Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Don't You (forget about me)
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Thinking about my theme for today's column, I'm reminded of the Simple Minds song referenced in the title where he asks, "will you call my name? Or will you walk on by? Thinking about the 2025 Green Bay Packers, they definitely did not call Mathew Golden's name enough. But for the purpose of this article, I'm going to focus more on the 2026 Packers and some overlooked or infrequently used players on the team who may need to be called upon to contribute more and plug some potential holes depending on how this offseason plays out.
If Rashan Gary doesn't return we have three players to consider.
Barryn Sorrell - From his first playing experience in preseason, Sorrell caught my eye with his pass rush ability, motor, aggressiveness and pursuit. He logged 206 snaps in 14 regular season games, 131 of which were in passing situations. What surprised me most was his play against the run, where he proved to be a sure tackler. Sorrell also has that intangible "want to" about him - you can never question his effort. He still has a lot to learn, but the Packers would be wise to make sure he is Edge #3 or #4 in the rotation after Micah and LVN if Gary is gone (which by the way, I expect but I'm not at all convinced it's a sure thing). I think there's little chance the Packers "forget" about Sorrell.
Brenton Cox Jr (RFA) - Unfortunately, after showing flashes in 2024, his 2025 season was pretty much wiped out after suffering an injury in the first game against the Lions. He wasn't able to return until Game 16 against the Bears and tallied a total of 83 snaps on the season, over half of which were in the final regular season game against the Vikings when most Packers starters were rested. Cox has never really been give a shot at consistent snaps (and that's not likely to change), but when he does play, he always seems to make his presence felt - be it via QB pressures, hits or even sacks. Looking back at 2024, Cox logged 187 snaps on the season, 112 in passing situations. His season stat line shows 18 QB pressures (4 sacks, 3 hits and 11 hurries), Extrapolate that out to the same number of pass rush snaps Rashan Gary had in 2024, and he would beat Gary in every category and be firmly in the double-digit sack range (13-15). I know extrapolating like that is just a mind exercise, but it's still food for thought. It was easy to forget about Cox last season, but could 2026 be the year the Packers remember he is on the roster and give him more chances?
Colin Oliver - A true mystery man, Oliver didn't see the field until the week 18 finale against the Vikings. He logged 31 snaps, 17 of which were against the pass where he recorded two QB hits. It was just a brief glimpse, but Oliver looked like what we've been told, a smaller pass-rush specialist with more speed and athleticism that what the Packers normally look for in their EDGE players. He has a long way to go to hold up in the run game, but in sure passing situations, I could see the Packers throwing him out there on the opposite edge from Micah with LVN inside as their base in 3-4 with the possibility of bringing pressure from elsewhere as well. It's possible Oliver could also help out as an off-ball coverage linebacker in certain situations, having had college experience in that role in 2023. The Packers won't "forget" about Oliver, but he won't be front and center in their thoughts, either.
Ty'ron Hopper - If Quay Walker is not re-signed, which I thoroughly expect, the Packers really don't have much of a backup plan. This might be the thinnest position group on the team with only Hopper and special team ace Nick Nieman behind Edgerrin Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie. Hopper was rarely seen in 2024 (18 total snaps) and while that number jumped to 133 in 2025, half of them were in the regular season finale against the Vikings. If that was supposed to be an opportunity for Hopper to flash the "potential" we keep hearing about, both he and the Packers were surely disappointed by his performance. If that was the best he can be, the Packers will likely be "forgetting" about him. I see ILB as a prime spot the Packers will target in free agency as well as the draft on day three.
Jacob Monk - Unless the Packers pony up for Sean Rhyan in free agency, Monk is the de facto starting center until the draft, where the Packers pretty much HAVE to draft a center. Let me just say that I am not Jacob Monk's biggest fan. When it happened, I was 100% flummoxed by the drafting of Monk. I just didn't see much at all in his tape that convinced me he was an NFL-caliber player, never mind starter or even primary backup. What little I've seen of him with the Packers hasn't done much to change my opinion. Unless he's hitting the weight room HARD this offseason, I don't think he can hold up in the trench wars and may end up a forgotten man.
Josh Whyle (RFA) - Whyle is a player that kind of put his hand up and got noticed by the Packers. He came to them in week 10, and earned snaps both because of injuries and also outplaying Luke Musgrave at times. He logged 199 snaps over nine games and did whatever the Packers asked of him, including something he had previously struggled with - blocking. I remember Whyle as one of my mid-round TE favorites in the 2023 draft - a year the Packers need to draft at the position and did so twice, picking up Musgrave and Kraft on Day Two of that draft. Whyle was selected in round five (pick 147) and his profile was one of a pass-catching TE. When he came to the Packers, Musgrave held that role and after getting off to a slow start in the blocking department, Whyle improved over the last 4-5 games to where you could almost call him "reliable." When the Packers did throw the ball to Whyle, he didn't disappoint, catching six of seven targets, including one for a touchdown. I think Whyle may have found the right situation for himself here in Green Bay and won't be forgotten by the Packers when it comes to re-signing him.
