be a part of me. I’m never going to change. I’m always going to be myself.”

After navigating injuries, Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd is healthy and ready for what’s next

Paul Bretl | 6/16/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — From a football sense, if it could have gone wrong for Packers’ running back MarShawn Lloyd during his rookie season, it probably did.

Injuries and setbacks were an unfortunate part of Lloyd’s first NFL season, who was limited to one regular-season appearance in Week 2 and just 10 total snaps.

“Last year was a learning experience,” said Lloyd following a minicamp practice. “Just learn from my mistakes and just getting better each and every day. I wouldn’t say it was a bad thing. I believe everything happens for a reason. So it definitely grew me up in a way.”

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Lloyd’s start to training camp was delayed due to a hip injury. A hamstring in the Packers’ preseason opener would keep him sidelined until Week 2 of the regular season, at which point he suffered a foot injury against Indianapolis.

That would land him on injured reserve. Then, as Lloyd was working his way back, he was hit by appendicitis. In his recovery from that, Lloyd would tweak his hamstring, which ended his season. 

“When I got the appendicitis, it’s just like, what’s next?” said Lloyd. “What’s next mentality, and you gotta have that. Something bad happens, just gotta have the what’s next mentality, what you can do to get better.

“Yeah, I was hurt, but what can you do to get better mentally and do better with my plays. So I used that time to really get deep into the plays where they know my playbook, so when it’s my time, it’s my time.”

To help avoid the soft tissue injuries that Lloyd experienced during his rookie year, like Christian Watson did last offseason, Lloyd spent some time at UW-Madison late last season, and he has another “post-test” visit upcoming.

During Lloyd’s original visit, it was a full five hours doing a variety of exercises to find any“deficiencies,” or areas that need to be strengthened.

“The visit, it taught me to know what was going on because we found what was going on,” said Lloyd. “We attacked it in different ways because it was trying to figure out exactly what was going on and going there actually helped a lot.”

Lloyd then continued: “I’m built a little different. I gotta know what exercises to do. Everyone’s different. Some people strong on one side, stronger the other side. You gotta do whatever you gotta do to get everything pretty even.”

Helping Lloyd navigate the ups and downs that came in his first NFL season was Josh Jacobs. The two would drive over from Lambeau Field to the Don Hutson Center each day for practice, with Jacobs making sure that Lloyd “stayed in it,” as he described it, by providing pointers along the way and taking the rookie under his wing.

But Lloyd also had some perspective as well. Despite all the setbacks he faced in 2024, none of them compared to having rehab from an ACL injury during his freshman year of college. He also used this as an opportunity to familiarize himself with the playbook and the other aspects of his game that he was able to.

Due to the time that Lloyd missed, the Packers were ramping him up during the early portion of OTAs, but he has been at 100% “for some time now.” As practices progressed, Lloyd was working on the side of the field with the first team offense, along with Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks behind Josh Jacobs.

“Really just go have fun, go out there and just don’t worry about what no one else says,” Lloyd said of his mindset. “Just be who you are. I know what I’m capable of. I’m just excited to see what turns out.”

The Packers selected Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft, and he brings something “different,” as GM Brian Gutekunst put it, than the other running backs on the roster. Lloyd measures in at 5-9 – 220 pounds and has terrific burst–running in the 4.4s–and change of direction ability that is easily spotted on the practice field when the ball is in his hands.

Matt LaFleur views Lloyd as a back who can bring a change of pace to the running back position with his speed and also be someone who can impact the passing game as well, giving the Packers a “matchup nightmare,” as LaFleur called him during the offseason, out of the backfield.

There are a variety of ways that Lloyd could potentially impact a game, but step No. 1 is proving that he can.

“He’s different in a lot of ways from some of the other guys,” Matt LaFleur said of Lloyd during minicamp. “He definitely has some great explosiveness and could be a really valuable weapon out of the backfield, I think. We saw that when he was healthy.

“He’s a guy that’s got to prove it. He’s got to be able to go out there, and it’s certainly not for a lack of effort. This guy, he spent the majority of his offseason here, and he’s been at a much better place, I would say right now. I’m excited for him, but ultimately he’s got to prove it.”

With clear vision and specific focus, Packers LB Isaiah Simmons fully believes in Jeff Hafley’s plan for him

Paul Bretl | 6/12/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Versatility has been one of the hallmarks of Isaiah Simmons’ game since he was selected eighth overall in the 2020 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. At 6-4, 238 pounds with impressive athleticism, Simmons has played linebacker, nickel corner, and even some free safety during his NFL career.

