Green Bay Packers training camp is set to begin on July 29, so this feels like the perfect time to make a 53-man roster prediction. There’s a catch, though. I’ll be stacking both the offensive and defensive lines with as many players as possible, simply because I’m a trenches aficionado.
Let’s get to it:
QB (2): Jordan Love, Tyrod Taylor
With the emergency quarterback rule, it’s almost unjustifiable for Green Bay to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Jordan Love is the starter, and Tyrod Taylor should be one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league. Quarterback should be a straightforward decision for the Packers.
RB (3): Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks
I could see Green Bay keeping an extra running back because of MarShawn Lloyd‘s injury history. However, I’ll stick with just three here to create more room in the trenches. Josh Jacobs will handle the lead role, while Chris Brooks gives the Packers a reliable third option who can be valuable in pass protection.
WR (6): Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Skyy Moore
Christian Watson and Jayden Reed just got paid. Meanwhile, with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks gone, Matthew Golden and Savion Williams should see plenty of opportunities. The Packers primarily brought Skyy Moore in to handle kick return duties, and that’s how he will make the roster. Bo Melton makes it based on vibes (and because he is familiar with the system).
TE (4): Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Josh Whyle, RJ Maryland
I wanted to get a little crazy and project the Packers to trade Luke Musgrave, which would open a spot for the Packers to carry another blocking tight end. But I’ll resist the temptation. What you need to know about this room is simple: Tucker Kraft rules all, and we don’t question his will.
OL (11): Zach Tom, Anthony Belton, Sean Rhyan, Aaron Banks, Jordan Morgan, Jager Burton, Travis Glover, Donovan Jennings, Darian Kinnard, Jacob Monk, John Williams
I’m taking no chances with Green Bay’s interior offensive line, especially considering how inconsistent it’s been for quite some time. I want as much depth as possible to ensure Jordan Love has all the time in the world to operate in the pocket. There are also several intriguing young players to develop, including Jager Burton. Furthermore, keeping extra offensive linemen also gives the Packers more options on special teams.
IDL (5): Devonte Wyatt, Javon Hargrave, Karl Brooks, Chris McClellan, Warren Brinson
With Green Bay moving to a 3-4 defense under Jonathan Gannon, carrying five interior defensive linemen might seem like overkill. I just love having as much depth and rotation as possible, especially against the run. The extra body also has value on special teams, particularly on field goal block units. If I can beef up both the defensive front and the kicking game with one roster spot, I’m all for it.
EDGE (5): Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Brenton Cox Jr. / PUP: Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons will likely be back sometime in October, so this group will have to figure things out without him early in the season. That puts a lot of pressure on Lukas Van Ness, who will have to be the guy until the Packers get their No. 1 pass rusher back.
LB (5): Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Zaire Franklin, Ty’Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann
The linebacker room is the one I expect to have the least turnover between training camp and Week 1. The Packers have a foundation here, and they like the players they have. That said, just like Tucker Kraft rules the tight end room, Edgerrin Cooper is the king of this group.
CB (5): Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Brandon Cisse, Benjamin St-Juste, Domani Jackson
I’m praying to the football gods that Brandon Cisse turns into a good player because, if he doesn’t, Green Bay’s cornerback room is probably going to stay painfully average for the foreseeable future. Keep an eye on Marlon Jones Jr., too. I don’t have him making the roster in this projection, but he’s one of the easiest players on the team to root for.
S (4): Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladapo
Along with linebacker, the safety room is the other position group where I don’t expect any turnover between now and the start of the regular season. It’s probably the strongest unit on the roster, so there’s no reason to overthink it.
Special Teams (3): Trey Smack, Daniel Whelan, Matthew Orzech
Matt Orzech is the only long snapper on the roster, so his spot is essentially locked in. Daniel Whelan is one of the league’s best punters. As for kicker, the Packers made an aggressive move to draft Trey Smack, making him the clear favorite to handle the job when Week 1 arrives, barring an unexpected twist during training camp.
