Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Assistants Allegedly Speak Words
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Hey, did you catch the video of the Packers position coaches answering questions from the media? No? You didn't? Well neither did I. That's because the Packers don't release it to the public. And yes, there is evidence that they do in fact record it. A two and a half minute video of the assistants' opening introductions exists on Packers News.com. You can see it here. Is this done as a favor to the beat writers so they can have exclusives that no one else can glom onto? Or are the Packers just deathly afraid that these assistants may not be media savvy and say something untoward or problematic? Or worse, give away some Packers secrets? Tthis is, after all, the same team that kept their new DC locked away in isolation for months. Is this more Packers paranoia or just their way of throwing an exclusivity bone to the beat writers?
Anyway, Jason Wilde threw us a bone by highlighting some of the coaches' comments in his article on channel3000.com.
Items of note:
Offensive passing game coordinator Jason Vrabel confirmed what most if us were assuming was the reason Matthew Golden did not have the production in year one we anticipated. It basically took him the whole season to get comfortable with the offensive system. The result was Golden not playing fast, something the wide receiver admitted to seeing when he watched tape of himself this offseason.
Demarcus Covington revealed the reason he returned to the Packers despite a defensive coordinator change. It turns out that Jonathan Gannon interviewed Covington for the Arizona DC job in 2024 and then was again interested in hiring Covington in some capacity in 2025. Now, Gannon finally got his man the easy way.
Defensive passing game coordinator Bobby Babich said there would be no takeaways siren and no "Ball King" coach, but make no mistake, takeaways will be his number one emphasis to the team.
Linebackers coach Sam Seifkes grew up in Oconomowoc Wisconsin and was a die-hard Packers fan. He said this connection with his boyhood team has given him a heightened sense of responsibility to work even harder in this job than he thought was actually possible.
Cornerbacks coach Daniel Bullocks says that as soon as the pads come on, tackling will be an emphasis. Yes, we've heard that before.
On a different note...
It didn't take long for the Packers to give Brandon McManus a "smack" to the back of the head while kicking his backside out the door. As is the Packers way, they did it in a manner that saves them cap room, ala the post-June 1st release. That kind of makes up for the $1M roster bonus they paid McManus before the draft — a necessary move until they had a viable replacement for McManus. McManus knew it was coming, or perhaps asked for his release, as he quickly had a "thank you" social media post at the ready. By any measure, it's a risky move — putting your kicking fortunes entirely in the hands (feet, actually) of a young Floridian who has never played in an NFL game. Fingers (and toes) crossed everyone!
UPDATE: I had missed this, somehow. Seems the Packers handed out $1M in guarantees and roster bonuses to the UDFAs they signed this year. With only six draft picks to pay, Gutey used some of that saved money to secure the players he really liked. Four of the UDFAs will actually make more money than Trey Smack will this year (EDGE Nyjalik Kelly, WR Michael Sturdivant, G Josh Gesky, G Dillon Wade). Here's the full list from Bill Huber.
OTAs begin May 26th..
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 (59)
Cheezehead72
May 13, 2026 at 06:03 am
I don't care how a coach presents himself to the media. All I care about is how good they coach. Its just like politicians its not what you say that gets my vote it is how well you do the job. Or a contractor I might hire. You can talk a great game but I want to see your work. That is why I do not watch the interviews.
I thought McMannus got a $1 million roster bonus. Not that it matters. Plus the Packers only save money this year they have to make it up next year.
JerseyAl
May 13, 2026 at 08:06 am
You're right - it was $1M. I'll fix that.
dobber
May 13, 2026 at 08:23 am
The Packers have in the past elected to take the full brunt of a cut on the current year's cap when they could have split it over adjacent years on the Jun 1 designation. That little bit of dead money coming from using Jun 1 on McManus must be meaningful to what the Packers are planning, either with signings or extensions.
RobinsonDavis
May 14, 2026 at 09:28 pm
My thoughts exactly Al, Dobber and Cheezehead72. I still feel more is coming with roster moves due to injuries that may (or will carry) into the season. I was correct that they would look at more CBs, WRs, and a blocking TE so far, and these assistant coaches will have a role in that endeavor. Who do they like? Who/what do they feel they still need? Some of these roster fills will come from what these assistants know.
Too bad on Lachey failing physical. Get healthy young man!! I still think a veteran TE, Edge, NT, and OT could be in play for the right price for the Packers, but some of these could take us into cut down week.
