Packers’ 53-man roster prediction after 1st preseason game vs Texans
![GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 14: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on in the second half of a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field on August 14, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 14: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on in the second half of a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field on August 14, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7d1b3042109dc4ad45a4d09d8d402ee8577bf40a8838af80f19f13fc317564be.jpg)
Running backs (3): Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon and Kylin Hill
Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are obvious locks for the roster–the former didn’t suit up against Houston and the latter only played two series. Meanwhile, a furious battle is taking place for RB3 between Kylin Hill and Patrick Taylor (sorry Dexter Williams). Hill may not be a great between the tackles runner, but he’s pretty good in the open field and projects to be their kick returner. That gives him the edge over Taylor who has taken a clear step forward this year. However, don’t be surprised if Green Bay ends up rolling with four backs and keeps Taylor.
Wide Receivers (6): Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers, Randall Cobb and Malik Taylor
With the first five wide receiver spots being locked into place, the sixth spot is up in the air. And one of the most difficult to predict. The top three contenders appear to be Devin Funchess, Malik Taylor and Juwann Winfree.
Funchess was the Packers’ best receiver in their first preseason game so it might be a surprise to see his name not on this list. However, the sixth receiver is unlikely to see much (or any) game action on offense, making his natural receiving abilities less important. The Packers should hope for more performances like what they saw from Funchess and trade him to a wide receiver needy team.
Meanwhile, Winfree missed the contest and Taylor was unable to make an impact in the passing game. However, both players contribute much more on special teams. Whoever wins the battle for one of the starting gunner spots (and gets healthy quickest) could end up making the roster