Paul Bretl | 9/1/2024

GREEN BAY, Wis. — As the Packers search for a dependable kicker continues, Bradyen Narveson has made a good first impression with his new team.

“He’s done a nice job,” said Matt LaFleur after Sunday’s practice. “He kicked again today, so he’s kicked twice now. I just like his approach, his mentality. I can’t wait to see what happens in the game.”

During Narveson’s first practice as a member of the Packers, and running on “no sleep,” as he put it, Narveson would make all five of his attempts that day, which included a 58-yarder inside Lambeau Field with the team practicing under the lights on Friday night in preparation of their Week 1 matchup with Philadelphia.

Then during Narveson’s second practice as a member of the Packers, he admitted that he did miss one of his six attempts–a 51-yarder to be specific. However, he made the other five, one of which was from 53-yards.

But beyond the obvious, which is that Narveson made 10 of his 11 kicks so far in practice, it’s the environment in which he made those attempts, navigating the swirling winds of Lambeau Field having never kicker there before and doing so on several 45-plus yard attempts.

“A lot of the first kicks that we had were into the wind – 48 into the wind, 56 into the wind,” said Narveson. “Tough kicks to make that I expect to make fully but, at the same time, coming into a new spot, not getting any real reps with the holder and snapper pre and going into a scrimmage-like setting in Lambeau Field, I think it’s just going to prepare me down the line.”

At the end of the day, it’s only two practices, but Narveson’s new teammates have taken notice. In an interview with LaFleur, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic would mention that Jaire Alexander told LaFleur “I love this guy,” in reference to Narveson. Jordan Love would add “He made some pretty impressive kicks,” when asked about Narveson.

For LaFleur, if–or when–the Packers find themselves in a situation on Friday that could require a field goal attempt, he said on Sunday that he has “seen enough to be confident” in Narveson to make the kick.

Narveson’s path to the NFL was a bit unusual in the sense that he played at four different schools in six college seasons, but it was a path that he believes prepared him well for life in the NFL and the situation he currently finds himself in with the Packers.

“It was like an NFL journey,” said Narveson. “You go in, you compete. You go in and compete. You go in and–every time I was at a new school I had to win a whole new audience over. And I had to go compete against new guys, right? So it just put me in a whole new frame of mind that every single day matters.”

Narveson went undrafted this past April out of North Carolina State, and the only team that tried to sign him following the draft was the Tennessee Titans–at least to his knowledge. With Nick Folk, who made 96.7% of his kicks in 2023, still in Tennessee, Narveson knew he wasn’t going to be the Titans’ kicker this season.

However, what Tennessee gave him was an opportunity to showcase to the rest of the NFL that he can be a kicker in this league, and if all had worked out well for the Titans, Narveson would be on their practice squad right now. Over the Titans’ three preseason games, Narveson made 6-of-7 field goal attempts, including a 59-yarder and a game-winner.

“They’re like look, you deserve to go play somewhere,” said Narveson of Titans’ GM Ran Carton and head coach Brain Callahan. “We would love to have you back here but you deserve what you’re going to get.”

By GM Brian Gutekunst’s own admission last week, he mentioned that he could be a bit impatient when it comes to the specialists position. With that said, given the opportunity that sits in front of this Packers’ team this season, one can understand why there is a lack of patience. In a game where the margins for winning and losing, particularly during the playoffs, is razor thin, Gutekunst has to get the kicker position right.

First impressions can be great and, to a degree, they very much matter. But at the end of the day, Narveson does have to perform or the Packers could be looking for a new kicker. This is a reality that he is aware of and one that he’s comfortable entering.

“They asked me when I went to NC State,” said Narveson, “I was following up a Lou Groza winner and they were like, ‘There’s a lot of pressure coming with that. Is that something that you think about?’ I’m like, ‘No, I’m going to go out and execute to the best of my ability and I know I belong.’

“I know I’m here for a reason. The team believes in me, the coach believes me, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. So, at the end of the day, I’m going to go out and prepare every single day like it’s a game and then, when gameday comes, I’m going to execute.”

Paul Bretl | 8/28/2024

GREEN BAY, Wis. — How will things work out for the Packers at the kicker position this season? Well, that remains to be seen. But for a team where the opportunity to win is right now, GM Brian Gutekunst is leaving no stone unturned.

Throughout the offseason and up until today, that included bringing in Jack Podlesny back in January and then Greg Joseph during free agency. When Podlesny struggled, he was released and James Turner took his place.

After Turner, Alex Hale was brought in to be the third kicker. Then during roster cutdowns, Anders Carlson–a 2023 draft pick–was released, and once the team was awarded Brayden Narveson off waivers the following day, so was Joseph.

“When we went into this year, we rotated some kickers through here,” said Gutekunst on Wednesday. “I think we were the only team to have three for most of the training camp. We were looking a lot. We were monitoring the league.”

Narveson went undrafted this past April out of NC State. In the preseason, he was 6-for-7 on field goal attempts, which included making a 59-yarder and a game-winner, along with going 2-for-2 on extra points.