Boneman
May 13, 2026 at 06:10 am
I think they like Havrisik too. They figure one of the two can replace anything McManus gave us. You just can't miss important kicks in the playoffs and keep the confidence of the team. They had to do it. Can you imagine the ruckus should McManus have started off slow? Could have been ugly fast.
dobber
May 13, 2026 at 08:25 am
We've entered the "big leg" era for kickers. Within a couple years, the measuring stick for kickers moved out by almost 10 yards. I think the confidence thing with McManus might be part of it, but he's just not going to measure up to Havrisik and Smack at distance, and I think that's part of the decision.
Coldworld
May 13, 2026 at 10:45 am
McManus was also questionable on kick offs. I think that may also be a factor. Overall though, while Smack seems odds on to start, he was that before the release: the true beneficiary might well be Havrisik.
Havrisik, despite never really knowing if he was playing (or even staying week to week) ended up with a record within 1% of McManus’ in terms of attempts converted. I would think he still has some upside too. He will get more reps and opportunity to improve. That may also be part of the thinking.
Havrisik provides a known back up who was similar to McManus in terms of production last season and can likely be stashed on the PS as a fallback should Smack have some struggles or simply get hurt. McManus was not an option to retain as a back up realistically.
Savage57
May 13, 2026 at 06:11 am
To your point, they should give position group coaches one media session prior to the season to make their cases for what they're going to do with their group.
Then at the end of the season, make them answer for how they actually performed.
That way if things don't go well the position group coaches are the ones who get the bus tire tracks all over them, while the HC and coordinators can still tap dance, but fans get some measure of accountability.
Win, win.
golfpacker61
May 13, 2026 at 06:45 am
Thanks Al. I have a couple questions.
Do you think GB is satisfied with the Edge rusher group they have? It seems they are playing with fire with Parsons being iffy for the opening games. No proven production behind him at all. Why not sign a cheap vet like Clowney for $5 million, or Epenesa for $2 million? 1 year of Clowney sure would take the pressure off Parsons.
Is GB just going to fly with inhouse RBs? If so I would love to see Pierre Strong get a real audition. He is bigger and faster than Lloyd, catches the ball almost as well, and has a healthy body.
Lastly TE is still a weak position group, especially with Kraft coming off surgery. We need a blocking TE badly. Luke Schoonmaker is rumored to be available in Dallas, probably for a 7th round pick. Or maybe offer Musgrave in a change of scenery trade. What do you think?
Cheezehead72
May 13, 2026 at 06:54 am
I am not saying these two players could not help the Packers. It is possible that with the release of McMannus they are looking to add an edge. I wonder why you would think Epenesa would be so much cheaper than Clowney when he is 6 years younger. Yes Clowney was good but he is not the same player. I believe Epenesa would be more and yes they would be in the $5 million range. It might require more than a 1 year contract to sign either.
I agree TE does need to be addressed and I would say more than edge. Schoonmaker would require a trade. Probably at least a 3rd rounder but I would say more. We do need a proven blocking TE. We could sign Alie-Cox, Higbee, or Conklin and not have to give up draft picks.
golfpacker61
May 13, 2026 at 08:14 am
Hey Cheeze, Epenesa's contract with the Browns was like $2million salary with incentives to get to $5million. The fact they saw something in the physical should get an even bigger discount. He would be a great bargain for 3 years @ $3-4 million per. He is only 27 and has produced solid numbers for never starting much in Buffalo.
Clowney got $3.5 million last year and is projected to get $5 million this year. The guy is really pretty productive and would thrive across from Parsons, and he is a solid run defender too. We need another Edge.
Schoonmaker is interesting. His strength in the draft was blocking but he is fast for his size and has good hands. I have read 1/2 dozen articles stating he is falling down the Cowboys depth chart and they have a UDFA TE they love. Every article said he could be had for a late pick like a 6th or 7th, definitely not a 3rd. There is even speculation he could be waived if they can't trade him. But then he is fair game. Musgrave has no future in GB, I would offer to trade them player for player. Fresh start.
Anyway, he was picked about 12 spots after Musgrave in the 2nd round of the same draft. He would solve the blocking TE problem we have but maybe Lachey could too.
Coldworld
May 13, 2026 at 10:59 am
It will be interesting to see if the 6’6” Lachey has added the strength and functional mass he needed to to be a true in line blocker. His attitude has always been good as a blocker, it’s not lack of desire or technique particularly. He’s never going to be great as a move type at this level, so his ticket is blocking and his frame seemed to have room to add muscle. After 2 years in NFL strength and conditioning programs, he may now have the physique to unlock his potential in line.