Kamal Hadden (ERFA) - My first glimpse of Kamal Hadden was in preseason against the Colts. He looked absolutely terrible in coverage. It looked like he had no idea where he was supposed to be or what he was supposed to do. There was a lot of running around watching Colts receivers catch passes. He was targeted five times and allowed four completions that averaged 17 yds per catch. My first thoughts were, "well he's an easy cut." Incredibly, the following week against the Seahawks, it was a very different story. Hadden was again targeted five times, but this time, he was credited with two pass breakups and allowed zero completions. It seemed like the Packers had given his jersey to another player. Much to most people's surprise, Hadden made the team (as did rookie 7th round pick Micah Robinson, which foretold of the lack of depth at the position). Hadden spent the season studying, working and improving. In fact, late in the season LaFleur stated that Hadden had improved as much as any player he's had in his time in Green Bay. Hadden got his first chance to play in Week 12 and acquitted himself well when Nate Hobbs was out injured and then Keisean Nixon went down during the game. His next chance was the game against the Ravens. With Carrington Valentine seemingly unable to tackle anyone that game, let alone Derrick Henry, the Packers benched him and brought in Hadden. He was credited with a tackle and a stop before suffering a broken ankle on his sixth snap of the game. The expected recovery time was stated as 4-5 months, so he should be ready for training camp and with the state of their cornerback room, is surely a player the Packers haven't forgotten about and may even be counting on to bring improvement to the position group.
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.
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Comments (106)
Savage57
February 18, 2026 at 06:31 am
My fear is the Packers lack of depth at ILB is going to cause Gute to offer one of those bloated, have-to-keep-him deals to Walker and they'll wind up with Rashan Gary, ver 2.0 because drafted him.
egbertsouse
February 18, 2026 at 08:31 am
I fully expect this to happen. They will see the lack of depth at ILB, panic and totally overpay Walker. Then, because of Micah’s injury they will restructure Gary who will then decide that because he is getting less money, he will reduce his effort level from its current 60% down to 40%. It’s the Packer way.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 08:46 am
This is a solid draft for LBs. Draft two of them from rounds 3-5. Hopper should have seen a hell of a lot more snaps in 2025. McDuffie is a target in coverage. Quay was a mistake from Day One.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 09:45 am
Draft 2 LBs in rounds 3-5 and remain terrible at CB and DT. That doesn't sound like winning football to me.
It'd be nice if our only needs were DT and CB, Gutey picks 3 of each and we're set. Life is not so simple.
#7 should never have played Mike, he's all wrong for it. When he plays downhill he's very good.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 09:56 am
The Two pick should go to the DT. Find a free agent CB to replace Valentine.
dblbogey
February 18, 2026 at 12:09 pm
Draft two lb's in rounds 3, 4 and 5? Don't want a center, O tackle, cornerback, defensive tackle or kick returner?
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 08:46 am
I do think Jamon Johnson has potential. He hits hard and he looked to have improved quite considerably in coverage over what I'd expected. I expect him to be part of the plan, on merit, moving forward.
Then again I’m not as down on Hopper in terms of either actual play or potential as Al, though I do think his strength is coverage at this point. I am not sure if there is a reason why he was not working more in the Cooper role and Cooper at Mike when Walker was absent. If there is a valid rationale, I can not identify it.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 09:46 am
Cooper should be both Mike and wear the green dot. #7 is all wrong for either.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 10:04 am
I disagree in that I think Cooper and Walker are both natural Wills, but Cooper is going to be the flexible piece on the field for virtually all the defensive snaps, so give him the dot.
gsd3
February 18, 2026 at 09:08 am
Hope to see them draft Jacob Rodriguez. Plug and play FOOTBALL player.
TKWorldWide
February 18, 2026 at 06:42 am
Several years ago, during their massive rebuild, I recall Ned Yost saying “this is the land of opportunity.” Although the current Packer roster is in much better shape now than the Brewers’ roster was then, some of the same deal applies here.
Not every player can be (or needs to be) picked in round 1 or 2 or be a high priced FA. Even Seattle’s dominant defense had TWO undrafted FA’s starting. So let’s see who seizes that gold (and green) ring next season.
Cheezehead72
February 18, 2026 at 06:50 am
It seems that MLF seems to forget about players during the game. I am not sure if this is the reason he did not use Golden as much as maybe he should have or is it Golden was not the best option. If you spend a first round pick on a WR I would think that you would utilize him more.
Right now the Packers have players that can line up in the 3-4 or the 4-3 defense. Now I am not saying they are above average but they have the tools for Gannon to be versatile with the defense.
TKWorldWide
February 18, 2026 at 07:00 am
I wonder if Golden would have had more chances on a team more desperate for receiving help. Looking around the league, the idea that a receiver needs at least a year to learn the ropes and contribute seems to be fading. I look for Golden to make a massive leap in 2026.
