UDFA’s Position Plays Key Role in if They Make the Packers

The Green Bay Packers have a rich history of undrafted rookies, not only making the team in their first NFL season but a number of them going on to play significant roles throughout their careers as well.

The two most notable undrafted rookies on the current Packers roster are Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan–although neither began their careers as members of the Packers, each was developed here in Green Bay. Others throughout the years include Krys Barnes, Sam Shields, Ryan Grant, and John Kuhn, among many others.

Of course, in order for any undrafted rookie to make the team in their first season, it all begins with their performance on the field during training camp and the preseason. However, another major factor is what position they play.

For example, the ceiling for wide receiver Danny Davis this summer is likely the practice squad. Although the Packers’ wide receiver room has its question marks, it’s a crowded unit.

If Green Bay chooses to roster six receivers, which is the most that they have under Matt LaFleur on the initial 53-man, one could easily argue that each roster spot is already accounted for by Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Sammy Watkins.

This list obviously doesn’t include Samori Toure, Juwann Winfree, or Malik Taylor–making Davis’ path to the roster a nearly impossible one.

Along the offensive line is a similar story. If the Packers roster nine offensive linemen as they have in each of the last three seasons, seven of those roster spots belong to David Bakhtiari, Yosh Nijman, Jon Runyan, Royce Newman, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan, and Zach Tom. That figure then jumps to eight when Elgton Jenkins is healthy and available.

Jake Hanson, Cole Van Lanen, and Rasheed Walker are the likely front-runners for that final roster spot or two–again, making things very challenging for UDFAs Caleb Jones, Cole Schneider, and George Moore.

The same could be said for the interior defensive line as well. We already know who will make up the Packers’ five-man defensive line rotation, which could end up being how many players they roster at that position. But even if they keep six, Jack Heflin, who was on the roster last season, along with Jonathan Ford, one of Green Bay’s seventh-round picks, are likely the favorites for that role.

Those are the most obvious examples where from a sheer numbers perspective, the UDFAs at those positions are already facing an uphill battle to make the team before they even step foot on the field.

However, the two most likely positions where a 2022 undrafted rookie could make the initial squad is at edge rusher and safety.

Outside of Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, I would say that the final three roster spots are available, which gives Chauncey Manac a more clear path to the final 53 than the UDFAs at the previously mentioned positions.

The safety position is similar to edge rusher, with two or three spots available depending on whether the Packers choose to roster four or five players there. At this point, I would consider Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos the only locks — although Shawn Davis made a good impression during offseason programs– which gives Tre Sterling a path to the final roster if he can perform well.

The three positions somewhere in the middle include linebacker, running back, and cornerback–where there is likely one roster spot up for grabs with possibly a second one available as well.

At linebacker, the Packers will have to choose between keeping four or five players on the roster. If they keep four, then only one spot is up for grabs, with De’Vondre Campbell, Quay Walker, and Krys Barnes being locks. UDFAs Caliph Brice and Ellis Brooks will have to find ways to jump Ty Summers, Isaiah McDuffie, and Ray Wilborn for that final roster spot or two.

I included running back in this group because we don’t know when Kylin Hill will be available or if the Packers will roster three or four running backs, which could, at most, mean that two roster spots are available until Hill returns.

However, on the flip side, if the Packers roster three, there may be very little opportunities for Tyler Goodson or BJ Baylor to make the team depending on how quickly Hill is available. I also wouldn’t forget about Patrick Taylor, who has experience and is a good fit for this system.

Then at cornerback, Eric Stokes, Jaire Alexander, and Rasul Douglas are locks, with Keisean Nixon and Shemar Jean-Charles being what I believe to be heavy favorites for two more spots. If this is how things play out and the Packers keep six cornerbacks once again, that leaves UDFA Raleigh Texada to battle it out with Rico Gafford, Kabion Ento, and Kiondre Thomas for that sixth cornerback role.

At the end of the day, performance is king, but if there simply isn’t room on the roster or the UDFA has to jump three, four, or even five experienced players to earn a roster spot, their odds of making the team — even if they play well — are greatly diminished.