That said, I’d have looked at signing a true blocker like Tucker Fisk. He should be cheap and, frankly, we need to accept that we do t use our secondary TEs offensively much and the best boost they can give is being really good as protectors and blockers to free Kraft up and help the run game. As with Lewis, any yards are a bonus not the core purpose or value. At least Lachey will compete with Swinson credibly. Let’s hope one of them stands out as the blocker we have badly needed.
Lphill
May 13, 2026 at 06:57 am
they signed a TE from the Texans yesterday , don't recall the name.
Cheezehead72
May 13, 2026 at 07:02 am
Yes the Packers claimed Luke Lachey off waivers. He is a good blocking TE from TE U.
Guam
May 13, 2026 at 07:17 am
Actually the scouting report on Lachey is that he is a try hard blocker but lacks the functional strength to be a consistent blocker at the NFL level. He certainly has the size (6'6", 250 lbs) so maybe more time in an NFL weight room would help.
dobber
May 13, 2026 at 08:28 am
Agreed. If he hasn't advanced in his strength, he's in the same mold of what they already have in Whyle and Musgrave, just not as athletic. If he has added core strength, he may be a valuable depth piece.
Coldworld
May 13, 2026 at 11:15 am
Yes in one sense: that if you don’t have the strength and can’t win because of it then it’s not going to work. The difference with Lachey is that his problems were not technical or willingness, it was simply that he lacks the upper body strength and tends to play too upright.
None of the other TEs, other than Swinson, are as credible blockers as he is, if he has added strength enough to unleash his technique. Let’s see if he has. As a move type, he’d be well down the list of prospects currently on the 90. It’s as a blocker that he latches on in this league, if he does.
Swisch
May 13, 2026 at 09:46 am
At Lachey's size, and if he's already shown the willingness to block, maybe it's a matter of technique.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 13, 2026 at 11:18 am
If you're going to get a tight end, it might as well be from Tight End University.
Guam
May 13, 2026 at 07:14 am
Clowney and Epenesa have been available for some time now and despite several pundits encouraging Gute to look at both players, there have been zero reports of Green Bay having any actual interest in acquiring them. That would indicate Gute is happy with his young edge group (Cox, Sorrell, Oliver and DDS) and barring injury is not in the market for a veteran edge.
Part of the logic may be that the Packers will only keep six edges on their roster and they currently have six (Parsons, LVN and the four young players named above). Adding a vet now means the Packers would have to cut the vet or a young edge when Parsons returns unless they want to carry seven edges. I believe Clowney is a fully vested vet and would have to be paid his full salary even if he is cut after a few games. Epenesa does not have that protection.
golfpacker61
May 13, 2026 at 08:22 am
To me Clowney and Epenesa, if healthy, represent cheap, productive, solid vets with good production at a position that is unstable right now. If signing one of them pushes Oliver to the PS, so be it. Clowney & Epenesa are proven players, nobody after Parsons has done anything in the pros and that's a scary chance for GB to take, especially with Parsons being out for the start of the year.
Just sign one of them and cross off Edge rusher as weakness. For $5 million or less it would be a steal.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 13, 2026 at 11:27 am
You have a point. I also like the looks of our 4 unproven players and would like to see them play. I'd rather see the Pack win; will continue to be interesting to see what Gutey does ...
dobber
May 13, 2026 at 08:37 am
"...barring injury is not in the market for a veteran edge."
I've been in favor of adding a veteran edge if only because of the importance of edge play and that asking 6 guys who pound on the edges and in the trenches to make it out of camp healthy might be rolling the dice. Adding DDS has softened me on that somewhat, but it might be asking a lot for him to hit the ground week 1 as a core guy.
Still, if LVN or Sorrell or Cox gets hurt in camp and needs to miss time (LVN and Cox haven't been warriors), that could put the Packers in a bind at the 11th hour. I'd rather sign a guy and let him go if need be once roster plans solidify and before his contract guarantees. If Oliver shows he can play off-ball and contribute on STs, it changes how they address those spots and the calculus moves a little...but not much.
All I've read indicates that Parsons will be ready early enough that they'll have to carry him on the 53 coming out of camp, even if it's week 3 before he contributes on the field. That makes a roster messier on its own.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 13, 2026 at 11:35 am
I also like to think that of the 16 O linemen currently on the roster (or have they added 1 or 2 since that count?) that they have 10 that are rosterable. Could put 8 on the 53 and try to stash 5 on the PS, could open up a couple roster spots that way. Losing 4 starters on the O line in one game? Seems unlikely.
