Green Bay lands Parsons, pairing elite edge rush with Gary and Van Ness, while Wooden, Brinson and Stackhouse anchor the front. The trade cost two first-round picks and Kenny Clark, signaling a hard cap-driven rebuild looming in 2026. Parsons’ hybrid usage in 3-4/4-3 looks promises a dynamic pass rush that could lift sacks and pressures for the defense, with fantasy implications for the Packers’ trench players.

The plan hinges on Parsons anchoring a versatile front as he slides between edge and off-ball duties, potentially squeezing Gary and Van Ness onto the field together in sub-packages. With base packages already lean, the Packers must choreograph snaps to maximize pressure and run defense, even as 19 2026 free agents loom and cap space tightens. Fans should enjoy the moment, while valuing the inevitable roster churn that follows a marquee move.

Amar Johnson supplied the night’s highlight for Green Bay with a 39-yard TD run, flashing acceleration and balance as a second-level block from Anthony Belton cleared a path to the pylon. The sequence underscored Johnson’s potential as a late-round or undrafted back who could factor in short-yardage or change-of-pace roles if the Packers need a spark behind Aaron Jones. Barryn Sorrell stepped in with an active NFL debut, routinely winning on the edge and generating pressure, suggesting a meaningful rookie season floor if he continues the form.

Beyond those two, Green Bay’s reserve units impressed on defense. Colby Wooden was in the backfield all night, while Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse and Brenton Cox Jr. flashed during the snaps they earned, hinting at a deep and energetic D-line rotation capable of staying fresh. On offense, the line’s backup group showed uneven play, with Monk’s holding penalties and some alignment questions raising concerns about depth at center and guard as cut-down day nears. Matthew Golden stood out with reliable target possession and a solid first-down catch, reinforcing the rookie receiver’s hands and route anticipation. Injuries and absences linger, notably Jayden Reed’s boot and Watson’s pregame absence, shaping how quickly the Packers can lean on their healthy weapons and how Week 1 roles might shake out.

Green Bay opened the 2025 preseason with a 30-10 loss to the Jets, and the night offered real fantasy intrigue beyond the box score. Five Packers standouts flashed in limited action, underscoring depth and potential in a crowded roster. Kristian Welch sprinted from special teams to defense, piling up a game‑high nine tackles and a clutch fourth‑down stop that kept the Jets off the field. Kingsley Enagbare was active at the edge, finishing with five tackles, a TFL and a QB hit, signaling a productive final year of his rookie deal. Barryn Sorrell looked like a Day 3 hit, winning a pressure sequence and flashing inside rush potential. Colby Wooden anchored the run defense with solid penetration and six tackles, plus a pass break. Amar Johnson supplied Green Bay’s lone bright spot on offense, ripping for 67 yards on seven carries and a 39‑yard TD dash. The result is preseason texture more than outcome, but the performances lay a blueprint for roster battles and fantasy monitoring as Green Bay heads toward next week’s Colts tilt.

Green Bay Packers' draft strategy has come under scrutiny for prioritizing athletic traits over actual production, particularly among edge rushers. However, recent findings reveal that while athleticism is important, the Packers maintain clear statistical benchmarks in assessing their prospects. Sacks aren't the only focus; college pressure numbers play a significant role in their selection process.

Since 2016, the Packers have chosen eight edge rushers, most of whom boasted notable pressure statistics. Lukas Van Ness, for example, achieved 74 pressures in his last two college seasons. This pattern suggests that the Packers tend to favor players who consistently disrupt the quarterback, even if their sack numbers are modest. In the upcoming draft, however, many prospects are falling short of the Packers' performance criteria, raising questions about their first-round strategy.