As Simmons described after Thursday’s practice, that versatility has been a “gift and a curse.”

A free agent earlier this offseason, one of the things that drew Simmons to the Green Bay Packers was that the plan they had for him wasn’t to line him up all over the field and shoulder several different responsibilities right away. Now, maybe that comes down the road as he gets more acclimated to Jeff Hafley’s defense, but initially, Simmons has one sole focus: playing linebacker.

“I think really what I ran into most of my career is everybody wants me to do everything as opposed to letting me get really good at one thing first,” Simmons said after Thursday’s practice. “I fully believe in Haf’s plan. He’s letting me just lock in and learn a small portion first before we even think about expanding to anything else.

“That’s something I really appreciate because I never really had that opportunity to really just hone in on one position. It’s hard enough to get into the NFL let alone stay, as well as be effective at a position, so just being able to lock in on one thing and do that 1/11 every day, I mean that’s been I feel like huge for me.”

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As a former top 10 pick, Simmons’ career up to this point hasn’t played out as hoped when selected that high in the draft. Although he put up impressive numbers early on in his career, totaling over 200 tackles, four sacks, six forced fumbles, and seven passes defensed between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he spent just three years with Arizona–the team that drafted him–and didn’t make it through his rookie deal before he was traded to the New York Giants in 2023. 

With the Cardinals, Simmons saw most of his playing time in his final season in 2022 come from the slot, where he was matched up against wide receivers, but he also saw snaps at safety, cornerback, and linebacker during his time there as well.

Then, over the last two seasons with New York, Simmons struggled to find consistent playing time and was on the field for fewer than 600 defensive snaps during that span, including only 181 in 2024, along with a modest 146 snaps coming on special teams.

Simmons made it clear that he wasn’t going to make excuses for how his career has played out up to this point. However, the constant movement from one position to the next early on, whether it be due to injuries or the need for improved play, didn’t quite allow him to find his footing and establish himself at any one spot either.

“There’s games where maybe I have like three snaps,” Simmons said of his time with the Giants, “and they be like kickoff, all touchbacks, you know what I’m saying. It’s just a lot of times where maybe I couldn’t put the pieces of the puzzle together on what things were happening. It was frustrating, but the only thing it did was, when the season ended, I looked at myself in the mirror and said, ‘This will never happen again.’

“At the end of the day, coaches make the decisions, but it’s up to me to make the decision hard for them. I vowed to myself that I would make the decision tough for every single coach in the future.”

Simmons joins an established Packers’ linebacker room. Quay Walker is entering his fourth NFL season, Edgerrin Cooper had a breakout rookie season, and the Packers re-signed Isaiah McDuffie this offseason, along with Ty’Ron Hopper–a third-round pick in 2024–still being in the mix as well.

During this week of minicamp practices, with Walker sidelined with an injury, Simmons has had the bulk of the snaps next to McDuffie and Cooper when the Packers are lined up in their base 4-3 defense. He’s played both the SAM and WILL positions. Then, when in nickel, McDuffie and Cooper have been the two linebackers on the field.

It’s far too early to say where Simmons stands on the linebacker depth chart, other than that he is behind Walker, Cooper, and McDuffie. While he saw the bulk of the starting snaps over Hopper during minicamp, we saw Hopper getting a lot of those reps during OTAs. Also, while both are linebackers at the end of the day, Hopper has been the MIKE, and that’s not a role that Simmons has been asked to fill.

Simmons wasn’t going to get into the schematic details, but when meeting with the Packers as a free agent, he recalled that the Packers described a very specific plan when it came to what role they wanted him to potentially fill on defense. Even in a linebacker room that is returning just about everyone, Simmons’ experience and skill set allows him to bring something different to this position group.

“Ultimately, my vision is just to be able to come in and help the guys in any way because as everybody knows, most people return for the team, so really what everyone was looking for here was just the few key pieces they would need to maybe surpass some of the hiccups that came about last year,”

“And with this being a young team, just like my veteran experience is one thing that will definitely be able to help, just maybe give my knowledge to some of the younger guys that haven’t maybe had as many snaps or whatever it may be. I just feel like that as well as my versatility, my speed, just being able to play sideline to sideline, hit, run, pass. I just feel like that will be able to be implemented and used in many different forms.”

