The Packers Should Give Kristian Welch Every Chance To Earn A Roster Spot

With just one game left in the preseason, players on the roster bubble have limited time to earn their spot on the Green Bay Packers' initial 53-man squad. The battle for final spots is still in full swing at multiple positions, including inside linebacker.

You can write Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie (who signed an extension this offseason), and Ty'Ron Hopper (who is making an impressive jump in his second year) in pen to make the roster.

It's not impossible that the Packers only keep four off-ball linebackers, as they did in 2022. Green Bay could keep its top four guys and use practice squad elevations as needed. But with the switch to a 4-3 base under Jeff Hafley and the important roles linebackers play on special teams, it's much more probable they'll carry five on the initial roster.

That fifth spot is going to come down to athletic marvel and former top-10 pick Isaiah Simmons and special teams star and familiar name Kristian Welch. Both linebackers have different styles and play different roles on special teams. While Simmons has seen more play with the ones, Welch has had a much better preseason. With the offseason heading toward its climax, it's time to give Welch more work with the ones and give him a fair shake at earning the ILB5 spot.

A former UDFA who spent his first three seasons in Baltimore, Welch played in 14 games for the Packers in 2023, with all of his 210 snaps coming at special teams. During the following offseason and preseason, Welch continued to be one of Rich Bisaccia's best special teamers, also making impactful plays on defense. It looked like Welch was ready to take the next step in his career as a rotational defensive player, but it wasn't enough to make the initial roster.

The Packers likely wanted Welch on their practice squad, but he signed with the Denver Broncos shortly after his release. Welch returned to the Baltimore Ravens in October, spending time on their practice and active squads.

In his return to Green Bay, Welch is once again consistently making plays in the preseason and putting up a solid resumé toward a roster spot. Against the New York Jets in the first preseason game, Welch was one of the few bright spots in an ugly loss. He had a game-altering tackle for loss on a fourth-and-one in the second quarter. He had two tackles on punt coverage and finished the day with nine total tackles.

He had eight more tackles against the Indianapolis Colts while also defending a pass.

Welch also has been a mainstay on punt coverage and looked to be part of the preferred kick-return squad on Family Night. His special teams value has long been clear, and that role is his main path to the roster. But the effort he's shown on defense shows he can be called upon there when needed.

Last year, the ILB5 spot went to Eric Wilson, another linebacker mostly known for special teams but who made vital plays on defense in a pinch. With Wilson heading (back) to the Minnesota Vikings, Isaiah Simmons is Welch's main rival for that spot this year.

Unlike Welch, Simmons has had an unsightly preseason. Two weeks in a row, Simmons was one of PFF's lowest graded players. Against the Jets, he produced a paltry 29.4, the team's second-lowest score. He missed two tackles and gave up a team-high five catches for 76 yards. The following week, Simmons scored a 28.6, the team's lowest score, once again giving up a team-high in coverage (52 yards on five catches). He also missed a tackle on special teams.

Simmons has been an absolute liability in coverage, an area where the Packers linebackers already need help. While coaches have raved about Simmons in practice, it hasn't translated into games.

Simmons plays a unique role as a gunner on special teams, which is uncommon for a linebacker. However, the Packers have other options available. Simmons might have the draft status and marvelous athletic profile, but Welch has been the better player. If the Packers only keep five off-ball linebackers, Welch should get the nod.

That's why the coaching staff should give Welch more opportunities with the first-team defense in this final week of the offseason. We've seen enough from Welch on special teams to know how valuable he is there. Offering him a fair chance to compete on defense against starters can be a final audition to see if he puts it all together as a well-rounded player when it matters.

Eric Wilson was a valuable find for the Packers, and Welch looks like he can fill that same role in 2025. Bisaccia needs a good core to (hopefully) bring Green Bay's third phase from the basement, and Welch puts in solid work and notable effort every chance he gets to play defense. Simmons might be the shiny new mystery-box toy, but Welch is looking like the more valuable player. Let him prove it by giving him a bigger role on defense to end the offseason.