Green Bay Packers: Roster Predictions After Two Preseason Games
Quarterbacks (2): Aaron Rodgers, DeShone Kizer
Practice Squad: Tim Boyle
This was a tough decision, not whether Kizer would be the number two quarterback, but whether the Packers would keep three quarterbacks again on the roster.
It’s clear through two weeks that the coaching staff feels better with Kizer behind Aaron Rodgers so far and while he’s had a few hiccups, the Notre Dame product has done a solid job in his two games as the starting quarterback this preseason. Especially with intermediate throws to the middle of the field. He also has youth still on his side, as he’s younger than third quarterback Tim Boyle, who really struggled with his accuracy and release point against the Ravens.
Boyle has all the arm talent in the world, but his inability to find the right touch on intermediate passes really hurts his chances. With steep competition at other positions forcing the team to keep extra bodies, it’s hard to envision the team keeping three quarterbacks. It’s likely Rodgers and Kizer make it while Boyle or another young arm ends up on the practice squad to be an emergency call up if something happens to either of the two main guys.
Running Backs (4): Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, Dexter Williams (R), Danny Vitale (FB)
This one was pretty easy to determine. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are the one-two punch that Matt LaFleur is looking for in the backfield. Both guys are dependable backs who know exactly what their strengths and weaknesses are. Expect both to get plenty of playing time, sometimes on the field at the same time.
Sixth-round pick Dexter Williams had a rough showing against Baltimore, dropping a beautifully set up screen pass and getting bottled up as a runner. But he’s shown enough flashes to be a great one-cut back that he makes the team.
However, the real secret weapon could be the player that the coaches are affectionately calling “Muscle Man,” Vitale. The fullback has been a major part of the offense in practice and has essentially locked up a spot and a role in the offense as a blocker, runner, and especially as a receiver. His skill set that he showed off in the Big Ten is starting to emerge in the NFL now that he has a defined spot on a roster. Look for a Pro Bowl berth for the former Northwestern Wildcat.