Where Packers positional battles stand before final preseason game
By Paul Bretl
Packers Interior Defensive Line
Competing for a roster spot: Jack Heflin, Chris Slayton, and Jonathan Ford
Like receiver, part of this decision comes down to numbers and whether the Packers want to keep a sixth interior defensive lineman. My thought is that the roster spot can be better utilized elsewhere if the Packers plan to use the sixth lineman in 2022, just as they did a season ago when Heflin saw fewer than 20 snaps on both defense and special teams.
But the play from these three players may force the Packers’ hand. Right now, I would give the edge to Chris Slayton, who has been a little more consistent and also displayed more upside as a pass rusher.
Packers Edge Rusher
Competing for a roster spot and playing time: Jonathan Garvin, Tipa Galeai, La’Darius Hamilton, Kobe Jones, and Kingsley Enagbare
This position group has gained a little bit of clarity, but there are still a lot of unknowns. After Enagbare’s performance over the last two weeks, he seems like a roster lock. Jonathan Garvin also played just seven snaps against New Orleans, which could mean that the Packers have seen enough from him and that he will be on the roster as well.
If this is accurate, that leaves one roster spot available. Kobe Jones has been a core special teams player in multiple phases, which could be the deciding factor. In terms of defensive performance, he, Hamilton, and Galeai have all stood out various times throughout this summer.
Packers Linebacker
Competing for a roster spot: Ray Wilborn and Ty Summers
This is another one of those decisions where neither Wilborn nor Summers may make the team if the Packers choose to keep just four linebackers. It will be up to these two to show that they are deserving of a roster spot.
From a defensive perspective, Wilborn, with his background as safety and athleticism, better fits this Joe Barry system. However, special teams play is going to be what determines who the fifth linebacker is–if there is one. According to PFF ($$), Summers leads the team in special teams snaps while Wilborn is right behind him in second.