7 Former Packers Draft Picks Fighting for a Roster Spot this Summer

When it comes to discussing and predicting what the Green Bay Packers’ initial 53-man roster is going to look like late summer, we know that a majority of the roster spots are already accounted for. If I were to guess, I would say the low end is 40, and the higher end is 45.

Of those who will be competing for a roster spot, many are former or current undrafted players, but some are going to be former draft picks made by Brian Gutekunst–and it’s those players that we are here to discuss today.

Now, a few caveats before we dive in–as mentioned, I’m only taking a look at Gutey’s draft classes, and I will begin with 2019 since Jaire Alexander is the only member of the 2018 class still left on this 90-man roster.

Also, I’m not going to include the 2022 rookie class, even though none of the seventh-round picks are guaranteed roster spots. Lastly, the criteria to make this list is that I simply don’t think the player is a lock to make the roster–although they very well could be a favorite to do so.

Green Bay Packers 2019 Draft Class

Ty Summers – LB

Only four members of the 2019 draft class remain Green Bay Packers–Rashan Gary, Darnell Savage, Elgton Jenkins, and Ty Summers.

Summers hasn’t seen the field defensively a ton over his career, and that will remain the same this season if he makes the team. De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker will dominate the playing time while Green Bay still has Krys Barnes to lean on — specifically against the run — when needed. Also, when Summers has been on the field defensively, he has taken his lumps, especially in coverage.

With that said, Summers has made the team each year because of his play on special teams. He has finished top-4 in special teams snaps each year and top-5 on the team in tackles, per PFF ($$). Once again, this will be his path to making the initial 53.

However, while experience is important, this is a Packers special teams unit that was the worst in football last season and has routinely ranked in the bottom-third in special teams rankings for a decade-plus.

While that certainly doesn’t all fall on the shoulders of Summers by any means, change is needed, and that could mean relying on new players. Also, having a new coordinator in Rich Bisaccia, who comes with a new scheme and teachings, levels the playing field a bit in terms of experience because what is being taught is brand new to everyone.

Competing with Summers for that final roster spot or two will be Isaiah McDuffie, Caliph Brice, Ray Wilborn, and Ellis Brooks.