A closer look at Packers position battles taking place v. 49ers
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers Cornerbacks
Competing for a roster spot: Rico Gafford, Kabion Ento, and Kiondre Thomas
By my estimation, there is one roster spot available at this position if the Packers roster six cornerbacks, which they have done previously. So far, this is very much Rico Gafford’s job, given his impressive performance on special teams during training camp as he has filled a number of roles–not to mention that he’s made some plays on defense as well.
However, that will have to continue into the preseason. Ento has had some flashes of his own this summer.
Green Bay Packers Safeties
Competing for playing time: Vernon Scott, Shawn Davis, and Dallin Leavitt
Competing for a roster spot: Vernon Scott, Shawn Davis, Dallin Leavitt, Innis Gaines, and Tariq Carpenter
With Darnell Savage sidelined, Vernon Scott has taken the majority of the first team defense snaps next to Adrian Amos, although Shawn Davis has been worked in as well. Meanwhile, Dallin Leavitt appears to be positioned to be one of the Packers’ core special teams players. He has spent his entire NFL career playing under Rich Bisaccia and led the Raiders in special teams tackles last season.
Right now, my guess is that those three round out the safety position, but I just can’t quite consider them locks, even though I think they might be. Also competing for the two or three available roster spots are seventh-round pick Tariq Carpenter and the versatile Innis Gaines. Gren Bay also recently signed Micah Abernathy, but that move may have been made because they are down a player with Savage out.
Green Bay Packers Special Teams
Competing for a roster spot and playing time: Jack Coco
Jack Coco may be the only long-snapper on the roster currently, but as GM Brian Gutekunst mentioned last week, he is also competing with any long-snappers around the NFL who could end up cut prior to the season beginning.