Earlier this week, we looked at the Detroit Lions’ biggest strengths and weaknesses after finally establishing a full 53-man roster and 16-man practice squad. Because it’s game week, let’s take a similar assessment of the Lions’ Week 1 opponent: the Green Bay Packers.
To many, the Packers are the Lions’ biggest threat to dethrone them from their two-time NFC North champion status. Last year, the Packers finished 12-5, and with literally the youngest roster in the NFL, there’s hope in Green Bay that they can take another big step in 2025.
But does their roster match up with the Lions? Is there anything Detroit can exploit? Today’s Question of the Day is:
What is the Packers’ biggest weakness?
My answer: The first thing that sticks out is their cornerback room. Their projected starters on the outside are Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs. Nixon has been an on-and-off starter for the Packers for the last three years, but is better known for his electric play as a kick returner. It hasn’t been as rosy on defense, where he’s posted PFF coverage grades under 61—and passer rating allowed over 98.0—in each of the past three seasons.
Hobbs is a new addition this offseason after four years with the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s been okay as a cover corner, and he’s above average in the run game. However, his availability for Week 1 is already in question. Hobbs had a knee procedure this offseason and has missed almost the entirety of training camp. As of Monday, he still wasn’t practicing with the team, although there is hope he’s making progress. Wednesday’s initial injury report will be telling about his status this week.
If Hobbs can’t go, they will likely have to rely on Carrington Valentine, who has struggled to hold a starting job since being drafted in 2023.
Elsewhere, it’s hard to ignore the massive hole in the defensive interior following the Micah Parsons trade that sent Pro Bowl nose tackle Kenny Clark to Dallas.
Green Bay wasn’t a bad run defense last year (seventh in DVOA), and Clark spent most of that season battling a toe injury (he still logged 685 snaps). The Packers also let TJ Slaton (427 snaps) walk in free agency. So there is a pretty massive void there. The players who will have to step up? 2023 fourth-round pick Colby Wooden is the primary candidate. Wooden is listed at just 273 pounds—although last year he reportedly jumped to over 290—regardless, either weight is considered undersized for the nose tackle position, and he’s played just 490 snaps in two seasons. Another candidate is sixth-round rookie Warren Brinson. While likely not ready for the role in Week 1, he has more of the build of a traditional nose tackle (6-foot-5, 315). However, he really struggled against the run in the preseason (29.1 PFF grade over 104 snaps). Detroit certainly seems like a team who could take advantage.
What weaknesses do you see in the Packers’ roster? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know!
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