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Packers Coaches Keeping Cornerback Options Open Amid Jaire Alexander Uncertainty
The Green Bay Packers are in full preparation mode for 2025, but one question remains: What will happen with two-time All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander? Defensive passing-game coordinator Derrick Ansley and his staff are dealing with the uncertainty of Alexander’s future while exploring other options at the position.

Daily Communication Between Ansley and Alexander

Even though Alexander hasn’t been in offseason workouts, Derrick Ansley is still in touch with the star cornerback.

“Every day. Every day we have contact,” Ansley said Thursday. “Every morning, I send him a positive quote. Sometimes it’s a scripture. Sometimes it’s just something somebody sends me, and I forward it to him. But we have contact every morning.”

While this daily communication shows the player and coach have a good relationship, it doesn’t mean Alexander is coming back. General manager Brian Gutekunst has said that if Alexander isn’t part of the team going forward, the Packers want to get value for their investment, either through a trade or by moving resources elsewhere.

For now, the Packers are preparing as if Alexander isn’t around, building depth and versatility in the secondary.

Exploring Alternatives at Cornerback

Packers defensive coaches Ansley, Jeff Hafley, and Ryan Downard are already thinking about life after Alexander. They’re convinced that, even without that two-time Pro Bowl player, they have the talent on the roster to adapt. And they have a plan.

1. Putting Keisean Nixon in the CB1 role

Nixon staked his claim as a starting-caliber cornerback last season. With 1,020 snaps (93.7%) under his belt in 2024, he’s shown he can handle top-tier wide receivers. That reliability and consistency give the coaching staff confidence in him.

2. Making the most of Nate Hobbs’ versatility

Hafley loves Hobbs’ ability to play both inside and out. “He’s competitive, tough, physical, and fast,” Hafley says. “He loves the game—and that comes across on the tape. He gives you that flexibility to move him around. I’m a big fan of that kind of player.” Hobbs’ four-year, $48 million deal shows just how committed the Packers are to building a dynamic secondary.

3. Giving Carrington Valentine the space to grow

Carrington Valentine, a seventh-round pick in 2023, has shown flashes of what he can do. Despite battling injuries, he played 547 snaps (50.3%) last season and started three playoff games. Ansley sees a lot of potential in Valentine. “He plays the game the right way,” Ansley says. “He’s smart, works hard, and means a lot to him. Now, he just needs to make those routine plays consistently. If he does, he can become a key piece of our defense.”

4. Developing Young Talent

The Packers are counting on contributions from several young players and rookies:
- Kalen King: A 2024 7th round pick who was on the practice squad last year, King has impressed coaches with his athleticism and willingness to learn.
- Micah Robinson: Has verified top end speed and ball skills, had a great college career at Tulane and Furman, including a pick-six last year.
- Johnathan Baldwin: Listed as a corner but played mostly safety in college, adds another layer of versatility to the secondary.
“These guys have skill sets and mental toughness,” Ansley said. “They want to learn and prove themselves.”

Building Versatility Across the Secondary

One of Ansley’s core philosophies is not to pigeonhole players into specific roles. Instead, they want to create interchangeable defenders who can play multiple positions.

“When you talk about corner, obviously, you want a speed skill set. Inside, you’ve got to be physical enough to stop the run and agile enough to cover receivers,” Ansley said. “It’s hard to find guys who can do both. Thank God we have a couple of them.”

This allows the Packers to use their personnel to their best advantage against division opponents like Detroit, Minnesota, and Chicago, who all have explosive offenses.

Looking Ahead to 2025

If Alexander leaves the Packers’ corner group will go through a transformation similar to what happened with the safety position last year. Adding first team All-Pro Xavier McKinney and drafting three safeties reshaped that unit, and similar moves could do the same for the corner room.

But injuries happen, and relying on Nixon, Hobbs, and Valentine may not be enough. That’s why Ansley is really excited about his young guys.

“We want to bring in as many DBs as we can and not limit them,” he said. “Their mental makeup matters most. Can they learn two jobs? Do they have the discipline and maturity to succeed?”
May 16, 2025
Jadeveon Clowney Fires Back at Packers in the Loudest Way Possible

When Jadeveon Clowney speaks, people listen—and his recent comments after being released by the Carolina Panthers have sent shockwaves through the NFL. The Green Bay Packers, in particular, should be paying close attention. Clowney didn’t mince words when addressing his future, and his message was loud and clear: he’s ready to prove himself again, and the Packers could be the perfect team to give him that chance.

