Packers roster prediction ahead of final preseason game
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers 53-man roster prediction: CB, S, and Specialists
Cornerback (6): Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon, Shemar Jean-Charles, and Kiondre Thomas
Previous prediction (6): Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon, Shemar Jean-Charles, and Rico Gafford
Gafford has had a hold on that sixth cornerback spot, but it’s hard to ignore the play of Kiondre Thomas as of late. Defensively, he has been better, allowing just one completion on six targets while also performing well against the run. He also is ahead of Gafford in special teams snaps this preseason.
Safety (5): Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Vernon Scott, Shawn Davis, and Dallin Leavitt
Previous Prediction (5): Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Vernon Scott, Tariq Carpenter, and Shawn Davis
Here it is, the position that made this prediction much more difficult because of the injuries that the Packers are contending with.
Scott and Leavitt have both suffered injuries, and we do not know the extent of them–although LaFleur did say that Leavitt would be out a while. So depending on what the diagnoses are, that could change this prediction very quickly.
Prior to getting hurt, Leavitt was expected to be a core special teams player, while Scott was the second safety next to Adrian Amos with Darnell Savage out. If the Packers believe that either — or both — players can return this season, they will put them on the initial roster and then place them on IR.
By going this route, it allows the player to return this season. If either is placed on IR before rosters are set, their seasons are over.
To then make the numbers work out, as well as fill some key needs, my crystal ball tells me that the Packers would add Micah Abernathy to the roster to be the fourth safety and Van Lanen to the offensive line.
Specialists (3): Pat O’Donnell, Mason Crosby, and Jack Coco
Previous prediction (3): Pat O’Donnell, Mason Crosby, and Jack Coco
Jack Coco has held his own in the preseason, and although we don’t know whether Mason Crosby will be ready for the first game, I’ll remain optimistic and put him on the roster. If not, Ramiz Ahmed has performed well since joining the team.