T7Steve
February 18, 2026 at 07:23 am
I thought that it was mentioned that he was behind on his classroom assignments and blocking (both of which I blame on coaching) and was coming on later. With his hands and speed, I don't care if he knows which end is up. Throw it to him when he's open anywhere.
GregC
February 18, 2026 at 07:47 am
There's no way to tell if stuff like that is the fault of the coaches or the players. Blocking was always going to be hard for Golden because he's small and probably did not block much in college.
T7Steve
February 18, 2026 at 08:06 am
No, there's no way to tell if it's actually coaching. I just believe that if a first-round speedster is not learning that you do anything and everything possible to help him catch up. Especially in training camp. As for the blocking he did do some noticeable interference later that helped Jacobs on a long run, but I can't remember which game it was. Jacobs had so few this season, you'd think I would have it flagged. Don't ever get old!
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 09:02 am
Golden is great if he’s schemed to get the ball in space and allow him to make something happen. We very noticeably did not try to do that in the regular season. Why is completely baffling to me. I accept that’s not his ceiling as a player, but he was always going to struggle at blocking initially and learning a full route tree is often a struggle for rookies.
Scheming him open in space would have got him involved, have played to an existing strength, built confidence and allowed him to work on perfecting route understanding while filling a gap in our arsenal, particularly as Reed was absent. To me it’s coaching through and through, with the playoff TD just underlining that.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 08:56 am
Why would you expect, or want Golden to block? That's the TEs job. This is a guy who dominates in space, has vice grip paws and breaks DBs down like snapping twigs.
T7Steve
February 18, 2026 at 09:17 am
Wide receivers are supposed to block the guy downfield not at the line unless it's a reverse or sweep type play. Everyone needs to block with sometimes an exception for the QB, but even they chip in on reverses and stuff.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 03:53 pm
WRs screen DBs downfield. If they try to block on the go, they have a good chance to grab and hold.
TKWorldWide
February 18, 2026 at 05:23 pm
No block, no rock. 🏈
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 08:05 am
He was playing half to 3/4 of the snaps up until Watson came back, and then his snaps declined--and that was with Reed and Kraft out. I'm not so sure that sounds like being unable, but rather a coaching decision.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 08:53 am
No, the coach has his people and sometimes cannot see the tree from the forest. Golden was dinged up mid-season , but there was no reason not to see the ball go his way during the December push. He is clearly better than Wicks and more dynamic than Doubs. Lining him up with Watson and Reed should threaten the opposition starting with the opening game. Kraft will tilt the field. We'll see if this guy can keep the Pedal to the Metal.
PeteK
February 18, 2026 at 09:52 am
Let's not forget that he had a few nagging injuries and was in and out of the lineup Nov & Dec.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 09:53 am
#0 had the second most snaps in the WR room, the narrative that MLF didn't use him is bogus. He certainly didn't get targeted enough, but we do not know why. How much of that was he wasn't reliably running the right routes so JL10 wasn't confident throwing to him? How much was this a factor in not seeing him when he was open?
Whatever went wrong, hopefully they get on the same page in '26! WR1 may or may not emerge, but a higher completion % and more passing yards per game will probably translate into more wins. #0 9 & 11 on the field at the same time seems like a MUST. Add #8 & 85 and GB could be unstoppable?
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 11:26 am
That he was used in terms of snaps is not really in dispute. How he was used legitimately should be.
Lphill
February 18, 2026 at 06:52 am
well I guess if we had to choose between keeping Gary or Walker, Walker would win.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 08:54 am
Which Walker?
Lphill
February 18, 2026 at 11:09 am
Quay
Cheezehead72
February 18, 2026 at 06:53 am
I thought Al was going to end this article with Bisaccia walking off into the sunset. Maybe he wrote this before the story broke or he left it for someone else.
All I will say is:
Hear ye, hear ye
The court's in session
The court's in session, now
Here comes the judge
Here comes the judge
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 10:10 am
When I saw that bit on Laugh-In, I didn't realize it was plaguerized from a song.
T7Steve
February 18, 2026 at 06:59 am
Thanks for the list, Al. That was quite a comprehensive and educational review.
For some reason, (I hope not just because he was last on the list) Kamal Hadden stands out to me because I'd really forgotten about him. Maybe there's some real hope for the CB room to get some help. That would be a real blast from the past.
golfpacker61
February 18, 2026 at 08:14 am
Hadden's weakness coming out of college was lack of legitimate speed as he was a mid 4.5s guy or higher. He has above average size though and decent coverage skills. He is just an average NFL backup of which there are many.
GB could strengthen the CB room just by signing a couple FAs that make basically the same money as Hadden & Carrington. The biggest difference is alot of these other cheap CBs have real game starting experience. I personally have scoured Spotrac FA CBs and there are like 20+ that are available for under $2 million a year that have started games and have solid stats.