Clowney’s Bold Statement to the NFL

After being released by the Panthers, Clowney told The Athletic he’s not done dominating on the field. He said:

“I’m definitely gonna play well. You can mark my word on that,” Clowney said. “I played with a bunch of guys that was hurt this past year. And I ended up playing extremely well for them. So it is what it is. I can play the game. I can play football. There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that.”

Clowney wasn’t kidding. Despite the circumstances around him in Carolina, he had a great season. According to Pro Football Focus, his 44 pressures was second only to one Packers pass-rusher (Rashan Gary, 47)—and he did it in three fewer games. His 5.5 sacks would’ve been second on the Packers’ roster, as would his 11 quarterback hits.

In 2023 alone, Clowney had 9.5 sacks—more than any Packers defender last season. He’s proven himself, and he’s determined to prove doubters wrong.

Why the Packers Need Clowney

The Packers’ pass rush has been a mess, and Clowney could be the solution. They added Barryn Sorrell in the fourth round of the draft, but relying solely on new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington to fix things is a risk. Lukas Van Ness, their first-round pick from 2023, hasn’t lived up to expectations yet, and the pressure is mounting to fix this problem.

Clowney isn’t just another veteran—he’s a proven Pro Bowl pass-rusher who can lift the whole defense. Pairing him with Rashan Gary would be a nightmare for opposing offenses. Clowney’s experience and leadership would take some of the pressure off Van Ness to develop without having to carry the weight of high expectations.

A Strategic Move Against Division Rivals

Signing Clowney wouldn’t just add to the roster—it would keep him away from division rivals like the Detroit Lions who are reportedly one of the top contenders for his services. Imagine Clowney lining up against Green Bay twice a year instead of the other way around. That’s a scenario the Packers must avoid at all costs.

With a rotation of Gary, Clowney, Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare and Sorrell the Packers front seven would be a much deeper and more versatile unit. That’s what could make or break their championship hopes next year.

What’s Next for Clowney and the Packers?

Clowney has thrown down the gauntlet and now it’s up to the Packers to respond. Signing him wouldn’t just fill an immediate need—it would send a message to the rest of the league that Green Bay means business in 2024.

“He sent a message and the Packers better listen” one insider said.

If the Packers want to avoid last year’s struggles they need to sign Clowney.

May 10, 2025
Packers Highly Unusual NFL Free Agency Continues

The Green Bay Packers have always been about drafting, developing, and retaining talent. But this offseason has been anything but normal. With 11 unrestricted free agents hitting the market, the Packers only retained two. As the organized team activities (OTAs) approach, the Packers are in the midst of one of the most unusual free agency periods in franchise history. Let’s break down who stayed, who left, and what it means for the future.

Who Was Re-Signed?

Despite the talent drain, the Packers made sure to sign a couple of key guys before free agency even started.

K Brandon McManus

After a carousel of kickers failed to provide stability in 2023, McManus was the answer. The veteran kicker went 20-of-21 on field goals during the regular season, second in the NFL with 95.2% accuracy. He was a godsend. You don’t realize how much a reliable kicker can calm a team down until you’ve gone through the chaos we went through earlier in the season.

“He was a godsend for us,” one team insider said. “You don’t realize how much a dependable kicker can stabilize a team until you’ve been through the chaos we faced earlier in the season.”

LB Isaiah McDuffie

McDuffie, a 6th round pick in 2021, proved himself last season by starting all 17 games and recording 97 tackles. Although he allowed 5 TD passes (tied for most on the team), his versatility and experience got him a 2 year, $8M deal.

TE John FitzPatrick

FitzPatrick wasn’t tendered as an RFA but was brought back on a 1 year, $1.5M deal. He had 1 catch for 2 yards but his presence on offense and special teams makes him a depth piece.

Who Signed With Another Team?

The Packers lost several familiar faces, and there are some big holes on the roster.

C Josh Myers

Myers, a 2nd round pick, started 16 games and played over 1,000 snaps for the 3rd straight season. He settled for a 1 year, $2M deal with the Jets, which was surprising given his consistent play.

