The Green Bay Packers are actively reshaping their team dynamics with strategic decisions. With an opening on their practice squad, the Packers are considering adding cornerback Robert Rochell, following the release that cleared room for wide receiver Romeo Doubs’ return.
Despite these roster adjustments, the primary focus during mid-week training was on evaluating the capabilities of free-agent offensive linemen.
The team assessed six prospects, including Keaton Bills, Zach Bailey, Andrew Coker, Mason Brooks, Matt Farniok, and Jack Wilson.
The spotlight among them is on Jack Wilson, who brings a unique athletic background as a former college basketball player.
These tryouts highlight the Packers’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their offensive line and enhance the overall roster.
The Journey of Jack Wilson and Zach Bailey in Professional Football
Jack Wilson is an intriguing prospect for the Packers because of his towering height of over 6’10”, which he showcased during the pre-draft process. Despite not having been signed by an NFL team before, his potential has certainly caught the attention of scouts.
Wilson’s athletic journey is diverse; he kicked off his college career at Oregon State, later moving to Idaho and Washington State, where he juggled playing both football and basketball. In 2022, Wilson made two starts at tackle for Washington State. By 2023, he was with Minnesota, focusing solely on basketball.
Meanwhile, Zach Bailey has yet to see regular-season action on offense in the NFL. However, his journey isn’t short of experience, as he’s been connected with six different teams since entering the league in 2019 as an undrafted player.
Recently released by the Atlanta Falcons, Bailey remains a player of interest for teams like the Packers, who are continually assessing their roster to better their Green Bay Packers odds as they aim for a successful season.
Profiles of Emerging Talents: Bills, Brooks, Coker, and Farniok
Keaton Bills, a 26-year-old offensive guard, might seem a bit older for a rookie, but that’s due to his LDS mission, which gives him a unique life experience. He had another year to play at Utah but chose to try his luck in the NFL. Bills was waived by the Buffalo Bills at the cutdown deadline in August. Despite being undrafted, his determination stands out as he vies for a spot in the professional league.
Mason Brooks took a slightly different path, making a name for himself at Western Kentucky, where he earned All-Conference USA honors. He later moved to Ole Miss for his final year. After going undrafted in 2023, Brooks spent some time with the Washington Commanders’ practice squad but got released during cuts. Although he briefly joined the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad in 2024, he’s still looking for a more permanent opportunity.
Andrew Coker, another undrafted rookie, was waived by the Las Vegas Raiders at the cutdown deadline. His talents, however, were recognized by the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions, who drafted him. Coker is keeping his options open, possibly heading to the spring league next year if the NFL doors remain closed for now.
Matt Farniok carries the most experience among these prospects. The center emerged from Nebraska and was picked in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s had the chance to start two NFL games in 2022, having been part of teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions. Farniok’s established skills make him a valuable contender for teams seeking reliable offensive line depth.
The Takeaway
The Green Bay Packers are carefully considering their roster decisions. With 10 offensive linemen already on their main roster and Donovan Jennings and Lecitus Smith on the practice squad, any new addition would mean replacing one of these players.
The team is focused on strengthening their lineup for better performance, and every move is aimed at ensuring they have the strongest possible roster for the upcoming games.