An experienced player coming out of college having kicked across five seasons, Narveson would miss only one of his 197 extra point attempts. On field goals, he made 71 of his 91 kicks (78%), including 26-of-32 from 40-49 yards and going 4-of-12 from 50-plus yards.

“Brayden was a kid that we liked coming out and then he had an excellent preseason there in Tennessee,” Gutekunst said. “As it unfolded and he was let go, we thought it was an opportunity to get a really good young kicker and give them a shot at it.”

By comparison, the Packers believe Narveson gives them a better chance than Joseph and Carlson, given what they saw from him, or they wouldn’t have put in the waiver claim. However, that doesn’t guarantee that this is the move at kicker that will end all moves for the Packers. The Packers are still living in a world of uncertainty at this position.

“I don’t know if you ever know for sure,” said Gutekunst about bringing in a new kicker. “Certainly we scout that and certainly he had a great preseason where he hit a 59-yarder and then a game-winner at the end to handle that kind of pressure. You’re constantly monitoring that stuff but until you get him in Lambeau Field and everything that that brings, not sure you ever know.”

Roughly this time a year ago, when Carlson was just embarking on his rookie season, we heard Gutekunst mention on a few occasions the importance of being patient with young kickers, fully knowing that there will be ups and downs, and time to develop is a necessity.

That thought process can work when entering a season with so many unknowns and relatively low expectations. On the flip side, for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the opportunity to provide a young kicker with time to figure things out is not a luxury the Packers have.

By Gutekunst’s own admission, he probably isn’t as patient with specialists as he needs to be to truly give that player a long enough runway to figure things out while in Green Bay. But the situation a team finds itself in can do some of the dictating when it comes to how to handle this often steep learning curve.

I’m probably not as patient with specialists as I should be, I’m really not,” said Gutekunst. “So I probably need to be a little bit more patient. We had JK Scott in here who’s turned into a very good punter. But at the same time, I’m very confident in this team and what we can accomplish so I want to make sure we give this team every opportunity to win. So there’s going to be a standard that we’re going to try to reach.”

As we all know, and as the Packers have experienced in the playoffs, the margin for error in the NFL when it comes to wins and losses is extremely thin. As Matt LaFleur put it on Wednesday, “I’m well aware of this.”

Since the year 2000, 6,176 games have been played in the NFL and 36 percent of those contests have been decided by three points or fewer. The most common margin of victory in that span is three points. Or in short, the Packers have to get the kicker position right.

Obviously the hope is that Narveson can provide the needed stability and reliable presence that the Packers have been searching for since Mason Crosby left. However, if he’s not, then there’s likely to be a new kicker for the Packers.

“I mean, guys have got to produce,” Gutekunst said. “If they don’t produce, it’s going to be a short leash. And so for me it’s really no different than it has been. We’re going to always, we’re working all year to see if there’s opportunities to make us better and if there is, and we can, we’re going ot try to do that.

“We’re really excited to get Brayden in here and see what he can do. And he’s certainly got a lot of talent and we’re excited about that, but at the end of the day, like all these guys who made this team, they’ve got to produce.”

LaFleur mentioned that he’s been on teams before where they’ve cycled through kickers during the season, and as one can imagine, it’s not a fun spot to be in. This situation, however, brining in Narveson a little over a week before the first game is uncharted territory.

The first time Narveson kicks for the Packers will be in a regular season game when it matters. The team will have a few practices to get a feel for him, but the general uncertainty could impact how LaFleur calls the game if faced with a fourth-down in opponent territory.

“Absolutely,” said LaFleur about the uncertainty at kicker impacting play-calling. “100 percent. Yeah. I think you’ve got to take into account all the circumstances. No different though like when you go out and there’s inclement weather. Sometimes that affects some of the decision making you make. We’ll see. “

Paul Bretl | 8/27/2024

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers initial 53-man roster is set. On Wednesday afternoon, we will hear from both Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur about these decisions, but for now, here are my instant takeaways from the newly built 53-man roster.

The Packers move on from both Clifford and Pratt. Once the trade for Malik Willis took place, it’s not surprising that both Clifford and Pratt were released. According Packer Central’s Bill Huber, is that the Packers’ preference is to bring back Clifford over Pratt. Initially, this may come as a bit of a surprise.

As I discussed recently, the advantage Clifford had was his experience, resiliency, and game-like quality. However, those elements didn’t shine through consistently enough in the preseason, with Pratt being the more effective and efficient of the two.

However, taking a step back, it’s a move that does make sense. Willis is still going to be learning this new offense come Week 1. This means that in the first game and even further into the season, Clifford or Pratt will be elevated as the potential backup, and from an experience standpoint, Clifford has a deeper understanding of the offense.

Throughout the summer, whether it was LaFleur, Clements or Adam Stenavich being asked about Pratt, there is always this initial pause before they respond. The pause is not a negative or a knock on Pratt, who is doing all the right things and continuing to make plays on the practice field. The pause comes from him being a first year quarterback, who is learning a new offense, which LaFleur equates to drinking water out of a fire hose.

MarShawn Lloyd was not placed on IR. The good news at the running back position is that the Packers did not place Lloyd on injured reserve. He has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury, but not going on IR suggests he could be available for Week 1.

