With the Packers’ training camp less than a week away, it’s time to predict Green Bay’s 53-man roster.
Quarterbacks (2): Jordan Love and Michael Pratt
The Packers have kept two quarterbacks on their roster for three straight seasons. Jordan Love could be a millionaire by next week. Michael Pratt has shown potential in OTAs and minicamp. Sean Clifford has struggled in the early offseason program. If the Packers keep two QBs, Clifford may join the practice squad.
Running Backs (3): Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, A.J. Dillon.
Josh Jacobs is earning a top-five running back salary. Additionally Lloyd impressed in early OTAs. A.J. Dillon serves as a dependable third-string running back. However, his salary represents less than 1% of Green Bay’s cap space. He could excel as a second-string option for many NFL teams. The Packers could trade him to address needs or acquire assets before the season starts.
Wide Receivers (6): Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Malik Heath.
Doubs, Watson, Reed, and Wicks are the core receivers, all capable of claiming WR1 status by 2024. Moreover, Melton is likely WR5, earning his spot after clutch performances in 2023. WR6 may see competition between Malik Heath and Samori Toure. Heath is a more reliable weapon on offense, which gives him a slight edge despite Toure’s tenure and special teams contributions.
Tight Ends (3): Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, Ben Sims.
Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft form a dynamic duo. TE3 hinges on Tyler Davis’ recovery from ACL injury. He might begin 2024 on the Physically Unable to Perform list, potentially moving to the active roster later.
Offensive Line (9): Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker, Jordan Morgan, Andre Dillard, Elgton Jenkins, Donovan Jennings, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk, Josh Myers.
In the Packers’ 2024 offensive line, only Tom and Jenkins’ positions are certain. Tom at right tackle, Jenkins at left guard. Walker likely starts at left tackle, with competition from Jordan Morgan. Myers is the expected starting center. Dillard adds depth. Monk and Jennings are promising developments. Moreover, Green Bay invested a third-round pick in Sean Rhyan two seasons ago, and they need to evaluate his potential.
Defensive Line (10): Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, T.J. Slaton, Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox, Kinglsey Enagbare.
Kenny Clark and Preston Smith are veteran leaders. Additionally, Devonte Wyatt had 45 total pressures in 2023. Karl Brooks excelled among rookies in sacks, hits, hurries, batted passes, and stops. He was Green Bay’s top defensive rookie and highest-graded defender in the playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers. Furthermore, Gary and Van Ness form a strong edge rushing duo. Wooden and Slaton will rotate on the interior. Green Bay will cautiously handle Enagbare’s return after his injury in last year’s Divisional Round against the 49ers. Brenton Cox received praise during training camp in the early offseason.
Linebackers (6): Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper, Eric Wilson, Kristian Welch.
In 2024, Green Bay will primarily use a 4-2-5 defensive scheme. Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper are likely starters at mike and will linebacker. In a 4-3 setup, McDuffie and Hopper will rotate based on down and situation. Furthermore, Wilson and Welch play key roles on special teams.
Defensive Backs (11): Jaire Alexander, Carrington Valentine, Keisean Nixon, Eric Stokes, Kalen King, Corey Ballentine, Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, Kitan Oladapo, Anthony Johnson Jr.
Jaire Alexander is the undisputed CB1 for Green Bay. Additionally, Stokes and Valentine will compete for CB2. Moreover, Nixon likely plays in nickel packages. Ballentine adds solid depth. King will occasionally see playing time. McKinney and Bullard start at safety in the traditional 4-3 defense. They may play closer to the line in nickel and dime packages. Oladapo will be a hybrid safety, often in the box or as a single high safety. Furthermore, Williams and Johnson serve as backup rotation players in the secondary.
Special Teams (3): Anders Carlson, Peter Bowden, Daniel Whelan.
Carlson wins the kicking battle. Bowden could extend Green Bay’s streak of including an undrafted free agent on the final roster for 15 years. Whelan faced no competition for his job this offseason.
Injuries can alter the roster’s composition. Nonetheless, regardless of who’s on the field, the Packers have reliable players across all phases capable of performing every week.