Just like it’s way too early to say where Simmons might fall on the linebacker depth chart, or if he’s even going to make the initial 53-man roster, we don’t know what role he could potentially fill on defense either, other than being a backup off the bench. But with his athleticism, size, and coverage experience, often being matched up against wideouts, Simmons could carve out a niche role during obvious passing situations, where he can help patrol the middle of the field, and match up with tight ends or running backs.

“Every coordinator, they run their defenses different, have different nuances within their game, and I just feel like Haf’s defense fits me better just with how my skill type was, more so like how I played in college,” Simmons said. “He was in college recently, so that could be a part of it. But I just like his vision his creativity. I feel like I need to be with a guy who’s creative. So, kudos to him for that.”

Simmons’ ability to contribute and add a different skill set doesn’t only factor in on defense, but on special teams as well. One example of this came in practice when he was lined up as a flier, tasked with getting downfield on the punt coverage unit to limit any return opportunities.

On this one specific rep, Simmons was facing a double-team, with two jammers on him. He broke free from the initial contact and then used his speed and strength to work around the jammers and make his way downfield, where a fair catch was called by the returner.

Particularly at the linebacker position, one that is often featured on special teams, Simmons will have to continue to showcase that he can make an impact in this phase and do so on a variety of units in order to help him earn a roster spot.

“Every day, we can be best friends but, at the end of the day, you’ve got to know that we’re competing. That’s going to do nothing but make us better, whoever the guys that are going to be out there. Like I said, I’m just here to make the decision tough for the coaches because, ultimately, that’s going to be make the team better.

“Whatever happens, happens with that. If it comes to where Haf wants to figure something out to get us all going, then that’s up to them. I’m just coming in here to work every day and work my ass off.”

Joining the Packers on a one-year deal worth $1.17 million, Simmons is not a lock to make the final roster. Instead, in whatever capacity he can, Simmons will have to carve out a role, whether that be as the third linebacker, the fifth linebacker, or on special teams.

But with a clear vision established by Hafley for what he wants Simmons to do and be on this Packers team, Simmons is ready to compete, help however he can, and focus his energy on only playing linebacker.

Packers’ WR Mecole Hardman embracing competition as he attempts to carve out role on offense or special teams

Paul Bretl | 6/11/2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. — During the Packers’ two minicamp practices up to this point, the most competitive portions, without question, have been the two-minute drills to end each day. And in each of those practices, with the offense’s back up against the wall, Mecole Hardman has come up with the game-tying or go-ahead touchdown.

“Just trying to get better every day,” Hardman said after Wednesday’s practice. “Trying to build chemistry throughout the team, no matter who’s at quarterback. Just want to make plays, learn the offense, and try to get better every day and try to put good things on film.”

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During Tuesday’s two-minute drill, Hardman spent some time working with the third team offense and quarterback Sean Clifford. The situation was that the offense was down seven with 1:25 left on the clock and the ball at their own 30-yard line.

After a rocky start to that possession, Clifford helped lead the offense down the field. With the ball deep in the opponent’s territory, Clifford was “sacked” by James Ester, and the clock continued to run as the offense made a mad dash to the line of scrimmage. Clifford then snapped the ball with a second left, and as pressure closed in, he scrambled back and to his left to buy time before heaving the ball into the end zone, where Hardman made a one-handed grab while in a group of defenders.

Fast forward to the end of Wednesday’s practice, and Hardman was with the first team offense. Following a “sack” by Xavier McKinney on second down and a pass breakup by Carrington Valentine on third down, the Packers’ offense faced a 4th and 15 backed up well inside their own territory.

With the defense in control and about to win the drill, Love took the snap, felt quick pressure from Lukas Van Ness to his left, and threw the ball downfield as his momentum carried him backwards. Running full speed with cornerback Gregory Junior and safety Evan Williams trailing him was Hardman, who hauled in the 70-plus-yard touchdown reception to give the offense the lead.

“I like the deep ball better, man,” Hardman said. “There’s just something about catching a long pass and scoring. The one-hander was nice, too, but I like the deep ball.”

Hardman was signed in mid-March by the Packers as a free agent. A former second-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft out of Georgia, up to this point in his career, Hardman had spent the majority of his career in Kansas City, outside of the first half of the 2023 season, when he was with the New York Jets, before being traded back to the Chiefs that same year.

