Final Green Bay Packers Packers Roster Prediction before Cutdowns
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers preseason and training camp practices are now in the books. The final step before we make our way into the regular season is trimming the roster from 79 players down to 53, which will have to take place before Tuesday’s 3:00 CST deadline.
So for the final time this summer, here is one last roster prediction based on what we know and what we’ve learned over the last week.
Green Bay Packers 53-man roster prediction: QB, RB, and WR
Quarterback (2): Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love
Previous prediction (2): Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love
This is about as easy as it gets.
Running back (3): Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and Patrick Taylor
PUP list: Kylin Hill
Previous prediction (3): Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and Tyler Goodson
There’s no question about it, Tyler Goodson has been the more dynamic running back with the ball in his hands. But as Matt LaFleur has now told reporters on several occasions, this third running back role will come down to pass blocking ability and special teams play.
While Goodson impressed on offense in Kansas City, he also dropped a kickoff attempt, missed a special teams tackle, and was blown back into Jordan Love on pass protection. Patrick Taylor found some success of his own in the run game, averaging 5.0 yards per rush, and he’s also been more reliable in those two key facets.
Wide receiver (7): Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Juwann Winfree
Previous prediction (7): Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers, Romeo Doubs, Juwann Winfree, and Christian Watson
Samori Toure made one heck of a roster push with his performance in Kansas City, but I still give the nod to Juwann Winfree and also don’t see the Packers keeping eight receivers.
Winfree has been a fairly steady presence throughout the summer, which is quite important to Aaron Rodgers, and likely one of the reasons he has continued to speak highly of him. Winfree has also been a starter on both return units and is the better run blocker–which, again, we know is important.