Locked On Packers

The Packers will face Jordy Nelson for the first time since Brian Gutekunst cut him in the offseason. We look at what Green Bay really got in exchange for Nelson, why Jimmy Graham could be more than worth the tradeoff and why Nelson may not have a huge impact in Oakland. We also dig into the rookie punter, the backup running back plan and other questions from listeners.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Perry came off PUP over the weekend, boosting the Packers pass rush, but do they have enough with Kyler Fackrell and Vince Biegel behind Perry, Clay Matthews and Reggie Gilbert? We set expectations for Biegel this season and explain why fans should be patient. Plus, the Bengals cut starting safety George Iloka on Sunday. Given how the Green Bay safeties have looked so far in the preseason, it's an option worth exploring for the Packers front office.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reggie Gilbert broke out with 2.5 sacks, Josh Jackson put up a pick-six and Oren Burks continued his impact play as the Packers defense took the torch from the young offensive playmakers who starred in Week 1. The final score, a 51-34 bludgeoning, won't tell the full story, but we will. We dig into the baby Packer playmakers, Rodgers' return to the field, the backup OT spot and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With most of the roster spots set and the Steelers resting key starters, the focus turns to young players trying to earn rotation snaps for the Packers. That starts with the rookie corners. If Jaire Alexander plays, he must prove he's capable of handling a  critical role for Green Bay after fellow rookie Josh Jackson played well in Week 1. The Packers also must assess their backup OT spot as Byron Bell and Jason Spriggs battle it out on the  right side. Plus, J'Mon Moore desperately needs a bounce  back performance.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aaron Rodgers didn't back down from his criticism of the rookie receivers. Why he's earned the right to lead the team the way he does and why it will help the Packers in the long run. Plus, we dig into the Cole Madison situation, what Green Bay is saying about his absence, and the criticism from fans.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emptying out the mailbox to answer listener questions. We dig into the disgruntled Raiders pass rusher Khalil Mack and what it might take for the Packers to make a move. We go inside the Green Bay backfield to determine Ty Montgomery's value to the team and discuss Mike McCarthy's coaching situation. If you want to have your questions answered, call or text the Locked On Packers fan hotline at (920) 341-3775. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Packers beat the Titans 31-17 in the exhibition open, but the headline is the play of Green Bay's young receivers, with Marqueze Valdes-Scantling, Jake Kumerow, and Equanimeous St. Brown balling out against the Titans. We also dig into the backup quarterback race, and  the defensive player who stood out in his NFL debut.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With critical starters not playing against the Titans, backups fighting for a roster spot take center stage. We discuss which players need a standout performance to hold onto positioning, and who can help themselves the most with a good game in the preseason opener for the Packers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jason Hirschhorn joins the show from SB Nation and NFL.com to break down the latest with the Aaron Rodgers contract negotiations. Then we get into Packers training camp battles including the backup quarterback race, how injuries are impacting critical spots and a lot more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Packers reportedly avoided a major bump in the road as left tackle David Bakhtiari's ankle injury suffered at Family Night isn't serious. We discuss  the impact that has on Aaron Rodgers and Co. Then, we switch gears to talk about players who impressed, and some who came up short during Green Bay's famous practice at Lambeau Field, including Equanimeous St. Brown, Montravius Adams and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Solid Verbal host Ty Hildrenbrandt joins the show to offer some insight on a slew of Notre Dame players who could make an impact on the 2018 Packers. We discuss DeShone Kizer's journey from backup to second-round pick, the untapped potential of Equanimeous St. Brown and the gritty impact of Greer Martini.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good news for Kentrell Brice, avoiding series injury but the same cannot be said for Jake Ryan who appears to be out long-term for 2018. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said the plan, for now, is to go with the young players on this team before looking outside for potential replacements and pedigree players will get a chance to prove their worth. Plus, he's been the star of the offseason and training camp for the Packers, but who is Jake Kumerow and how did he get to Green Bay?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Defensive starters Kentrell Brice and Jake Ryan each left the Green Bay practice field Monday on medical carts. The severity of their injuries are unclear as of recording, but Ryan's appears to be significant and he could miss the season. Each injury will force a young, relatively unproven backup into the spotlight. Josh Jones and Oren Burks each have more talent than their former first-stringers, but the Packers could also choose to add available players in free agency or the trade market.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've already seen lineup wrestling with the Packers defensive backs as Kevin King played his way into the starting lineup after just two practices and rookie Jaire Alexander also getting first team reps. It's too early to make any sweeping judgements, but Green Bay is looking at a much improved secondary. Mike Pettine attitude adjustment, along with an insistence on accountability may also fill a critical leadership vacuum and improve this defense just by improving the culture.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike McCarthy said Thursday he expected Bryan Bulaga to be ready for Week 1. The Packers right tackle confirmed he's on track and already feels ready to be back out there. Plus Jimmy Graham and Kevin King are the early highlights from camp. Why you shouldn't overreact about their success or the relative lack of impact from the talented rookie cornerback class.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We expected to see Bryan Bulaga on PUP coming off an ACL injury, but Nick Perry landing on the list with an ankle may lead fans to worry. Early reports are the injury isn't serious and if that's true, Perry missing practice could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Packers. Plus, promising second-year wide receiver Michael Clark abruptly decides to retire. Inside the trickle-down effects of that decision on the rest of the roster.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who makes the team and who doesn't? We deep dive into the 53-man roster projections. Positions battles will rage in places like receiver, offensive line, tight end and others to fight for roster spots. Training camp will reveal more to come on what this roster will look like, but as we stand now, here's how the Packers roster could shake out come September.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At least three high-quality safeties remain on the open market. The Packers should be willing to bring one in to secure a critical position in the Mike Pettine defense even though they're unlikely to consider it. Plus, Jimmy Graham lauded the running backs and potential of the Green Bay running game. Why his presence could have a big impact on the Packers ground game and vice versa.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We re-hash some of the Aaron Rodgers contract reporting to emphasize fans don't have to worry about what's out there because it may not ultimately matter, NOT because it's not true. Then we dive into where the Packers rank in terms of their future over the next three years. Should they be considered among the league's elite over that time period?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mystery abounds with an extension between Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. QB1 has shot down just about every report or rumor out there, while also low-key stoking the flames. There's no reason to get bogged down in the minutia. A deal is getting done. Nothing else really matters.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices