Green Bay Packers: 6 Players & 6 Positional Battles to Watch v. Houston

The Battle at Guard: Ben Braden and Jon Runyan

Without David Bakhtiari, there are two guard spots up for grabs. So far through training camp, it has been Ben Braden, Jon Runyan, and Lucas Patrick rotating in and out of those two positions with the starting offense.

When it comes to Patrick, we already know what to expect from him, and truthfully, I anticipate him being one of the Week 1 starters. I could be wrong, obviously, but that’s how I feel based on what we’ve seen at practice.

The other two, however, are relative unknowns. Runyan was on the field last season for only 161 snaps, but he did impresses, allowing no sacks and four hurries, per PFF. Braden has even less experience and has been a primary practice squad player during his career.

Both have an opportunity to impress and potently get the upper hand on Saturday—who takes advantage?

The 3rd Safety: Henry Black, Vernon Scott, Innis Gaines, and Christian Uphoff

The only locks at safety are Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos. Meanwhile, Will Redmond, who saw his fair share of playing time in 2020, is still on the NFI list and is yet to practice—which means an opportunity for these four safeties to earn a roster spot and perhaps some playing time.

From the sounds of it, Henry Black has seen ample opportunity as the third safety on the field, as has Scott—although it doesn’t seem to be as much as Black.

I also really like Scott’s fit in this Joe Barry defense, while Innis Gaines has been incredibly steady during camp and is someone worth keeping your eyes on. Uphoff was a popular name coming into camp as far as UDFAs go, and although he’s quite inexperienced — even for a college player — he’s another good fit for this defensive scheme.

Just like with running back, receiver, and cornerback, special teams ability could be the deciding factor when it comes to earning a roster spot.

Edge Rusher 4: Jonathan Garvin and Tipa Galeai

With Randy Ramsey now on IR, the battle for the fourth edge rusher role is officially wide open. With as much playing time as Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary are going to have this season, barring any injuries, the fourth edge rusher won’t see much of the field–which is why OLB coach Mike Smith said that this position battle will likely come down to special teams play instead:

"“To get that fourth spot, you better be damned good on special teams,” said OLB coach Mike Smith. “That’s big shoes to fill. They know that. You’re not going to get that 4th spot at linebacker, you’re going to get it on special teams.”"

It’s not as if the defensive performances from Garvin and Galeai will mean nothing, but pay closer attention to how they perform on special teams–from the sounds of it anyways, that will determine who makes the final roster.