Packers roster prediction ahead of final preseason game
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers 53-man roster prediction: IDL, Edge, and LB
Interior defensive line (5): Kenny Clark, Jarran Reed, Dean Lowry, TJ Slaton, and Devonte Wyatt
Previous prediction (5): Kenny Clark, Jarran Reed, Dean Lowry, TJ Slaton, and Devonte Wyatt
The biggest decision at this position is whether the Packers choose the keep a sixth. However, given that the sixth interior defensive lineman — Jack Heflin — rarely saw the field on defense or special teams, that roster spot can be put to better use elsewhere.
Edge rusher (5): Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Jonathan Garvin, Kobe Jones, and Kingsley Enagbare
Previous prediction (5): Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Jonathan Garvin, Tipa Galeai, and Kingsley Enagbare
This position is perhaps still the most unclear, but we have gained a little bit of clarity in recent weeks. With the play of Enagbare, I’m not sure how the Packers could keep him off the roster. Green Bay also played Garvin for only seven snaps against the Saints, which tells me that they’ve seen enough, and he will be on the team.
Ultimatley, I chose Jones over Tipa Galeai and La’Darius Hamilton because he has taken the most special teams snaps so far, according to PFF ($$), including in a number of different phases, while also making some plays on defense as well.
Linebacker (4): De’Vondre Campbell, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, and Krys Barnes
Previous prediction (4): De’Vondre Campbell, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, and Krys Barnes
The four players listed are all roster locks, as Isaiah McDuffie has come a long way in one year. Where I struggled at this position was whether to keep Ray Wilborn as a fifth linebacker, as he is among the team leaders in special teams snaps. But because the safety position is dealing with injuries, which will require some maneuvering, I stuck with four linebackers instead.