Coldworld
May 13, 2026 at 01:09 pm
The game day actives cap is 47 unless a team has 8 OL dressed, in which case, 48 may be active. So the 8th OL is essentially free. They keep more on the 53 largely to cover the risk of a late scratch. OL elevations have to be registered the day before. Also (aside from the poaching risk) one can only elevate thrice in season. Doing it as 8 active including 5 starters and elevating would potentially cause problems later in the season or force release and replacement to refresh the available pool for elevation not longer term merit.
bjkdad44
May 13, 2026 at 07:43 am
All good questions… and I’d love to see the answers… at some time in the near future… if possible
WestCoastPackerBacker
May 13, 2026 at 11:06 am
Remember that a few good players become available at cut down time. GB picked up Ryan Grant via trade for a 6th rounder and he came in and had a great season. Malik Willis for a 7th rounder is another great post training camp trade.
I think they want to see what they have in the RB room and whether Lloyd can contribute. If injuries hit there are teams out there with multiple RBs that are good players and they won’t be able to keep them all. And GB will have plenty of draft picks next season so can afford to trade a day three pick for veteran depth.
gsd3
May 13, 2026 at 01:58 pm
Sorrel and Oliver need the reps . I'm not concerned. Oliver will be a demon. Wait and see.
Lachey was added to the TE group. Devonshire added to the corner room.
Let the competition begin.
golfpacker61
May 13, 2026 at 05:15 pm
"Sorrel and Oliver need the reps . I'm not concerned. Oliver will be a demon. Wait and see."
Olivers lack of size scares me. He is smaller than some LBs. I know the younger players need reps so we can see what they bring to the table, but I would just as soon win the games. We need another solid, productive, yet cheap veteran Edge.
stockholder
May 13, 2026 at 06:57 am
So now we moved on from Gute's
command and rebuilding.
Strong relationships are the beginning
to Roster stability and inspiration.
Yet the kicking game remains risky.
Ok - It's not complicated yet.
Alberta_Packer
May 13, 2026 at 10:55 am
I don't think that we've moved on from Gute's "rebuilding." Trades are still possible and later - training camp cuts to pick over.
Coldworld
May 13, 2026 at 11:21 am
I’m confident Gute will continue to churn through the summer and at cut downs. That’s been his practice previously. We saw it today with 2 released players.
Nobody has mentioned, Devonshire, the CB we just picked up. Two things about him are interesting. Firstly, Devonshire did return punts in college: 45 with one for a TD. Secondly he was coached by our new secondary coach/pass game coordinator, Bobby Babich while with the Bills (as their DC).
So it’s fair to say we should know his strengths and weaknesses and probably that his new coach wanted him in the room and this sees him as a fit for what we want to do, not merely a random chance to check out a released player.
Coldworld
May 13, 2026 at 04:46 pm
Make that 3 today with the addition of WR Brendan Rice
stockholder
May 13, 2026 at 08:31 pm
The money is drying up
Don't fool yourself.
Oppy
May 14, 2026 at 02:34 am
Packers are smack-dab in the middle of the league in terms of $$$ under the cap.
stockholder
May 15, 2026 at 06:44 am
With Watson, Wyatt, Kraft and others.
All pending.
Oppy
May 15, 2026 at 08:15 am
I don't think you understand how contracts work.
I know I don't, that's why I pay attention to people who are certified accountants who analyze sports caps.
You should try it sometime.
TKWorldWide
May 13, 2026 at 07:23 am
I heard on Channel 4000 that every meeting in the cornerback’s room starts with everyone saying, “Never mind the Bullocks, here’s the Sex Pistols. Now let’s get down to tackling and turnovers.”
packanimal
May 13, 2026 at 10:31 am
When did they sign Johnny Rotten to be a DB?
Coldworld
May 13, 2026 at 04:42 pm
“Don't you judge a book just by the cover
Unless you cover just another
And blind acceptance is a sign
Of stupid fools who stand in line.”
bjkdad44
May 13, 2026 at 07:41 am
As soon as the pads come on… the hey come off…
bjkdad44
May 13, 2026 at 07:45 am
They
LambeauPlain
May 13, 2026 at 08:25 am
"That kind of makes up for the $1M roster bonus they paid McManus before the draft — a necessary move until they had a viable replacement for McManus."
