Post Family Night Practice Packers 53-Man Roster Prediction
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers completed their annual Family Night practice on Friday evening, which was their ninth training camp practice of the summer.
The last time I made a 53-man roster prediction was right after minicamp took place, and we’ve learned some new things since then. However, a lot can and will still change. As Matt LaFleur told reporters, when it comes to the numerous position battles that the Packers have, they often get sorted out during the preseason, which begins next week.
Here is my best guess at how the Packers’ final roster will shake out, given what we know and have heard up to this point.
Quarterback (2): Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love
Previous Prediction: Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love
This is about as straight forward as it gets. Aaron Rodgers is coming off back-to-back MVP seasons, while Jordan Love’s confidence has continued to grow, and it is showing on the practice field. The third quarterback Danny Etling will end up on the practice squad unless the Packers feel the need to look outside the organization.
Running back (3): Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and Patrick Taylor
PUP List: Kylin Hill
Previous Prediction: Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and Patrick Taylor
We do not know whether or not Kylin Hill will begin the season on the PUP list, but for this exercise, I’m going to assume he does–which means the third running back role is up for grabs.
As I wrote recently, no one has grabbed a tight hold of that job. So, for the time being, I’ll still give the nod to Patrick Taylor because of his fit and well-rounded skill-set–although he is currently sidelined with an injury. Undrafted rookie Tyler Goodson has also closed the gap.
Wide receiver (6): Sammy Wakins, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Amari Rodgers
Previous Prediction: Sammy Wakins, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Amari Rodgers
The first five players listed are locks to make this team, and I would still put Rodgers in that category as well. Although he hasn’t stood out with any major plays, it’s also not as if he is struggling either. Brian Gutekunst would say that the team is “very bullish” on Rodgers, who has taken reps with the first team offense and special teams units.
The big question for me is whether to keep six or seven receivers. My gut for the time being still says six–mainly because between the receivers already on the roster plus the running backs and tight ends; it’s not as if that seventh receiver is going to see a ton of snaps on offense. Special teams will be that player’s path to playing time.
Competing for that potential roster spot is Juwann Winfree, who has taken reps with the ones, and Samori Toure, who had an impressive Family Night performance.