Nov 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) cannot make a catch as New York Giants safety Isaiah Simmons (19) defends during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

'Wild Card' Flashing for Packers Defense During Training Camp

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 2:05 PM ET

Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is going to need to figure out how to put a rhetorical jigsaw puzzle together this season.

At cornerback, the Packers have gone so far as to convert former wide receiver Bo Melton to cornerback in hopes of trying to replace former Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander, who was released this spring.

The puzzle and potential combinations may be even more wide open at linebacker, as training camp continues and the 2025 regular season approaches.

Isaiah Simmons Standing Out for Packers

While it would seem that there is plenty of competition at linebacker, for Green Bay, heralded by some ascending young talent, one veteran is making his presence felt this summer.

According to the Packers’ Mike Spofford, Isaiah Simmons has been standing out for the Packers, at linebacker, this summer.

“Cooper and Walker are the only ones I’d say offer a lot to the pass rush,” Spofford writes for the team’s official website. “We’ll see about Simmons there. He’s the real wild card in this mix. What I like is the range of body types and strengths. McDuffie isn’t all that big or fast but knows the defense and diagnoses plays to put himself in the right spot. Hopper is a thumper. The other guys can attack, run and/or chase in any direction asked. It’s an intriguing bunch.”

Jun 11, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) participates in the team’s minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Simmons, 27, who spent the past two seasons playing safety for the New York Giants, adds not just a veteran presence but the versatility that comes with experience playing multiple positions to the Packers’ linebacking corps.

How the Packers wind up using Simmons remains to be seen, but his physicality upfront alongside a player as dominant and talented as Cooper has the potential to be a significant upgrade for Green Bay in the season ahead.

Packers News: New Recruit Isaiah Simmons Names 1 Thing He Appreciates About Jeff Hafley Compared to Other Coaches Who 'Wrongly' Used Him 2 Jul 24, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;New York Giants safety Isaiah Simmons (19) talks with media during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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