So the McManus situation was not "bungled" after all?
Most of the coaching buzz is on the Defense where on paper, the staff looks experienced, knowledgable, possessing resumes with coaching successes, well respected men in the NFL coaching network. When have the Packers EVER had 4 former DC's on their Defensive Staff?
If the Defense is leading the Team, especially early in the season, the Packers can be top NFC team.
SicSemperTyrannis
May 13, 2026 at 11:39 am
The defensive coaching staff does look good! Maybe we can get back to developing our draftees?
LeotisHarris
May 13, 2026 at 08:41 am
Can we trust Wilde? I mean, he's a good guy and everything, but all those interviews and no mention of pad level? Seems suspicious.
dobber
May 13, 2026 at 08:54 am
He'll watch the film and go back and work on those things next week.
TKWorldWide
May 13, 2026 at 06:57 pm
Smart to be skeptical.
LeotisHarris
May 13, 2026 at 07:34 pm
Thanks, man. Are you still able to hear my thoughts?
Spock
May 13, 2026 at 09:20 am
Al, I don't typically watch the press conferences, but they are all on the Packers Video portion of the team site
packers.com/video/ Scroll down under the "Unscripted" past "Game Highlights" & "Locker Room Interviews to "Press Conferences" and they are all there at the bottom of the page:
JerseyAl
May 13, 2026 at 10:09 am
No, all you'll find there are the three coordinators' press conferences. The position coaches' videos are kept in a secret vault hundreds of feet below 1265.
LambeauPlain
May 13, 2026 at 10:53 am
You are correct, sir. I was looking forward to hearing from Sam Seifkes, Babich, and Bullocks. I guess of they let the position coaches speak, Butkus might have to answer his OL coaching philosophy.
Spock
May 13, 2026 at 11:25 am
My bad, Al. I didn't realize it was just the three. When I went back and used the right arrow it was just older press conferences w/ Matt'
Oppy
May 15, 2026 at 08:18 am
Packers absolutely exercise their right to control their media, that's for sure.
There have been dozens of times I've watched the 'first release' of locker room or training camp pressers and interviews, and if something was said that could be controversial or carries a tone they don't favor, it gets buried quickly and is never seen again.
WestCoastPackerBacker
May 13, 2026 at 10:51 am
Smack got a bit less than UDFA Kelly in guaranteed money. But he will make more than Kelly if he makes the roster with his game day payments. Kelly is making the minimum amount a practice squad player makes (practice squad players earn a minimum of $13,750 per week or $247,500 for an 18-week season). It seems to ensure Kelly will be on the PS.
LambeauPlain
May 13, 2026 at 10:57 am
Almost $14 K/week is some good coin!
Coldworld
May 13, 2026 at 11:39 am
I’m not sure if it guarantees a stay on the PS for Kelly or anyone. This is is question I had in my mind. As far as I can tell though it doesn’t lock them in as it’s structured. Once they are waived, it just means he’s getting paid that by us regardless. He can still get more if another team poaches him for their 53. Happy to be corrected on this, but all that money seems to do is buy us the first choice to roster him.
Alberta_Packer
May 13, 2026 at 11:09 am
I'm glad that some UDFAs are getting a little pile of cash to start their NFL tryout. It's more likely to be a lovely parting gift - but considering the gobs of money that is generated by the NFL money machine - it's the least they can or should do.
splitpea1
May 13, 2026 at 12:26 pm
Even though Golden may have admitted to not playing fast and needing to get comfortable with the offensive system, is that system so inflexible and difficult that it couldn't be tweaked to get him the ball more often? I'm looking at some of the other notable first-round receivers in the conference (JSN, D. Smith, Jefferson, Addison, Odunze) and they had much more impactful rookie seasons and caught at least 3 TDs. Also we have fifth-round pick Puka Nacua playing in a somewhat similar system having a huge rookie season...So I'm not sure Golden's comparitively low production is entirely his fault.
Coldworld
May 13, 2026 at 05:40 pm
Some teams take a player, decide what he can do and then maximize the opportunity for him to do that early and as often as is justified by surrounding talent. That’s not the GB way. We throw everything at everyone from the outset. Some have no issues, but most either do not get to play or do, but don’t shine early.
I have long thought this is a recipe for setting careers back through inaction and/or loss of confidence. It’s philosophy not player capability driven. It often puts newcomers in roles that they are never likely to excel at regardless of their level of talent as well. In the meantime, the team is less good than it could be at times.