DT TJ Slaton

Slaton, a 5th round pick in 2021, started all 17 games last season but didn’t do much beyond basic run stopping. He got a 2 year, $14.1M deal from the Bengals, and the Packers’ defensive line is thinner than ever.

LB Eric Wilson

Wilson returned to Minnesota after 72 tackles, 2 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss in 2024. He leaves another hole in the Packers’ linebacking corps.

CB Eric Stokes

Stokes, the 1st round pick in 2021, finally stayed healthy in 2024 but didn’t live up to expectations. With 0 passes defended in 7 starts, he signed a 1 year, $3.5M deal with the Raiders.

Other departures include CB Corey Ballentine (Colts), RB AJ Dillon (Eagles) and OT Andre Dillard (49ers). Each player left for fresh opportunities and the Packers roster is thinner.

Who Did the Packers Sign?

The Packers brought in some interesting names, but not without controversy.

G Aaron Banks

Banks, a 2nd round pick by the 49ers, got a 4 year, $77M deal despite mediocre pass blocking metrics. He’s a big investment in protecting Jordan Love.> “Big risk, no doubt,” said one analyst. “But if he pays off, it’ll solidify the interior of the OL for years.”

CB Nate Hobbs

Hobbs signs with the Packers on a 4 year, $48M deal after 3 seasons with the Raiders. He played 11 games last season due to injury, but his upside as a slot corner is huge.

WR Mecole Hardman

Fills two needs: speed at receiver and dynamic returner. His production dipped with the Chiefs last season, but his career return numbers (9.2 yards per punt, 23.8 yards per kickoff) are valuable.

LB Isaiah Simmons

Simmons, the 8th overall pick in 2020, is on a 1 year, $1.34 million prove it deal. He has experience at linebacker and in the slot, if he can stay healthy.

Who Remains Unsigned?

One name stands out who is still unsigned: TE Tyler Davis. After missing the last 2 seasons with injuries, Davis won’t be back in Green Bay.

Instead the Packers will go with Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Ben Sims and FitzPatrick to fill the void.

May 10, 2025
Packers Cut Ties with Former 5-Star WR After Failed Physical

The Green Bay Packers’ plans for Julian Fleming, a five-star recruit, have been scrapped. According to reports, Fleming failed his physical with the team due to hip and back injuries, and the Packers cut him before he even stepped on the field.

A Star-Studded Beginning

Julian Fleming entered the college football scene in 2020 as one of the biggest recruits in years. Ranked as the top wide receiver in his class by 247 Sports’ consensus rankings, Fleming was third overall, behind only defensive tackle Bryan Bresee and quarterback Bryce Young, both future NFL first-round picks. His high school dominance earned him the Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year award, so the expectations were sky high.

College Career Fails to Meet Expectations

Despite the hype, Fleming struggled to make an impact at Ohio State, where he spent the first four years of his college career. Over five seasons at the collegiate level—including a transfer year at Penn State—Fleming had 1,139 receiving yards. His best season was 2022, when he had nearly half of those yards, and then his production tapered off.

Last year as a redshirt senior at Penn State, Fleming caught 14 passes for 176 yards and 1 TD. While there were flashes of potential, consistency eluded him throughout his college career.

Failed Physical Derails Packers Opportunity

After the 2025 NFL Draft, the Packers signed Fleming to an undrafted rookie free agent contract hoping to tap into the talent that made him a top 10 prospect. But things went sideways during rookie minicamp. As Marc Malkoskie of The News-Item reported, Fleming showed up in Green Bay last week but was sent home after failing his physical due to hip and back issues.

The Packers probably didn’t know the full extent of Fleming’s injuries when they offered him a contract. He wasn’t invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, nor did the Packers bring him in for a pre-draft visit, so they didn’t have a full medical evaluation beforehand.

Interest from Other Teams

While the Packers have moved on, Fleming hasn’t been left without options. Per Malkoskie, the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens have interest in the former blue chip recruit. The Ravens worked him out about a month ago during the pre-draft process so teams still see something in the young wideout.

What This Means for the Packers

With Fleming off the roster, the Packers now have an open spot on their 91 man offseason roster. This will probably go to one of the 11 tryout players who were in the rookie minicamp, or maybe former cornerback Robert Rochell, who was just released by the Kansas City Chiefs.