Haddens injury could cost him a job because there are many out there to replace him.
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 09:09 am
Hadden is also very stiff hipped. My fear is that, if he was going to succeed, Hafley’s off zone was probably ideal, both for coverage/athleticism reasons and also because it emphasized shorter area run play/physicality over the ability to run with or mirror.
If we do indeed shift to a quarters based approach, I don’t see him having the ability to switch to tracking individual WRs which such a scheme requires on deeper plays. I’m not all that confident that Nixon will thrive in that type of scheme either, but Hadden more so.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 10:21 am
You're saying we don't have the personnel to change systems. Gannon's ability to be flexible based on who he's got will be tested ...
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 11:31 am
Not really my intended point. If asked I’d say we do not have the personnel without the need to qualify. We need to add talent.
I do think the fit with the quarters type system would possibly benefit Valentine and Hobbs more than Nixon and particularly Hadden, based upon athleticism.
I was really expressing doubt about Hadden fitting a non Hafley D as well as any other and using the rumored preference of Gannon as an example. Hafley’s CB athletic archetype is somewhat of an outlier.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 10:30 am
I think Nixon as a zone/slot DB should be able to play quarters coverage. It doesn't change the fact that the Packers need to start turning over the CB room.
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 11:37 am
On deeper plays in quarters the CBs have to identify and then cover/track routes. That’s not really a major aspect of a typical slot role or of Nixon to date. He and most slots are better playing facing the QB and looking to jump routes in zone or simply hit at the catch point (in a Hafley D. I’m not sure I follow your extrapolation. I’m not saying Nixon can’t play quarters, just that his athletic profile raises some doubts as to how well if that indeed becomes a default scheme element.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 10:17 am
Hopefully Gutey does that! A Lombardi isn't likely to be hoisted by 2 CBs for under $2MM each, but our glaring holes in both trenches need to be the priority for any big money spent. Plus the other needs ...
GregC
February 18, 2026 at 07:21 am
Ty'Ron Hopper was disappointing in the game at Minnesota, after he had looked good in the preseason and in spot duty in previous games. Ryan Wood posted a write-up on the LBs today, and he said Jamon Johnson outplayed Hopper in that game, so maybe Johnson can get into the mix next season.
Cheezehead72
February 18, 2026 at 07:24 am
Better yet maybe they can push each other so both will become better players.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 10:22 am
The development part of draft and develop should draw on a lot more than that!
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 09:11 am
Not really a game to put much stock on player performance when the coach raised the white flag before the ball was kicked off.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 10:36 am
Especially on the offensive side of the ball.
I think we got a look at some guys on D, but it turned out to essentially be a preseason game on both fronts.
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 11:46 am
I also think we have to remember it’s a small sample and perhaps an atypical one. If we went on that game alone, Monk would be seen as a potential upgrade at C, for example.
stockholder
February 18, 2026 at 07:21 am
On the Move-
Nobody here, has his head buried
In the sand.
But it looks like were in for negative
Consequences.
Because not re-signing Quay Walker
Is a "Bad idea”. A mistake!
We need play -makers.
Not cheaper Alternatives.
Quay is a run stopper.
That has had to evolve with
every new DC, and their changes.
He is a leader.
There won’t be a upgrade here!
The bottom line here is; the focusing
on talent acquisition.
And the creation of the New Hole.
The Weight of positional value is
being destroyed by Gute.
And MLF has endured the
evolving systems of every new DC.
The packers are now a Rotational
Philosophy.
Performances that peaked, dipped, or were heavily influenced by Contracts.
The lack of high-impact, everyday stars is over.
Misfit toys; will make a roster full of bubble players,
Rather than champions.
Cheezehead72
February 18, 2026 at 07:26 am
If I read this correctly you believe they should keep a MLB that cannot cover a TE. Teams found out that all they had to do was run the TE behind Walker and throw him the ball.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 09:16 am
Consistently out of position in the drop zones.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 10:38 am
He just gets lost. No feel.
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 11:49 am
Which is why giving him the dot is particularly odd. Overall, he might be a better Will with another person miked, but I do not see a reason to pay him a big contract primarily because of the point you just made.
stockholder
February 18, 2026 at 12:06 pm
You never learned from history -
Isaiah Simmons; they released him on August 26, 2025, during the final roster cutdown to 53 players. Despite his high-end athleticism and a promising start in camp, Simmons failed to secure a spot due to inconsistent performance, struggles in pass coverage, and being outplayed by other linebacker options,
He went on to be a champion,
Several teammates were focal about
this being a bad move.
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 12:23 pm
Simmons may be a champion, though not for his play on D where he had one snap in the regular season. So what is your point? To keep him for STs? Otherwise his example seems to reinforce why we should move on from Walker, not support keeping him.
stockholder
February 19, 2026 at 06:38 am
DO you remember "WAYNE" Simmons.
From The packers championship team.