Over the past two seasons, Hardman has played a smaller role in the Chiefs’ offense, totaling 32 receptions on 43 targets at 8.4 yards per catch. He did miss some time this past season due to injury.

His best season came in 2021 when Hardman caught 67 passes for 814 yards with three scores. During his time with the Chiefs, Hardman has plenty of big-game experience, including catching the game-winning touchdown in the 2023 Super Bowl.

“I was definitely productive first three years and then end up getting hurt,” Hardman said. “And I’m just trying to come back and get back right to where I was, and I think this is a place I can actually get back to be productive.

“But then again it’s still to be shown. You still gotta make the team, still gotta find out a role and get that role. All in all, the end goal is to win the championship. As me, I’m the type of guy, whatever you need me to do I’m going to do, and whatever I need to do, I’m going to help out wherever it’s needed to be.”

Hardman joins a very crowded Packers’ wide receiver room, especially after the NFL draft, where two more additions were made in the first and third rounds, when the team selected Matthew Golden and Savion Williams.

It’s still too early to know exactly where Hardman could fit within this unit. But skill set-wise, and on paper, running a 4.33 coming out of Georgia, Hardman adds more speed, as well as versatility, to this Packers’ offense.

Able to line up inside and out, Hardman could potentially provide the offense with the all-important vertical presence while Christian Watson is sidelined. That speed and ability to make defenders miss also allows for Matt LaFleur to get him the ball closer to the line of scrimmage, whether that be behind the line of scrimmage on designed touches or quick passes in space where his YAC ability can take over.

“Versatility,” said Hardman about what he brings to this Packers team. “I can play all three positions – X, Z, F, slot. From that standpoint, I can do a lot. Bring speed to the offense, as well, whether it’s the gadget plays or the deep balls down the field, the screen game, YAC, I think I do bring into my game. I’ve shown that over the years that once you get the ball in my hands, I can make things happen.”

In addition to any possible contributions on offense, Hardman has shown that he can impact the game as a return man. With it being a crowded wide receiver room as is, finding playing time on offense, let alone getting targets, may not come easily.

However, as a returner, that gives Hardman a path when it comes to contributing, and it gives him a greater chance at making the final 53-man roster. As the old saying goes, the more you can do.

As a rookie in 2019, Hardman was a second-team All-Pro return man, handling 40 kickoff attempts that season, along with 20 punt return attempts as well. That year, Hardman ranked 10th in average yards per kick return and was one of six players with a touchdown. While on punts, Hardman ranked 13th out of 42 eligible players in yards per return attempt.

More recently, during the 2024 season, Hardman had five kick return attempts and averaged 26.4 yards per return. He also had 20 punt return attempts, averaging 10.2 yards per return. For some context, Hardman ranked 37th in yards per kick return league-wide and 17th in yards per punt attempt out of 45 eligible return men, per PFF.

“It’s definitely always part of my game,” Hardman said of his return abilities. “I think returning is a unique skill. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to return on some of the big stages and some of the biggest games. When it comes to that, I love that part of it. I’m open to everything – kickoff return, punt return.

“If that’s something that they would love me to be a part of, I’d love to be a part of it, as well, and I’ll come in with that mindset of trying to do that on special teams as well as trying to carve out a role in the receiver room, as well. The more you can do, the better.”

Through the four total OTA and minicamp practices that have been open to the media, Hardman has been rotated in with Jordan Love and the first team offense, while the majority of his snaps have come with the second team. On the return unit, Hardman, Jayden Reed, Keisean Nixon, and Matthew Golden are all seeing regular attempts to field punts during practice.

After signing with the Packers for a one-year, $1.17 million deal, Hardman is far from a roster lock. If the Packers were to cut him, the only dead cap they would take on would be the $150,000 signing bonus that was guaranteed.

Whether it be at receiver or as a return man, the Packers aren’t lacking options when it comes to how they construct their final roster and filling those roles. As described, there are a few different ways that Hardman can make an impact on this Packers team and roles he can potentially fill, but the competition when it comes to earning those opportunities, and ultimately a roster spot, will be heavy.

“I’m all for it,” Hardman said of the competition at wide receiver. “It brings different elements to the room, it brings competition to the room. I’ve been in the league seven years, so I’ve never been the type to shy away from competition. Myself, I’ve been in stacked rooms before. The competition makes everything great. Our job as receivers is to make it hard for the coaches to make a decision. All in all, I love the competition that it brings.”

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