This is why medicals are so important in the NFL. For a team like the Packers, who are in rebuild mode, every roster spot is precious. Missing on a player due to injury concerns is a setback, but it’s also part of the wild ride of building a competitive team.

May 7, 2025
Jets-Packers Proposal: Landing Garrett Wilson a Perfect Partner in 2025
The New York Jets have been quiet this offseason but that doesn’t mean they’re done. There are still months to go before the NFL season and plenty of time to make more moves to improve the roster.

One area of focus could be finding a reliable No. 2 wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson, who has already established himself as the team’s top target. Could a trade with the Green Bay Packers for Romeo Doubs be the answer?

Need for a No. 2 Receiver

Garrett Wilson is a star, but the Jets’ wide receiver depth is questionable. Veterans Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds bring experience but may not bring the playmaking needed to elevate the offense. Rookie Arian Smith was drafted on Day 3 and isn’t ready to step into a big role yet.

Enter Romeo Doubs—a young, talented receiver who can fill the void. According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay, trading for Doubs could give the Jets the boost they need to support Justin Fields and take the offense to the next level.

Why Romeo Doubs Makes Sense

Doubs, a 4th round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of potential over his first three seasons with the Packers. In 43 games (35 starts) he’s got 147 receptions for 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns. At 25 years old, Doubs is a prime opportunity for the Jets to add youth and upside to the receiving corps.

Kay says Doubs development might stall in Green Bay due to limited targets. In 2024, he was 5th among Packers receivers in targets behind Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. Instead of letting Doubs walk in free agency after his rookie deal expires, the Packers could trade him now while his value is high.

For the Jets, acquiring Doubs would address a need without breaking the bank or sacrificing long term flexibility. He’s young, affordable, and fits the Jets’ vision of building through youth.

How This Helps the Jets?

Adding Doubs would give the Jets a 1-2 punch at wide receiver. Garrett Wilson’s speed and elusiveness with Doubs’ route running and physicality would create mismatches for opposing defenses. It would also take pressure off Justin Fields to distribute the ball.

Plus, bringing in Doubs aligns with the Jets’ overall plan under head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey. They’ve been prioritizing youth, and Doubs fits into that.

Trade Scenarios

Nothing is set in stone, but a deal could look like this:
- Jets send: Mid-to-late round pick in 2026
- Packers receive: Immediate cap relief and future draft capital
This works for both teams. The Packers get an asset for a player whose role was diminishing, and the Jets get a proven player who can grow with their young core.

Is This Just Speculation?

No concrete rumors have linked the Jets and Packers on Doubs yet—at least not that I know of. But with the Jets lacking depth at wide receiver and the Packers crowded at the position, it’s not hard to imagine talks heating up as training camp approaches.

If the Jets want to maximize Justin Fields and compete in the tough AFC East, they need to upgrade the wide receiver position. Romeo Doubs is a low risk high reward option that could pay off in 2025 and beyond. Whether they pull the trigger on this remains to be seen, but they still have room to improve before the season starts.
May 7, 2025
Packers Re-Sign Three Exclusive Rights Free Agents

The Green Bay Packers made a savvy move on Tuesday to re-sign three exclusive rights free agents (ERFAs) who are going to be a big part of their future. Wide receiver Bo Melton, punter Daniel Whelan and running back Emanuel Wilson all signed their tenders. That means they’re sticking with the team for the upcoming season.

That decision shows just how much the Packers value retaining the depth and continuity that those players bring to the roster. Let’s take a look at each player, and what their return means for the team.

Emanuel Wilson: The Reliable Backfield Presence You Can Count On

Emanuel Wilson, 25, made the most of his rookie season in 2024. He played all 17 games for the Packers. That’s a testament to the work he put in after joining the team as an undrafted free agent from Fort Valley State. Wilson had a brief stint with the Denver Broncos before that, but he quickly carved out a spot on the Packers’ roster.

Wilson finished the season with 103 carries for 502 rushing yards and four touchdowns. That shows he can be a reliable backup. And he added 11 receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown, proving he can do more than just run. That versatility is a real asset for the Packers.

Wilson’s journey to the NFL wasn’t easy. He went undrafted in 2023 and was cut by the Broncos just a few months after signing. But he didn’t let that setback stop him. After playing seven games before getting hurt in 2023, Wilson came back stronger than ever in 2024. That perseverance paid off when he landed with the Packers. And now he’s solidified his role on the team.