Traded by Wolf for a pick ?
(Based on reputation.)
Should have never got rid of him.
Seth Joyner was used up-
Quay Walker isn't.
Quay is one of the reasons they made the play-offs.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 04:04 pm
There's some magical wordplay here.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 04:09 pm
A champion where, when, how? Clemson? The guy was a special teamer for Carolina after Gute cut him loose.
Mercole Hardman has 3 rings with Andy Reid and K.C.
LeotisHarris
February 18, 2026 at 04:17 pm
stocky, are you counting being on the roster of an 8-9 team and "winning" the NFC South as a championship?
stockholder
February 18, 2026 at 11:48 am
No -
Until the DL does their job.!!
The TE won't get behind Quay.
No team is going to give him the money
if they feel that is the case.
And keep that in mind when
the FAs leave the packers.
Just because Gutey got suckered on Banks. Graham.
That isn't the case for every packer FA.
Since'75
February 19, 2026 at 04:24 pm
Yea, i remember that.....
Dumped Jordy and his 10 mill/year.
Then signed Graham for 4 years/ 40 million
SOLID
golfpacker61
February 18, 2026 at 08:26 am
A better option than Quay is a guy I have recommended for the last 4 years, Bobby Wagner does everything Quay does, only alot better. Wagner also is not the strongest in coverage, but everything else he does is near the best at his position. In his 14th season this year Wagner logged 162 tackles and even had 2 Ints. And he played every game for the last 4 years.
I will state the obvious, we have no 1st round pick so we are behind the 8 ball already trying to fill needs with the best players this year in the draft. Gutey can still move around a little for extra picks and maybe we even trade some players for more. Like Gary or Musgrave. We need his best draft in 5 years now. These 2 moves would let us concentrate on CB, OL, & Edge in this draft, even doubling up like we did at WR and strengthen 3 position groups.
More obvious, we are the youngest team in the league and lack experience. Maybe we should grab some by trying to sign Calais Campbell & Bobby Wagner. Both are not slowing down, both are relatively cheap which we need, and both would fill PON. And buying them would let us kick the can for DT & LB down the road to next year when GB could be sitting on 4 Comp picks.
Our run defense would be 10 times better with 2 moves, Wagner & Campbell, and would immediatly put us in a better position to contend for a title.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 09:21 am
He's 35 years old and looks to be heading to the Rams. I believe Campbell likes living in the desert. Ted blew it when he did'nt sign Calais when he first approached Free Agency. He is a landmark , a guy who has made plays every year in his storied career.
egbertsouse
February 18, 2026 at 08:34 am
Quay is a run stopper. Too bad it’s 8 yards downfield. And he couldn’t cover his grandma. He is good at pushing the other team’s training staff, though.
stockholder
February 18, 2026 at 11:35 am
Blame that on the Defensive Line now.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 09:02 am
The mistake was drafting Quay to begin with as he is not a read and react guy, and lacks instincts and the ability to plug the gap. I would definitely place Sorrell ahead of Van Ness on the depth chart. We will see if they allow a fair competition during Summer Session. Every team dumps bad Contracts. The bottom line is to determine who actually earned the Contract. There was no reason to extend either of these guys.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 10:43 am
Q is a chase guy. He needs to be on the weak side.
stockholder
February 18, 2026 at 11:37 am
Chase or not; he goes sideline to sideline.
Something Martinez couldn't do.
And he had clark in his prime.
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 12:00 pm
We are not short of speed now even without him. The problem is that game speed is as much about instinct and anticipation as it is about how fast one’s legs can carry one. AJ Hawk wasn’t slow, but his play speed let him down. Walker seems to have the same issue, whether it’s shooting gaps, filling lanes or in coverage.
stockholder
February 18, 2026 at 12:12 pm
No- Were full of injuries and others to slow to cover.
Vachio
February 18, 2026 at 12:28 pm
I feel like if ee cummings smoked crack, the result would be something like this.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 01:02 pm
Winner!!
Packers0808
February 18, 2026 at 07:43 am
Another note or thought no experience but I wonder if Mason Crosby would be a ST coordinator to look at? Imagine I would get scorched for this but just a question/thought.
Cheezehead72
February 18, 2026 at 07:53 am
He is not currently coaching. He lives in Nashville area with his family. I doubt he would be interested in coaching and moving his family again. Remember coaches put in very long hours and he is a family man.
Packers0808
February 18, 2026 at 09:28 am
Actually Mason Crosby actually said he would interested in coaching a ST if anyone called him and asked. in fact he had interest in joining Deion Sanders. There is a video out there if you google it where he says he would interested in coaching STs!
Cheezehead72
February 18, 2026 at 09:45 am
Thank you that is interesting. Then I guess it is possible.
Packers0808
February 18, 2026 at 10:04 am
I had seen that before but in honesty I forgot about it and then thought about it again and why I googled it.
