NFL Notebook: 2025 Green Bay Packers Preview

It’s Jordan Love’s third year as a starter and his sixth year in the league. This is someone the Packers traded up for to get in the draft, using precious resources at a time when Aaron Rodgers was going for one last ring. Love has since gotten a huge long-term contract. And he’s shown potential—Green Bay has made the playoffs each of his two years as a starter and he has the capacity to make big plays. The stat sheet shows an 8.0 yards-per-attempt, and the eye test reveals frequent ability to throw the down the field on the run and off his back foot.  

But is he worth that level of investment? Can he overcome tendencies to erratic throws and mistakes. Can he lift Green Bay to the level of Super Bowl contender? Would the Packers get the same results with a more efficient, albeit less spectacular option like backup Malik Willis?  This is the year we find out.

THE ROOKIE RECEIVERS

The Packers went all on in wide receivers in the draft. They took Matthew Golden out of Texas in the first round and expect him to make an immediate impact. They grabbed Savion Williams in the third round and based on preseason results, Williams may end up getting some playing time. The rookies join slot man Jayden Reed and tight end Tucker Kraft, both of whom have shown the ability to stretch the field. With Love’s ability to get the ball down the field, it would be beneficial if one (or both) of the rookie playmakers could displace more possession-oriented veteran receivers in Romeo Doubs and Dontavyion Wicks.

FEEDING JACOBS

While the passing game provides the intrigue, the bread-and-butter in Green Bay is still the ability to run the football. Josh Jacobs is one of the game’s best, an almost maniacally physical runner who truly isn’t down until the whistle blows. The offensive line, anchored by excellent right tackle Zach Toms, is steady across and fortified by the addition of left guard Aaron Banks in free agency. The quarterback position gets understandable attention here, and around the league. But the option of simply giving the ball to Jacobs and letting him cook is Green Bay’s biggest offensive asset.

COVERING DEFENSIVE FLAWS

Head coach Matt LaFleur brought in a new coordinator last year, hiring Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley. The move paid big dividends. The Packer defense ranked ninth in the league for points allowed in spite of having some serious holes up front. Rashan Gary is a decent pass rusher and Edgerrin Cooper was a high-impact rookie at middle linebacker. But the front seven generally and the interior of the defensive line specifically still has too many holes.

What’s more, if Green Bay blitzes, the corners, who would have to hold up in coverage are sketchy. Jaire Alexander had immense talent, but couldn’t stay healthy, and the Packers let him walk to Baltimore in the offseason. They signed Nate Hobbs as the replacement, but both he and Keisean Nixon look like liabilities.

THE X-MAN COMETH

The player who is most definitely not a liability is Xavier McKinney. He did everything last year. He graded out well at Pro Football Focus, indicating an ability to make the steady play. He was a ball hawk, showing the ability to make the spectacular play. McKinney’s stardom and Hafley’s coaching made this defense run last year. With draft resources being used on offense, they’ll have to do it again this year.

OUTLOOK

With Love going through some minor thumb surgery that will still have him ready for Week 1, betting markets are playing it safe. Green Bay’s Over/Under is 9.5. Honestly, if these team goes 10-7 (which would be a decline from last year), that would be a major disappointment. To me, this is the easiest Over call on the board. Just how far Over, and whether it’s enough to mark the Love investment as a success, is what I’ll wrestle with between and now and our final preseason predictions post.