Bo Melton: Utility Wide Receiver

Bo Melton, 25, has carved out a role for himself in Green Bay. He played in all 17 games last season and had 8 receptions for 91 yards. His stats don’t jump off the page but his value is in his reliability and special teams.

Melton was a 7th round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2022 but spent time on the Seahawks’ practice squad before the Packers picked him up late that year. In 2023, he played 5 games with 1 start and had 16 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown. He’s familiar with the system, so he’s a valuable asset moving forward.

Daniel Whelan: Consistency at Punter

Punter Daniel Whelan, 26, has been a steady presence for the Packers the last two seasons. He’s got a strong leg and averaged 46.2 yards per punt on 113 attempts with a net average of 39.5 yards.

Special teams often gets overlooked but having a reliable punter like Whelan can make a big difference in field position and game management. His re-signing ensures stability in this important role as the Packers look to build on last season.

Why These Moves Matter for the Packers?

Re-signing these three players shows the Packers are committed to depth and experience on their roster. None of these signings will get the headlines of a big trade or high profile free agent but they’re important to building a well rounded team for 2025.

Exclusive rights free agents are players with less than 3 accrued NFL seasons whose contracts expire and their original team has the option to retain them by tendering them. For the Packers, re-signing Wilson, Melton and Whelan was a no brainer as all three have shown they can contribute in meaningful ways.

Looking Ahead for the Packers

Now that these are official the Packers can focus on other areas of need as they prepare for 2025. Whether it’s through the draft, more free agency or contract negotiations, the front office is prioritizing stability and continuity.

For now fans can rest easy knowing Emanuel Wilson, Bo Melton and Daniel Whelan will be back in green and gold next season.

April 30, 2025
Will Jaire Alexander Stay with the Packers? Contract Restructure Could Be Key

The Green Bay Packers and cornerback Jaire Alexander may not be done with each other. That was the impression earlier this offseason, when reports suggested a clean break between the two sides. But ESPN’s Rob Demovsky has revealed that a reunion is back on the table. There’s one condition: the Packers and Alexander need to agree on a contract restructure.

The Financial Hurdle: Is a Deal Possible Without a Restructure?

A deal without that restructure? “No way,” says Demovsky. Alexander’s 2025 contract includes $17.5 million in cash. The Packers aren’t likely to swallow that without some adjustments. At the start of the offseason, both sides seemed ready to move on. The Packers were frustrated with Alexander’s inconsistent availability, and Alexander was open to a fresh start if he took a pay cut.

But the 2025 NFL Draft changed everything. The Packers waited until the seventh round to address their cornerback needs. Cornerbacks, it turns out, are heavily overdrafted in the second round. That realization has made Alexander look like one of the best options available for the Packers’ secondary. That’s rekindled talks between the team and Alexander’s camp.

Why the Packers Need Alexander?

The Packers didn’t go after top cornerbacks in free agency or the draft, so they’re thin at the position. 12 cornerbacks were taken in the first 100 picks of the draft and other cornerback-needy teams filled gaps via trades (Jalen Ramsey) or free agency signings. Alexander could be stability at outside corner if the financials work.

As Demovsky pointed out, the lack of alternatives has forced the Packers to rethink their stance. Meanwhile Alexander might find his best opportunity in the league is to stay put depending on how much flexibility the Packers give him in restructuring his deal.

Lessons from Preston Smith’s Restructure

Contract restructures aren’t new for the Packers. Last year they messed with defensive end Preston Smith’s contract, lowering his base salary and adding performance based incentives for sacks. Smith didn’t meet those numbers and was traded midseason but the framework shows the team is willing to get creative with player contracts.

Could they do the same with Alexander? A restructure could be reduced base pay but added incentives for performance metrics like pass breakups, interceptions or defensive snaps played. That could work for both sides, keep Alexander in green and gold without breaking the bank.

What’s Changed Since April?

Just 8 days ago, Demovsky said there was “no way” Alexander would be back with the Packers in 2025. Around the same time the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein reported the Packers were shopping Alexander and would move on as early as February. Clearly things have changed in the last two weeks.

After the draft, Demovsky said, “The two sides were kind of looking at each other like ‘what now?’” With no upgrades coming in, the Packers are open to bringing Alexander back in, at the right price.

Where Does Alexander Stand Right Now?