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 12:10 pm
I don’t know how much a career as a kicker brings to the coverage units. The guys who have gone from player to STs have mostly not been kickers or punters.
As an assistant focussed on the kicking side, maybe, but otherwise I’d suggest, if going the ex player route, we’d be better off with a former STs leader and standout, such as Jarret Bush (among ex-Packers).
Ben Jacobs is a similar type to Bush who has been part of a successful Bengals unit. Luke Thompson of the Jaguars is a guy I’d be interested in who has come through the coaching ranks more conventionally and been part of a lot of successful ST units.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 10:25 am
He has spoken directly to this and said yes, he'd do it.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 08:29 am
They'll probably try to bring in an assistant STs guy from behind a credible STs coach somewhere, but those guys have been moving around already and you have to ask what's still there. It's just as likely they hire someone from a dissolved staff after all the dismissals. I'm kinda hoping they look to the college ranks, but the obstacle there is the very different kickoff rules.
Cheezehead72
February 18, 2026 at 08:41 am
Like I alluded to in a previous comment. Joe Judge has been a ST Coordinator and he is available.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 10:45 am
Didn't see.
Question will remain whether he'll get the support to be successful, or whether GB is just a place where STs coaches go to die.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 10:28 am
We really need somebody who can exploit the "new" rules.
Packman60
February 18, 2026 at 10:58 am
He was a very good kicker, but only a kicker! There's a hell of a lot more to special teams than kicking field goals and extra points. If he gets some experience coaching special teams at the collegiate level he could be a consideration, but not currently.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 07:45 am
There's going to be some shifting in this list of who steps into prominent roles and who is potentially side-stepped in favor of a FA or draft pick. I think the Packers have three glaring needs at this time that they likely address through the draft: OL, DL, CB. They need playable guys at all those positions, though, and need to add at off-ball LB and probably at edge, too. If Oliver can be an off-ball LB and a contributer there (aside from passing downs) that would help tremendously.
Predictions: Packers sign a C (it might be Rhyan), a DT, a DE, and an off-ball LB. They aren't going to rattle the top end of the market. If they don't sign Rhyan, they don't sign any of their own FA. They trade back, draft heavy into CB and OL, pick up a DL and look for opportunities elsewhere (they could look to TE or WR to fill behind losses after '26)
We'll see how the Bisaccia thing plays out, but given that his assistant was hired by Cleveland to be their regular STs coach, it means the league isn't as down on him as we've been. It leads us back to the conclusion that the support in terms of personnel was an issue, but it doesn't really address the questionable decisions in blocking units early in the season.
Who's up next?
GregC
February 18, 2026 at 08:23 am
That's right, Oliver played a lot of off-ball LB in college. I also seem to remember some speculation, possibly from the coaches, that he could play that position for the Packers. That might be his best chance to contribute.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 08:27 am
I think he's primarily a pass rush specialist until he proves he's not a liability as an off-ball LB...maybe he can be a MLB and be credible. Otherwise, you've got to figure out who comes off the field to make room for him. I thought he looked lively against the Vikes and he brings an element of bend that they don't get from their other pass rushers (not named Parsons).
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 09:17 am
He’s a designated rusher who has the potential to drop into coverage. In pass heavy situations that’s a valuable piece and does equate to a sort of half and half OLB/ILB. Initially though, he gets in the field by STs and an ability to attack the passer mostly, with coverage ability being the route to more snaps on D not the reason for getting defensive involvement initially.
jannesbjornson
February 18, 2026 at 09:46 am
He's kind of a Nic Bonitto type. His job was to come off the edge fast, obviously doesn't have the same dip and bend. 23.5 sacks at OK State and lived in the backfield with 40 TFLs. His 4.56 forty time is similar to Bonito's 4.54.
He's a guy who may make a difference. The name of the game is to penetrate to the backfield fast, and bring down the RB ,or quarterback, not get tied up with OTs on the edge.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 10:35 am
I'd like to see creative use of both Colin Oliver and Brenton Cox Jr.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 04:07 pm
Remember that Cox is an RFA. Packers will need to tender him or get him a 2-year deal before FA opens.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 18, 2026 at 10:34 am
Every mock draft shows that drafting OL in round 2 leaves us with no solution at DT, while signing a FA @ OL lets us get a good DT in round 2 with CBs still available in rounds 3 & 4.
It seems that Linenbaum is the only FA C that's an upgrade from Sean Rhyan.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 10:57 am
My guess was that Linderbaum wouldn't make it to FA, but it seems Baltimore may let him go. I've seen them linked to the next two C on the market: Cade Mays and Connor McGovern. I think all three of those guys are better than Rhyan, but Linderbaum may not give them the bulk they seem to covet recently.
RCPackerFan
February 18, 2026 at 08:27 am
"If Rashan Gary doesn't return we have three players to consider."
