Now that the NFL Draft is finished, we have a clearer picture of what the Green Bay Packers roster will look like in Week 1. General manager Brian Gutekunst made eight draft picks and signed a ton of undrafted free agents, in addition to what he had already done in the regular unrestricted free agency, so now it's a matter of what will happen in the offseason program, training camp, and preseason.
It's early, but let's try to predict what the initial 53-man roster will be in five months.
Quarterbacks (2)
- In: Jordan Love, Malik Willis
- Out: Sean Clifford The Packers haven't made any quarterback moves this offseason, keeping the three players they already had. The most likely scenario is Love and Willis making the roster, with Clifford on the practice squad. The only concern here is that Willis is entering the final year of his rookie deal, so there's no long-term backup option.
Running backs (4)
- In: Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks
- Out: Amar Johnson, Jalen White
The Packers didn't draft a running back in a strong class, which bodes well for Lloyd's chances. Wilson and Brooks were kept, but they are restricted free agents next offseason.
Wide receivers (6)
- In: Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Malik Heath
- Out: Mecole Hardman, Bo Melton, Julian Hicks, Cornelius Johnson, Tulu Griffin, Julian Fleming
- PUP: Christian Watson
The Packers usually keep six receivers, but increasing the number to seven isn't out of the equation. With Watson starting the season on the physically unable to perform list, there's a roster spot available in a fight between everyone, with Heath, Hardman, and Melton with higher chances. The roster locks, barring a surprise (like Doubs being traded), are Reed, Doubs, Wicks, Golden, and Williams.
Tight ends (3)
- In: Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Ben Sims
- Out: John FitzPatrick, Messiah Swinson, Johnny Lumpkin
Another case of a strong class and no players taken in the draft, showing the Packers trust what they have. This is good news for Musgrave in terms of role and for Sims in terms of making the team. John FitzPatrick might make it as a special teamer, and it will probably comes down to a battle between him and Chris Brooks.
Offensive line (10)
- In: Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Jordan Morgan, Zach Tom, Sean Rhyan, Kadeem Telfort, Anthony Belton, John Williams, Jacob Monk
- Out: Travis Glover, Donovan Jennings, Marquis Hayes, Trey Hill, Tyler Cooper, Brant Banks, J.J. Lippe
There will be intriguing battles along the offensive line, not only for starting jobs, but also for roster spots. The Packers usually keep nine or 10 linemen, which leaves one or two spots open for Williams, Monk, Glover, and everyone else. Glover played at guard over Monk last year, but the Packers could still use a backup center, which makes the competition interesting.
Defensive tackles (5)
- In: Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse
- Out: Colby Wooden, James Ester, Keith Randolph Jr., Nesta Jade Silvera, Leonard Payne
Nazir Stackhouse is the big bet here, because we put him as the only undrafted free agent making the 53. But Colby Wooden, a former fourth-round pick, might very well keep his job too.
Edges (5)
- In: Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr.
- Out: Arron Mosby, Deslin Alexandre, Jeremiah Martin
Mosby and Cox will fight for the final spot here, and we went with Cox because Mosby has a higher chance of clearing waivers and return to the practice squad. Moreover, Cox was the most efficient edge rusher on the Packers down the stretch last year.
Linebackers (5)
- In: Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, Collin Oliver
- Out: Kristian Welch, Jamon Dumas-Johnson
We put Collin Oliver here as an off-ball linebacker, even though he might be listed here or as a defensive end when September comes. Maybe Welch can make the roster as a special teamer too, but it will depend on the numbers elsewhere.
Cornerbacks (5)
- In: Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, Carrington Valentine, Kamal Hadden, Micah Robinson
- Out: Jaire Alexander, Kalen King, Isaiah Dunn, Kaleb Hayes, Tyron Herring, Kahzir Brown
Presuming Jaire will be traded or released at some point, there will be two roster spots up for grabs among young cornerbacks. Micah Robinson could make it as a seventh-round rookie, while Hadden and King will fight for the final spot.
Safeties (5)
- In: Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Zayne Anderson, Kitan Oladapo
- Out: Omar Brown, Johnathan Baldwin
No additions here after the reconstruction of the unit last offseason.
Special teamers (3)
- In: Brandon McManus, Daniel Whelan, Matthew Orzech
- Out: Alex Hale (IPP)
The Packers kept all their three special teamers, re-signing McManus and Whelan. Hale is a member of the International Pathway Program, so he doesn't count towards the 90-man roster limit—and won't count towards the 16-man practice squad limit either.
