Packers: Predicting outcomes of top 4 positional battles

With most of the Green Bay Packers’ roster spots locked up heading into Saturday’s preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, they were still a few roster battles taking place on the field. Roster battles whose outcomes will greatly influence a number of player’s NFL careers.

The battles began earlier this summer via Organized Team Activities, voluntary practices and then into training camp. From camp, it moved into the public eye via practices that were open to the media, Family Night, and the three preseason games. With all the work completed, let’s make predictions about the outcomes of the Packers’ four biggest roster battles.

The Green Bay Packers had at least four positions locked into tight, competitive battles heading into the final preseason game.

Predicting Packers’ top positional battles: Offensive Line

It’s safe to say the Packers are deep and talented along the offensive line. It’s a position this team has prioritized and continues to add and develop more talent. Locks include Josh Myers, Elgton Jenkins, Royce Newman, and Billy Turner. David Bakhtiari is a question mark as he could begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Let’s assume Bakhtiari starts on the PUP, that leaves five spots open if Green Bay is going to roll with nine linemen. Ben Braden, Lucas Patrick and Jon Runyan are most likely to get three of those spots. For those doing the math at home, that leaves us with two. You can pencil in Yosh Nijman and Dennis Kelly–two guys who can play tackle–in for the last spots. That will leave Cole Van Lanen and Jake Hanson as two guys on the outside looking in.