First if Gary doesn't return LVN slides into his starting role. After him I think the next player that will rotate in a lot will be Sorrell. He to me should have gotten more playing time. When he got his shot he was the best player on the field. I think Sorrell will be 3 or 4 this year in order but will get a significant jump in playing time.
Oliver also flashed. I think he will become a really good pass rush specialist. I was impressed with his first action of the season. He will onliy get better.
I do think they will draft another edge player in the mid rounds.
packerbackerjim
February 18, 2026 at 08:46 am
Gary not only is blocking LVN, Sorrell and Cox, he is depriving them of enough playing time to accurately assess their abilities. Time to cut bait.
RCPackerFan
February 18, 2026 at 10:35 am
Could also say that about Enagbare. Was Enagbare preventing Sorrell to be on the field more?
I do think Sorrell deserved more playing time then he got.
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 12:34 pm
LVN is a decent run first rotational player. So is Enagbare. Neither have proved much of a threat to QBs. If we add the Gary of the second half of last season, there’s no way a team succeeds with rushers 2,3,4 all being run first types.
We simply can not go into next season like that. LVN should be 3 based upon what he has done or number 2 against run heavy Os. We need to find a rusher who is competent versus the run but provides threat to the QB consistently.
That could be Sorrell, it could be Cox, if we keep him. It might be split between them, but we need to be drafting as well. Parsons and LVN or Parsons and Cox/Sorrell, based upon play to date would look like a pretty decent start (an improvement) in threat and in the run game. Add another in the draft and Oliver on passing downs.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 04:08 pm
Injuries have blocked Cox and LVN as much as other players.
LeotisHarris
February 18, 2026 at 08:34 am
I appreciate the creativity in crafting your blogs around sometimes long-forgotten songs, Al. It's worth the resulting earworm for the day. "Hey, hey, hey, hey"...
We'll get to the 'we like our guys" phase of the roster eventually, but individually we won't like all of our guys. GPG.
golfpacker61
February 18, 2026 at 08:53 am
I almost hate the word anymore, but Brenton Cox, Sorrell, & LVN have "Potential' to be good players if they stay on the field and get a chance to play. Could they really be much worse than Gary, I guess we are going to find out. I don't even know if Oliver is a wildcard, his size is against him. Could be another wasted pick.
I agree Al, Monk looks like a draft miss. I also was disappointed when we picked him. The square peg continues to not fit the round hole in GB. And he doesn't fit at OG either, we can find a better replacement for the same money.
Hopper is a wildcard, another "I guess we will see what we got" if we don't resign Walker, which we shouldn't for $10-12 million per year. It would be better to sign Bobby Wagner for $7 million because he is still way better than Walker. I would have signed him 3 years ago. An intrigueing draft LB is Kendal Daniels-Oklahoma. He is a LB but has played Safety and Edge @ 6'5 245 lbs. So he has really good coverage skills as well as having above average size and speed. Could be a steal in the 5th round or later.
I said last year that depending on Musgrave in case we lost Kraft to injury would come back to haunt us, and it did. No bullet dodged there. Musgrave actually played better than he has since he came to GB, but he is still not a solid TE2. Josh Whyle was 1 of my 3 favorite TEs the year we drafted Kraft & Musgrave. The other being LaPorta. I think and thought then that Whyle was a more complete TE than Musgrave and was always available to play, which Musgrave was not in college. Re-sign Whyle and try to sign another cheap but complete FA TE in Charlie Kolar-Ravens. Kolar would be our best blocking TE right away, and the Ravens never threw to him even though he had 150 catches for 2000 yards & 23 TDs @ Iowa State. He is a steal @ projected $1.7 million per year. The TE room would be the strength we thought we would have when we mis-drafted Musgrave.
At least Musgrave improved his trade value by having an average season and being available. Now is the time to move him, KC needs TEs badly and I read they could be very interested. Or try to trade him for D'Vondre Sweat.
Hadden is what he is, a journeyman CB with good size & not enough speed. And now he is injured, probably end of story on him. I have been scouring Spotrac's FA CBs and have found 20-25 solid, young CBs that have actual NFL game starting experience and solid stats that prove they belong in the NFL. And the majority are projected to be minimum salary players. I am not saying we will find an All-Pro CB there, but we need an overhaul in our CB position group. Start at the bottom and build upwards. We have a bad situation because we aren't flush with money and our whole CB group needs replaced. GB ignored the CB position the last 4 years, and we have to start fixing the problem by drafting 2 solid CBs earlier in this draft. GB hasn't selected a CB earlier than round 7 since 2021. That and the terrible signing of Hobbs made CB a below NFL average secondary last year. It's time to fix it.
Coldworld
February 18, 2026 at 09:29 am
Monk was a player I’d largely moved on from in terms of expectations. However, watching the second Vikings game, Monk was one of the few really positive surprises. His pass pro didn’t stand out notably (though he wasn’t charged with a pressure), but he was a stand out in the run game.
