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

Green Bay Packers 2020 Draft Class

Jake Hanson – IOL

When it comes to the offensive line, as much competition as there may be this summer, by my estimate, I believe only one or two roster spots are available–depending on whether or not Elgton Jenkins begins on the PUP list.

For this exercise, let’s say Jenkins does; that means there are seven locks, which includes David Bakhtiari — and, yes, I’m aware of his knee but I am going to be optimistic — Josh Myers, Jon Runyan, Royce Newman, Yosh Nijman, Zach Tom, and Sean Rhyan.

Hanson was on the 53-man roster last year, although he appeared in only two games in mop-up duty, playing just six offensive snaps along with 13 on special teams.

He provides the Packers with a backup option at center, which out of the healthy players, the only other option is rookie Zach Tom–and even when Jenkins does return, if there is a need at center, it would be more valuable to keep him at right tackle. Hanson has also been taking snaps at right guard early on this summer, providing some additional positional flexibility.

For the record, my guess right now is that Hanson makes the team once again.

Vernon Scott – S

As I wrote recently, there is a wide array of outcomes for Scott this summer. With the Packers having a need for a third safety, that’s a role he could very well fill–out of the safeties on the roster not named Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos, Scott is the only one with defensive snaps in the NFL.

Or maybe Scott makes the roster as he did in 2021 but barely sees the field. However, there is also the very real possibility that he ends up cut as well.

Beyond Amos and Savage, the Packers need someone else at safety who can line up deep if Savage is in the slot as well as a versatile box defender–two things that Scott often did while at TCU, along with playing in the slot.

But with that said, there is going to be less of a need for a third safety with De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker at linebacker, allowing Green Bay to stay in their base nickel more often, which means special teams play is going to be important for Scott and the rest of the safeties fighting for a roster spot.

At this time, it looks like Shawn Davis is the favorite for that third safety role—although there is still a lot to be determined this summer.

Jonathan Garvin – Edge Rusher

As they often have, the Green Bay Packers will likely keep five edge rushers on the 53-man roster, which means three spots are available, with Rashan Gary and Preston Smith being the only two locks.

As I noted in my most recent roster prediction, I do believe that Garvin is one of those five, but as I said at the beginning of this article, I wouldn’t call him a lock either.

Whoever ends up a part of that edge rusher rotation, the Packers need more from those not named Gary and Smith than what they got a season ago–and that includes Garvin.

By PFF’s pass-rush win rate metric, Garvin finished the season ranked 76th out of 121 edge rushers. Then against the run, he ranked 119th out of 133 edge defenders. Special teams play will likely play a role as well in the decision.

Competing with Garvin will be Randy Ramsey, Tipa Galeai, La’Darius Hamilton, Chauncey Manac, Kingsley Enagbare, and Kobe Jones.