Inbox: We got a glimpse of what Matthew Golden can do

5. Which Packers player are you most interested in watching in 2026? (Brian from Twain Harte)

Margeaux from Tallahassee, FL

Matthew Golden is my guy. Catches the ball effortlessly with his hands. Doesn’t let it get into his body. I’m looking forward to the true beginning of his Packers Hall of Fame career in 2026/27.

I’m going with Brenton Cox Jr. on this one. I’ve been rooting for this guy since we signed him as a UDFA. I love a good comeback story, and I think he is primed to be one. I think if he stays healthy this year, Cox is going to make the most of the opportunity while Micah Parsons is out and will have his breakout season.

I’m most excited to see what MarShawn Lloyd can bring to the Packers’ diverse offense. He was a stud in college and has a great personal story of what it took for him to get to the NFL. If Lloyd’s nickname is any indication, adding his quickness to the run game can keep defenses on their heels. Hoping his added dimension can open up all of our playmakers’ opportunities like Christian Watson has the ability to do.

Barryn Sorrell. It’s a lot to ask from a second-year defensive lineman but we need someone to step up in Micah Parson’s absence. Plus: the person! Watching Matthew Golden and Barryn Sorrell drafted by Green Bay in Green Bay was the highlight of the 2025 offseason. Awesome that Sorrell came to the draft on his own. That’s a man who knows how to live the moments in his life. Runner-up: Matthew Golden.

I grew up in Green Bay and everyone in my friend group had a favorite player on the team. Once a player was chosen nobody else could claim them as their guy. Unfortunately, my favorite, Rashan Gary, was dealt to Dallas this year. However, Barryn Sorrell has just as great of a draft story, played very well against the Vikings, and all around seems like an easy guy to root for. I’m looking forward to seeing how Barryn does with MP missing time and hope he remains in the rotation even after Parsons returns.

My one player to watch this year is Matthew Golden. We got a glimpse of what a healthy Golden can do in the playoff game last year. The talent is there. The desire is there. Teaming up with Watson, Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft, Golden will be seldom double-teamed. Break. Out. Matthew!

Really tough choice, but probably Edgerrin Cooper. I really want to see what he brings to this new system now that he’s got a couple of seasons under his belt. His ceiling seems so high!

I’m interested in seeing if Lukas Van Ness can make the jump as an edge rusher after having Gary leave the team and waiting for Parsons to return from injury. If he can find another level, I see good things for the defense this season.

Everybody, come join us on the Jager Burton bandwagon. All aboard, yes. In high school some of Jager’s merits: top 10 guards in nation, multiple Kentucky No. 1 players awards, and the first lineman to earn the Paul Horning Award; how cool is that. At Kentucky, 47 starts and three All-SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll. We need him to be the real deal and play better than a solid player plays. He has quick feet, he’s athletic and smart. Captain material, definitely, ambidextrous, yes. Gale Gillingham great, hope so.

Tucker Kraft played like a superstar before he was hurt, and I want to watch him return to that level.

I’m really looking forward to seeing Edgerrin Cooper again, and it’s not just because I’m an Aggie. He had a strong rookie year, but sophomore seemed kind of slow. I think he can really take a step forward this year and be a force with Zaire Franklin whether the team sends him on a blitz, back in cover, or he’s just chasing the ball carrier. I think he has All-Pro talent.

I’m excited to see the leadership, playstyle, and experience of Zaire Franklin add value to this Packers defense! There is a reason why he is wearing the green dot in Year 1 at Lambeau and watching Franklin partner with E.C. and Micah will be a show for the entire fanbase. Having played the Colts just a couple of times over the last seven years along with the Packers’ previous interest over several years, Zaire is now here!

Keisean Nixon. This guy worked his way from undrafted free agent/practice squad player to All-Pro returner/starting CB and has a number of unforgettable plays to his name on both defense and special teams. He’s not a perfect player, but he plays his butt off, and I’m excited to see him use the criticism from his own fan base as a chip on his shoulder!

Following MarShawn Lloyd’s story for all of its ups and downs since he was drafted (32 is my favorite number), I can’t help but feel for him. He’s had such rotten injury luck completely beyond his control, keeping him from playing…but he keeps his chin up and handles the tough times like an absolute pro. I can’t wait to watch “32” play this year. I hope he sets the league ablaze!

Assuming he wins the job, I’m anxious to see Trey Smack kick for the Packers. The ’25-26 Packers lost several close games. A dependable, more consistent kicker may have been the difference in those close games. Also, if his leg is as advertised, it would be fun to see the Packers attempt (and hopefully make!) a 60-plus-yard field goal, and very memorable if the make was the difference in the game or a walk-off.

Isaiah Neyor as I’ve been hearing he has been doing some good things in camp. With fewer and fewer former Huskers in the NFL, I’m pulling for him to make the roster and contribute to the 2026 season.

I want to see how Micah and Tucker come back from their ACL injuries. I understand this is a team game, but I feel like if those two can come back at 95% or better we will be a very dangerous team come playoffs. And also, MarShawn Lloyd. I’d love for him to have the health to realize all that potential.

Tucker Kraft because I want to see how he returns from his bump in the road. Dani Dennis-Sutton to see how he adapts to the pro game and how disruptive he becomes toward the end of the season.

Make the clock count up instead of down. And the clock will not stop when there is an injury or a timeout or a touchdown celebration. That time will be determined separately which no one will know about until the end of the half or game when extended time is announced. And that could change based on the more injuries, timeouts and celebrations. And the game will end when the extended time is up, based on those variables, which no one is really sure about.

A kickoff going through the posts is worth points (one, two or even three would be acceptable). Want to rough the passer on a TD? That penalty can be taken on the kickoff and make it possible to score back to back.

My outlandish change to the NFL is really out there, so stay with me. I would change the length of the season to 16 games, have six seeds from each conference with the top two seeds receiving first-round byes. I know, crazy thought. (Editor’s note: The audacity, Kurt!)

End illegal motion. Five down linemen remain in place, but all the others can move anywhere at the same time in the backfield until the ball is snapped. Total chaos and defenses have to guess what’s coming.

Not outlandish, just a perfectly reasonable rule change for kickoffs. Everyone but the kicker, holder, snapper, and returner lies flat on their backs. When the ball is kicked, the ref blows a whistle, and everyone does a kip-up and starts running. Anyone who uses their arms to help themselves up gets their team a 10-yard penalty.

A turnover of any kind (downs, fumble, etc.) in the opponent’s red zone results in two points for the defending team. Defense deserves reward opportunities besides the rare safety.

Source: www.packers.com