Green Bay's Emphasis On Versatility May Allow Them To Get Creative With Roster Cuts

The Green Bay Packers open training camp this Wednesday, just a couple of days after locking up All-Pro-caliber right tackle Zach Tom on a new deal. On defense, the battles at linebacker and in the secondary should be entertaining to watch as camp gets underway.

Football season is almost back, and with it comes the many competitive battles that await the Packers throughout camp and the preseason. With that in mind, it’s time to preview who’s likely to make the final 53-man roster just hours before the first practice of training camp begins.

Quarterbacks (2)

Jordan Love, Malik Willis

There aren’t many mysteries at quarterback. The Packers could keep a third-stringer, but the emergency QB rule makes it more practical to save that roster spot for another position. Still, if Malik Willis puts together a strong preseason, he could generate interest from quarterback-needy teams, either before the season starts or closer to the trade deadline.

Running Backs (3)

Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks

Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd should be roster locks. I’ll give the edge to Chris Brooks over Emanuel Wilson because of his value as a pass blocker, but it could still be a toss-up between the two.

Wide Receivers (6)

Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Mecole Hardman / PUP List: Christian Watson

Christian Watson has made noticeable progress in his recovery from a torn ACL, but the Packers should remain cautious with his return. The most likely scenario is that he begins the season on the PUP list. I’d be shocked if Green Bay keeps more than six receivers. Barring injuries, those six should make the final cut.

Tight Ends (3)

Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, John FitzPatrick

Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave form a good one-two punch combo. I’ll give the edge to John FitzPatrick over Ben Sims due to his blocking ability, especially with the Packers placing a strong emphasis on improving physicality up front this offseason.

Offensive Lineman (10)

Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan, Aaron Banks, Jordan Morgan, Anthony Belton, Jacob Monk, John Williams, Kadeem Telfort

The Packers have a lot of versatility and physicality in this group. The biggest surprise here is 2024 draft pick Travis Glover being left off the roster, though he’s a strong candidate to land on the practice squad.

Defensive Line (10)

Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse, Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, Brenton Cox Jr.

The highlight of this position group is undrafted free agent Nazir Stackhouse earning a spot on the roster. Meanwhile, Colby Wooden lands on the practice squad. The pressure is now on defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington to revive the pass rush, but the talent is there to make it work.

Linebackers (5)

Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Ty’ron Hopper, Isaiah McDuffie, Jamon Dumas-Johnson

Jamon Dumas-Johnson has a decent chance to earn a roster spot. He can rush the passer and drop into coverage, which could make him a valuable piece for Jeff Hafley. Off-ball linebacker is one of the least-competitive position groups heading into camp, and I have those five making the cut.

No Isaiah Simmons? Hold on, there’s a twist coming.

Defensive Backs (11)

Nate Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Kamal Haden, Kalen King, Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Zayne Anderson, Kitan Oladapo, Isaiah Simmons

Jeff Hafley is going to have his hands full developing the cornerback room. Meanwhile, I project the Packers to keep six safeties, but Isaiah Simmons is the wild card because they can also use him as a linebacker. So, while he is listed as a safety here, he does not necessarily fit exclusively into that category.

Special Teams (3)

Brandon McManus, Daniel Whelan, Matthew Orzech

This feels like the first offseason in a while where Green Bay is in a good spot with its kicking game. However, they should consider bringing in some competition for long snapper Matthew Orzech.