The Green Bay Packers' recent addition of Illinois guard Josh Gesky to their roster has sparked curiosity among fans and analysts alike. With a strong athletic profile and impressive statistics, Gesky has the potential to be a dark horse candidate for the 53-man roster. However, his play style and physical limitations may present challenges. In this article, I will delve into Gesky's strengths and weaknesses, and provide my analysis on his chances of making the team.
The Athletic Profile
Gesky's athletic profile is undoubtedly impressive. Standing at 6'5" and weighing around 308 pounds, he possesses solid length and a sturdy build. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.61 out of 10 at the guard position is elite, and his speed and explosion testing results are equally impressive. However, his poor agility scores, particularly in the short shuttle and 3-cone drill, may be a concern.
One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that Gesky's athletic profile is similar to that of Steve Hutchinson, a five-time All-Pro and member of the NFL's 2000s All-Decade team. This comparison is particularly interesting, as it suggests that Gesky has the potential to be a dominant force in the league.
The Stats
Gesky's statistics are equally impressive. In his first season as a starter, he allowed only seven quarterback hurries, four QB hits, and zero sacks in 315 pass blocking snaps. His snap count jumped to 441 in the pass game in 2024, although he did allow 15 pressures, two hits, and two sacks that year. In 2025, he played his best football, allowing only seven pressures, four hits, and one sack in 456 pass block snaps.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that Gesky's pass block efficiency improved each year, from 57.2 to 65.7 to 73.4. His run block grades were also impressive, peaking in 2025 at 71.3. These statistics suggest that Gesky has the potential to be a dominant force in the run game as well.
The Tape
On tape, Gesky appears to be a mauling guard who can get guys walled off in the run game and latch and sustain blocks in pass pro. He has a firm base, solid hand technique, and adequate feet, which allow him to generate movement in the run game and clear defenders out of the play. However, he can be put on his heels by power at times, and his lack of agility can lead to quick losses in pass pro.
One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that Gesky's play style is enjoyable to watch. He blocks to the whistle, always looking for work and wanting to finish opponents. However, his biggest issue is pad level, often playing high rather than staying low, which undercuts his ability to win the leverage battle.
The Analysis
Gesky's chances of making the 53-man roster are certainly worth considering. His athletic profile and statistics are impressive, and his play style suggests that he has the potential to be a dominant force in the league. However, his physical limitations and inconsistent technique may present challenges.
In my opinion, Gesky has the talent to compete for a back-end roster spot on the O-line. While he has some physical limitations, most of his issues are coachable, and there is certainly a chance he can stick in the NFL and eventually start. However, he will need to improve his technique and consistency to reach his full potential.
The Takeaway
Gesky's addition to the Packers' roster has certainly sparked curiosity and excitement among fans and analysts alike. While his chances of making the 53-man roster are uncertain, his athletic profile and statistics suggest that he has the potential to be a dominant force in the league. However, his physical limitations and inconsistent technique may present challenges, and he will need to improve in these areas to reach his full potential.
