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The Green Bay Packers have built their entire football brand on drafting and developing some of the best homegrown talent the league has to offer, though their patience is not endless.
There are some young players who have either shown flashes or gone over some bumps in the road that warrant a bit more attention from this coaching staff.
On the flip side of that same coin, the Packers can't bring everyone along for the long haul. It might be more prudent for this team to part ways with just as many young players as they designate as core building blocks.
Who the Packers need to develop, and who they should dump
Develop: WR Matthew Golden
Even though Golden had a rough rookie season, the Packers remain invested in their No. 23 pick from just one year ago. Golden's speed can be game-breaking; the Packers just need to find a way to get him more involved.
Dump: TE Luke Musgrave
Musgrave was almost immediately outplayed by Tucker Kraft, a third-round selection at his position in the same draft. His minimal blocking upside has made it tough for him and Kraft to share the field together. Musgrave has made only 31 catches for 297 yards over the past two years, and he was outsnapped by John FitzPatrick late last season.
While Kraft expects a new deal, Musgrave is likely entering his final season with the Packers.
Develop: S Evan Williams
The Packers' young secondary features both Williams and Javon Bullard, though Williams' ball-hawking style as a more traditional deep safety might be slightly more valuable at this point in time, with Bullard mostly playing in the slot.
With four picks in two seasons and solid run defense numbers, Williams is outplaying his NFL Draft spot.
Dump: RB MarShawn Lloyd
The best ability is availability, and every time Lloyd can show the Packers that he can be a quality backup behind Josh Jacobs, he finds himself banged up. The Packers may need to make a major investment at the running back spot with Lloyd constantly hurt and Josh Jacobs in legal peril.
Develop: LB Edgerrin Cooper
It is not an exaggeration to say that Cooper is one of the best young linebackers in the game, and his athletic talents are so immense that Green Bay is reportedly considering using him as an edge rusher in certain packages this season. Cooper could get top-of-the-line money in his second contract.
Today's best reads
- Matthew Golden could force an unexpected Packers debate at training camp
- Latest Edgerrin Cooper ranking shows why Packers let Quay Walker leave
- The Packers-Alvin Kamara speculation is over for good (and it's for the best)
- Packers are sitting on a breakout star and the league isn't ready for it
- Packers' Isaiah McDuffie message is unmistakable for anyone listening
This article was originally published on lombardiave.com as 3 young players Packers must develop, 2 to give up on.