However, even if that’s the case, I would guess right now that Emanuel Wilson is the backup, given Lloyd is a rookie who has missed his share of time already. AJ Dillon was unfortunately placed on season-ending IR. He has been working through a stinger, and last we heard was that they were still gathering second opinions.

Tyler Davis also ends up on season-ending IR. Davis suffered a shoulder injury during the Packers’ second preseason game and did not practice this last week. That means the Packers will roster three tight ends and potentially could have Henry Pearson on the practice squad as someone to elevate on game days if needed. Ben Sims would come on strong at the end of training camp–making plays as both a blocker and in the passing game.

Malik Heath over Grant DuBose. DuBose would get off to a fast start in training camp, but Heath finished out the summer on a high note. However, more than just in that final preseason game, Heath has been playing some good, steady football throughout the summer. Against the Ravens starters in joint practice, he showed the ability to separate. The same thing was true in the preseason game against Denver. The production didn’t always show up, but from a process standpoint–route running, releases, creating space–I thought Heath was the more consistent of the two throughout the summer between him and DuBose.

Packers go heavy along the offensive line. I thought that this might be the case. Instead of having a true swing tackle, I wonder if it’s going to be a by-committee approach, with Andre Dillard handling left tackle duties if needed and Kadeem Telfort right tackle–or even moving Rasheed Walker to the right side if in a pinch.

Watching the rotations in practice, it became clear before the first preseason game that Dillard was ahead of Telfort and Travis Glover. Telfort. meanwhile, was the clear No. 2 option off the bench, seeing some time with the ones, but also being asked to play both tackle spots along with playing some guard during OTAs and minicamp. Glover didn’t start seeing steady snaps with the second offense until recently, but as we’ve seen in the past with Caleb Jones and Luke Tenuta, the Packers have no problem rostering developmental, high upside tackles. This will be a red-shirt-like year for Glover.

Packers go heavy along the defensive line. There’s a few reasons that I think the Packers went this route. For one, in Jeff Hafley’s attack front defense, the need for a heavy rotation becomes much greater. You can read more about that here. Secondly, I do wonder if trying to get Brenton Cox through waivers would have been a risky move. He’s a young, developmental player at a premier position who has shown he has the ability to get after the quarterback.

With that said, special teams is an area where Cox still has to improve if he’s going to see regular playing time. Mosby, however, is more equipped to come in and make an impact in that phase of the game. While both players flashed defensively this summer, seeing defensive snaps won’t come easy with the depth of this unit.

There’s only so many spots for special teams contributors. The Packers have had quite a few draft picks over the last two years, and in general, this is a very young team. That makes rostering veteran special teams-only players, like Kristian Welch, a lot more challenging. Especially for those back end roster players, being able to contribute in multiple ways is often a must.

Also a part of this decision-making process is whether or not the team believes a player can make it through waivers and back to the practice squad. Welch has a more clear path to contributing this season than Cox does, for example, but which player is more likely to get claimed? Welch was released by Baltimore last year, went unclaimed and was signed to Green Bay’s practice squad.

Now, having said that, this does set the stage for the Packers to have to rely heavily on rookies Ty’Ron Hopper and Edgerrin Cooper to help out on teams. Just like with offense and defense, there is a learning curve that can come with making the jump from college to the NFL in this phase of the game as well.

Kalen King gets left off the initial roster. Ultimately, if you’re going to go heavy at one position, or in the Packers’ case two positions on the offensive and defensive lines, you have to go light elsewhere and one of those decisions came at cornerback. Realistically, King would have been the fourth option at the nickel, behind Keisean Nixon, Javon Bullard, and Corey Ballentine. He also played just 38 special teams snaps during his final year at Penn State.

There was a lot to like about what King showed this summer, both from a physical play-style, along with making some splash plays, but his path to seeing the field was limited and as a seventh-round rookie, he likely makes it back to the practice squad. Whereas with Ballentine, he’s shown he can contribute on teams and be relied upon heavily on defense if needed.

Zayne Anderson in and Anthony Johnson out. I mentioned before cutdowns that it felt like one of Welch or Anderson was going to make the team to provide that special teams presence on the roster. However, I did not expect Johnson to be left off because of it. For what it’s worth, I thought Johnson had put together a solid summer, playing both strong and free safety.

My guess is that with three safeties ahead of him for playing time on defense and another rookie in Kitan Oladapo also on the roster, this decision came down to who was the better special teams player–although, if that’s the case, I’m still a bit surprised that took precedent with Johnson only in Year 2.

Greg Joseph is the Packers kicker–for now. The Packers had to keep one of their kickers on the roster. Hoping to land someone on the waiver wire without a backup plan is a highly risky move. So we will see if another move is made. On my roster prediction, I did have Carlson over Joseph, not only because he did make more kicks during camp, but I thought if the production was relatively equal, the Packers would choose his upside over knowing who Joseph is as a kicker at this point in his career.

I guess I should have reversed my thinking and thought of that as an advantage for Joseph because while Carlson may still have more upside, the Packers need stability, and right now, Joseph seems to provide more of that given his larger body of work.