Alexander participated in the Packers’ virtual OTAs during draft week but was not in the photos taken during the first day of voluntary in-person workouts on Monday. This absence raises questions about his commitment to coming back, or if negotiations are still ongoing behind the scenes.

Alexander is due $700,000 in workout bonuses in 2025, if he attends these voluntary sessions. But with things still fluid, his presence (or lack thereof) may depend on the progress of contract talks.

April 30, 2025
Packers Fans Furious Over Brian Gutekunst’s Pass Rush Excuse

Packers fans are getting fed up with general manager Brian Gutekunst and his handling of the pass rush. After a lackluster free agency and minimal moves to address the issue during the 2025 NFL Draft, Gutekunst’s recent comments about the pass rush have just added fuel to the fire.

While there were some nice picks for quarterback Jordan Love, like wide receivers Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, and offensive lineman Anthony Belton, the glaring lack of defense reinforcements has left many scratching their heads. Here’s why Packers fans aren’t buying Gutekunst’s excuses.

The Pass-Rush Problem Persists

Last season, the Packers were 26th in pass-rush win rate according to ESPN. That alone should have been a red flag going into the offseason. Instead of going after upgrades, Gutekunst sat pat, trusting players like Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness to step up their games.

Gary, once considered a cornerstone of the defense, hasn’t become the Pro Bowl player many thought he’d be. Van Ness, the 13th overall pick in 2023, has struggled to live up to his draft status. Despite all this Gutekunst says internal growth will solve the problem.

“We feel good about the guys we have in the building,” Gutekunst said, per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “We need to be more consistent but we were dominant at times.”

While I get it, Gutekunst wouldn’t publicly trash his own roster, Packers fans see this as the same approach to the cornerback position last year—a passive approach that failed.

Missed Opportunities in Free Agency and the Draft

Throughout free agency, Green Bay had chances to sign veteran pass rushers who could bring experience and leadership to the defensive line. But the front office remained silent, content to roll with unproven talent.

Fast forward to the draft and the Packers still haven’t made a move. On Day 2 they focused on the offense, leaving defenders like edge rushers untouched. Even if Gutekunst adds depth on Day 3, finding a true difference maker at this point seems unlikely.This inaction raises the question is Gutekunst doing enough to build a championship team around Jordan Love. Without consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks winning games—let alone titles—becomes much harder.

DeMarcus Covington: A Hail Mary?

Gutekunst is counting on new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington to fix things. Covington is great with young talent so maybe he’ll help Van Ness take a step forward. But relying on coaching adjustments ignores the bigger picture: the Packers needed to add proven talent.

It’s one thing to trust your staff; it’s another to ignore a major weakness altogether. Gutekunst’s decision to double down on his current group feels risky given the circumstances.

Why Fans Are Losing Patience?

Packers fans know all too well how expensive a weak pass rush can be. Inconsistent pressure cost Green Bay big time last year in big games where every play mattered. Gutekunst not acknowledging the problem or doing anything about it is seen as reckless by many fans.

His saying he feels “very good” about the roster sounds hollow when you look back at past failures. Just last year, he said the same thing before the cornerback situation imploded and haunted the team all year. Now it’s looking like history is going to repeat itself.

April 26, 2025
Is Mike Florio a Genius or Out of Touch? His Packers Mock Pick Explained

As the NFL Draft approaches, the mock drafts are coming out. But while most mock drafts focus on needs or holes in the roster, Mike Florio went completely off the rails with his Packers pick. Fans are scratching their heads and wondering if it’s genius or lunacy.

Mike Florio’s Crazy Mock Draft Pick: Malaki Starks to the Packers

Florio, who knows the league better than most, went with a wild card in his only mock of the year. Instead of a wide receiver like Steelers star George Pickens (who many have been begging for), Florio has the Packers taking Georgia safety Malaki Starks—a player who fits with the Packers… not so much.

The Packers already have one of the deepest safety groups in the league. Last offseason, they signed All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney and drafted three more safeties, including Evan Williams, who started right away. Second year safety Javon Bullard, a former 2nd round pick, is now fighting for snaps after losing his starting job last season. With free agent Nate Hobbs likely to step into the slot role, where does Starks even fit?

