Packers roster evaluation reveals why championship hopes are realistic and where concerns still linger around the team
Green Bay has a strong all-around roster, but development will be key in one specific spot to create ideal circumstances for contention.
It’s deep offseason time, which means philosophical discussions are as important as actual news. And NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah brought a great debate to the table. DJ listed what a roster needs to truly compete for a Super Bowl in the current NFL.
Let’s bring this discussion to the Green Bay Packers universe. Topic by topic, Green Bay can realistically have almost all of these points. But there’s one missing, and the development of young players will be key to change that reality and put the Packers in position to contend.
Quarterback (1)
- Jordan Love
The Packers have a high-level starter in Jordan Love. He might not be on the same level as elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, but he’s right behind that group. Love has been a top 10 QB since he took over as a starter in 2023, and he took a leap in 2025 to play like a top 5 QB.
While he might not carry a team like prime Aaron Rodgers could, Love is more than good enough to be the quarterback of a Super Bowl team — he’s unquestionably better than Sam Darnold, for instance.
Offensive playmaker (3)
- Tucker Kraft
- Christian Watson
- Josh Jacobs/Matthew Golden
There might be reasonable questions about the ceiling of this group here, but Tucker Kraft was on track to establish himself as an elite tight end before tearing his ACL last year. Christian Watson returned from his own ACL injury and played like a star receiver in the second half of 2025.
The third piece is more of a question mark. Presuming Josh Jacobs is available despite his personal issues, he can still be that piece. If not, the Packers will need a major step forward from last year’s first-round pick Matthew Golden.
Quality offensive line (3)
- Zach Tom
That’s easily the weakest link in the entire Packers’ exercise. Right tackle Zach Tom is the only unquestioned quality offensive lineman on the roster, and he’s returning from a significant knee injury. In order to have two more linemen of this caliber, left tackle Jordan Morgan will have to establish himself as what the Packers thought he could eventually become.
Moreover, one of their guards (Aaron Banks or Anthony Belton) would have to significantly increase their level of performance compared to what they did last year. The most likely scenario here is that Matt LaFleur is able to mitigate the weakness with scheme and favorable matchups.
Pass rusher (2)
- Micah Parsons
- Devonte Wyatt/Lukas Van Ness
Parsons should almost count like 1.5 pass rushers here considering how productive and impactful he is. Last year, Wyatt started the regular season taking full advantage of that, but he eventually got hurt. Rashan Gary had some sacks early on, but regressed. Now, Wyatt is still the most efficient secondary pass rusher. Otherwise, the Packers will need a jump from another first-rounder, Lukas Van Ness.
Defensive playmaker (3)
- Edgerrin Cooper
- Xavier McKinney
- Evan Williams
This is an area where the Packers have three consolidated pieces to fit the need. Edgerrin Cooper has the potential to be one of the most impactful off-ball linebackers in football with his versatility to cover, tackle, and rush the passer. The safety duo with McKinney and Williams is one of the most prolific, ball-hawking partnerships in the NFL. You could even add Javon Bullard to the mix, but he doesn’t have the same coverage skills.