We’re halfway through the preseason, so why not make some predictions? Here are my predictions for the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster
DeShone Kizer joined the Packers stable of quarterbacks this offseason
Quarterbacks
- Aaron Rodgers
- DeShone Kizer
- Brett Hundley
This position group is pretty straightforward. There have been some calls from Packer nation to include rookie gunslinger Tim Boyle over Brett Hundley, but I think the more experienced Hundley gets the spot here.
Running Backs
- Jamaal Williams
- Aaron Jones
- Ty Montgomery
- Aaron Ripkowski
All three of these running backs should see a decent number of carries this season, especially with the suspension to Aaron Jones to start the season. Aaron Ripkowski should also beat out Joe Kerridge to claim the fullback spot. Another pretty straight-forward position group, the only other backs with a shot would have been Devante Mays and Joel Bouagnon, who haven’t done enough to separate themselves so far in preseason.
Wide Receivers
Certainly the most unpredictable position battle, the WR positions will most likely come down to the last two preseason games. Despite this, my predicted 6 are Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Geronimo Allison, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, J’Mon Moore, Equanimeous St. Brown. This will be controversial I’m sure, as UW-Whitewater product Jake Kumerow has been a revelation in the preseason. I’m gonna slow down the hype train though, as most of the players he’s doing these against will be roster casualties themselves. I just don’t see the team giving up on any of the three drafted rookies so soon in favor of Kumerow, who is 26 and has been let go by two other teams already. Upside is important for Wide Receivers, and upside wins the day here. Trevor Davis and DeAngelo Yancey are possibilities as well, but they haven’t shown as well, so I’ve left them both off.
Tight Ends
- Jimmy Graham
- Marcedes Lewis
- Lance Kendricks
The Packers made a big off-season splash with the signing of 5-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Graham, and he could take the offense to another level. Another, ore under the radar signing was 11-year veteran Marcedes Lewis, who will likely be in to block most of the time, but opposing teams can’t completely forget about him, as he is also an adequate pass catcher. Wisconsin native Lance Kendrick should take the 3rd spot, as no TEs have really stood out in the preseason.
Offensive Line
With 5 clear starters in Bahktiari, Lane, Linsley, McCray, and Bulaga, the depth here was a bit harder to predict. Kyle Murphy has been the best reserve guard, and Dillon Day is the backup center, which should certainly give him a roster spot. While Jason Spriggs has struggled a bit in preseason, I think his experience with the Packers gives the edge over Byron Bell.
Defensive Line
- Muhammad Wilkerson
- Kenny Clark
- Mike Daniels
- Dean Lowry
- Montravius Adams
- Joey Mbu
Probably the deepest position group on the team, Wilkerson, Clark, and Daniels are about as good as you can get for your three starting lineman. Behind them, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, and Joey Mbu should provide solid depth.
Linebackers
Despite the loss of Jake Ryan to a torn ACL, the Packers should still have a decent Linebacker corps if rookie Oren Burks can step up to fill his role. Kyler Fackrell would have been in danger of losing his spot to Chris Odom, had it not been for a solid preseason thus far. Thanks to this, I think Fackrell makes the 53.
Cornerbacks
A young secondary led by the veteran leadership of Tramon Williams and Davon House, there is a lot of hype around this position group. Last year’s top pick Kevin King, as well as this year’s 1st and 2nd-round, picks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson, are locks, with Williams and House. Former 2nd-round pick Quentin Rollins will likely get his last chance this season, with Lenzy Pipkins rounding out the depth chart here.
Safeties
- Ha-Ha Clinton Dix
- Kentrell Brice
- Josh Jones
- Jermaine Whitehead
- Marwin Evans
This is another position group that is looking pretty deep for Green Bay. Hard hitter Kentrell Brice emerged as a starter last season, and Packers fans are glad that his injury at the start of camp wasn’t severe. Alongside him, of course, is 2016 Pro Bowler Ha-Ha Clinton Dix. After a down year, Clinton Dix is hoping to regain his 2016 form and give this position group a huge boost. Behind them, Josh Jones played over 700 snaps last season and should be a really good backup safety. Auburn product Jermaine Whitehead and Milwaukee native Marwin Evans, who have both looked good in preseason, will provide further depth.
Special Teams
- Mason Crosby
- JK Scott
- Zach Triner
Again, pretty straight-forward. Veteran kicker Mason Crosby, promising rookie punter JK Scott, and long snapper Zach Triner.
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- 53-Man Roster
- Green Bay Packers
- Predictions
