The good news for the Green Bay Packers heading into training camp is that they have an enviable roster loaded with young talent on both sides of the ball. The bad news, or maybe just the downside of that, is really figuring out the right combination of guys to put on the field for the lion's share of snaps.
That's why Matt LaFleur gets paid the big bucks.
The Packers have done a great job of drafting and developing under GM Brian Gutekunst and head coach LaFleur, but there are certain players who might be holding the team back if they're opening the season in the starting lineup.
And, unfortunately, you can already see the writing on the wall at some position groups. There's one clear position where the Packers might already be trusting the wrong guy in the starting lineup.
Romeo Doubs should not be guaranteed a starting job for Packers in 2025
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs has been a frequent topic of conversation among Packers fans this offseason. Doubs is entering a contract year in 2025 and is coming off a season in which injuries created a very clouded future.
Specifically, Doubs suffered two concussions last season, one in late November and one in the Packers' playoff loss against the Eagles. We've already seen the team respond to the somewhat disappointing progression of both Doubs and fellow 2022 draft pick Christian Watson by adding Matthew Golden and Savion Williams in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the Packers should take it a step further.
They should have Doubs fighting for his job in 2025, not penciled into the lineup due to seniority.
Last season, the only receiver who played more snaps than Doubs was Jayden Reed, who became a featured weapon in LaFleur's offense. The Packers have plenty of depth at receiver to be able to justify either moving on from Doubs completely, or seriously pulling back his snaps this coming season.
Dontayvion Wicks should see an elevated role in his third season, and the Packers didn't make Matthew Golden the first receiver they used a top pick on since Javon Walker in 2002 for nothing.
If Doubs is simply going to be penciled in for a starting role and guaranteed snaps, it makes no sense from a short- or long-term perspective for the Packers. They have other guys with more upside and future prospects with the team. It doesn't seem like Doubs is going to be a priority for Gutekunst to bring back, so the team is going to have to hope they receive calls to trade him in the next six weeks.