He and Belton were both bright spots in that game for me and both ended up with high 70s PFF ratings too (the two highest offensive grades in fact). As a result of that, I want to see more of Monk and am much more open to him being a viable part of our future than Al is or I was prior to that game.
As an additional observation from that game, Lecitus Smith had a good game at LG, particularly in pass protection. He also provides C depth. He might be a good cheap, versatile interior depth option to keep around who seems to be overlooked. I’d be very happy with that level of play if we needed to call up help in game.
Whyle does not impress me as much as he clearly has AL. His blocking is neither consistent nor impressive in line. He can run block. I think we are over rating him because no TE other than Kraft is even that adequate.
I do think Whyle is worth working with. He does seem to be willing to be physical if he can improve his technique and recognition as a blocker. I do think he’s a better passing outlet in terms of versatility and threat than any TE other than Kraft and Musgrave that we had on the roster.
As a block first TE though, we can and should be able to do better. In reality, that’s what LaFleur almost exclusively uses TEs other than the starter to do and always has. If we traded Musgrave, I think Whyle has the potential to be the reserve starter and improve that role overall, but is not yet who should be our blocking stalwart alongside the starter on game day.
dobber
February 18, 2026 at 01:31 pm
I don't think the Packers tender Whyle. That would be giving him about $3.5M, and I'm sure they could sign him back for less than that if they wanted him back. I think you're right in that there are several younger TEs available this year who can do at least as much as Whyle, and Kolar is one of them (and a true Y). I'd rather have a TE who blocks like an OL out there than an extra OL who's not a threat to catch passes.
Since'61
February 18, 2026 at 09:47 am
Al good job as usual on what I refer to as the MIA players for the Packers. After reading this article it seems like the Packers are just terribly mismanaged on game day. I said it for years. You can't find out much about a player during the preseason. They need to play in meaningful games during the regular season against starting players from the opposing team. It is the only way to determine if players can play at the speed of the NFL level.
In any case I'm hoping that all of the players mentioned get a good long look during TC and that they get to play more snaps during the season. most of this should be worked out during TC and opportunities to play during the season. IMO opinion the Packers should release Gary and they will likely lose Q. Walker to FA. That would create room in the LB room for the LBs covered in the article.
I was happy to see Bisaccia resign but it would have better if he had decided to do so sooner, like 2-3 seasons ago. or at least in January when the Packers still would have had a chance to interview some of the better ST coaches available. In any event at least we're moving on from Bisaccia. At least now the Packers have a chance to finally figure out their STs. Maybe. Thanks, Since '61
crayzpackfan
February 18, 2026 at 11:36 am
"At least now the Packers have a chance to finally figure out their STs. Maybe."
As long as MLF and Gute gives whoever they hire, the players, attention and practice time to actually turn teams into a viable part of the solution to the success of the Packers. Teams has been an afterthought in GB (based on lack of production) for many years now. A good start would be to actually find a guy who can return kicks and punts in a threatening manner. Musical returners has been an absolute comedy to watch.
Since'75
February 19, 2026 at 04:29 pm
I'll 3rd the 'maybe'
I like to 'see' it. 😁🤨
splitpea1
February 18, 2026 at 10:33 am
Whyle--definitely resign, he's good insurance.
Monk and his 57 offensive snaps of experience: If no one else is signed, then the Packers better draft someone who is ready to start--no training wheels.
Hopper: Obviously over-drafted. I still think there may be hope for him, but probably not as a starter. I hate to go back to us being in need of ILB help, but it looks like that's where we're headed.
Gary: The Packers bring him back and they are truly delusional....
Did anyone say "Super Bowl window"? Looks like the Packers have some serious holes to fill first!
Major Snafu
February 18, 2026 at 08:44 pm
Great artical Al as usual. I'm concerned with the lack of talent in the secondary. The on line is okay, not treat, pass rush okay not great, passing game decent run game decent, it's the secondarys lack of coverage, speed tackling and understanding ones role. It is and will he the Achilles heel of this team until fixed.
Teams didn't come back on us running they passed their way back aka Bears.
PS: we lose Gary you won't miss the pass rushing at all. Hell probably get better.
ricky
February 19, 2026 at 09:32 am
The first time I saw Sorrell was when he was drafted. He seemed to be expecting to go earlier, and the cameras showed his reaction when he was finally chosen in the fourth round, he didn't celebrate. He just started at the TV and nodded his head, looking like a guy who just had a big chip put on his shoulder for what he saw as a major disrespect. The last time I saw a player react that way was when Jalen Hurts was drafted in the second round by Philly. He had exactly the same reaction: not moving, not celebrating, just silently saying to himself, "I'm going to show you guys".
Time to give this guy more reps, and see if he can live up to his dreams of revenge.
fthisJack
February 19, 2026 at 11:34 am
This team is headed south after Gute blew the #1 pick the last 2 years. Now he has to bolster the DL, OL, and CB without a 1st rounder(maybe that's a good thing.) Good luck trying to fill all the holes.