Why This Pick Feels Weird

Starks is good. A 2x All-American from Georgia, he brings experience and leadership to any defense. But his skillset doesn’t scream “need” for the Packers. 4.50 40 yard dash, he’s not elite athletic enough to move to corner (something the Packers did with Damarious Randall years ago). And with how deep the Packers are at safety and slot, adding another body here feels like overkill.

So the question is: are the Packers building a football team or just collecting talent for the sake of collecting talent? Fans love seeing their favorite college stars in green and gold but drafting someone like Starks would feel like a luxury rather than a necessity.

Fan Reaction: Outrage or Genius?

If Florio’s right, Packers fans will riot faster than you can say “draft grades.” The idea of using a high pick on a position already loaded with depth will be met with outrage. Imagine the backlash if general manager Brian Gutekunst passes on high priority targets like wide receivers or edge rushers to take another safety. Some fans will call for his head or even a citizens’ arrest.

But let’s not dismiss Florio’s pick outright. Maybe there’s a method to the madness. Could Starks be a chess piece that can evolve into something more than just a traditional safety, Or is Florio just trolling us all less than 24 hours before the draft?

Other Needs: Enter George Pickens?

Florio’s pick raises an eyebrow, but it also highlights what many fans really want: a big trade for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. With the Packers needing a playmaker opposite Christian Watson, Pickens would instantly make the offense better and give Jordan Love the weapons he needs.

Unlike Starks, Pickens fills a need. His big play ability, physicality, and contested catch skills make him a perfect complement to Watson. If the Packers are serious about competing in 2025, trading for Pickens or drafting a wideout seems way more logical than doubling down on safeties.

April 24, 2025
The Packers’ Next Big Move? Targeting Steelers WR George Pickens

The Green Bay Packers are “serious” about getting Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz. Pickens is in the final year of his rookie deal and the Steelers just locked up DK Metcalf with a $132 million extension. Will they pay market value to keep Pickens around?

Packers Show Serious Interest in Steelers’ George Pickens

Pickens was drafted by the Steelers in 2021 and has 2,841 receiving yards in three NFL seasons. He’s big, fast, and a big play threat. The Packers need a target for Jordan Love, and Pickens is an interesting option. But the Steelers might not want to get rid of him unless they can’t afford to keep him long term.

After signing DK Metcalf to a $132 million extension, questions remain if they will pay top dollar for Pickens, too. If they can’t match the market for both receivers, moving Pickens might be the move, and the Packers are ready to pounce.

A Missed Opportunity in 2021?

This isn’t the first time the Packers have shown interest in Pickens. In 2021 they brought him in for a pre-draft visit but chose to trade up for Christian Watson instead. Watson has shown flashes of brilliance but injuries (most recently an ACL tear) have limited his availability and impact.

For Packers fans, it feels like a missed opportunity now. And to add insult to injury Watson’s health issues have left the team searching for reliable options at wide receiver. Could getting Pickens finally give the offense the stability and firepower it needs?

What Would It Take to Get Pickens?

Schultz’s reporting says the Packers are serious about getting Pickens, but a draft week trade isn’t a slam dunk. Timing is everything, especially with physicals and finalizing terms. And any deal would likely require the Packers to give up draft capital—a big price to pay for a player who hasn’t signed a long term deal yet.

If the Packers do get Pickens, he’d likely sign an extension with his new team. According to Spotrac, Pickens’ projected deal would be 4 years, $94.3 million. That’s a big investment in a player who’s a cornerstone for the future.

Is Schultz Reliable? A Word of Caution

Before Packers fans get too hyped, let’s not forget that Schultz’s track record isn’t perfect. He previously predicted Odell Beckham Jr. would come to Green Bay multiple times—a move that never happened. He also way overestimated the number of players at the NFL Draft, saying 8-10 would show up when 18 did.

While Schultz’s report on Pickens is interesting, skepticism is warranted until we see some actual progress. But the mere possibility of this trade has the NFL world buzzing.

Why This Trade Makes Sense for Both Teams?

For the Packers, getting Pickens addresses a huge need at wide receiver and gives Jordan Love a real target to grow with. For the Steelers, moving Pickens frees up resources to focus on other areas of need if they’ve already committed big money to Metcalf.

But trading during draft week is no easy task. Teams have to navigate the timing, negotiate fair compensation, and get all the medicals done. It’s unlikely—but not impossible—that a deal gets done before the draft ends.

April 24, 2025