Packers with 2 roster spots available following NFL draft
By Paul Bretl
Over the weekend, the Green Bay Packers added 25 players to their roster. 13 came through the draft and 12 via undrafted rookie additions. They now have 88 of their 90 training camp roster spots filled.
These remaining two spots will most likely be filled following rookie mini-camp, which begins later this week. In addition to the 13 draft picks and 12 undrafted rookies participating, the Packers will invite a number of undrafted and still unsigned rookies to take part in tryouts before eventually signing two of them.
As of now, it is still unclear who the Packers have invited to participate, and they are still likely making additions. So far, we know that LB Jacquez Jones (Kentucky), RB Jamyest Williams (Georgia State), S Javon Scruggs (Liberty), OT Isaac Moore (Temple), Edge Justin Ademilola (Notre Dame), and P Shane McDonough (NC State). For reference, last year, the Packers had 18 players in for tryouts during rookie mini-camp.
Really these final two additions could come from any position group–at this stage, the Packers are prioritizing who is the best player or who has an elite trait. However, linebacker, running back, and interior defensive lineman are three positions where from a numbers standpoint, Green Bay could use another player.
In most instances, the ceiling in the first season for these rookie tryout candidates will be the practice squad. Most, however, will only be here for training camp and the preseason, and they are always on the roster bubble with how often Brian Gutekunst is churning the bottom of the roster.
Having said all of that, Green Bay could still dabble in free agency. Over the weekend, Brian Gutekunst did say that Green Bay wasn’t going to close the door on a return for either Mason Crosby or Adrian Amos. Justis Mosqueda of Acme Packing Co. would also report that there is interest in Marcedes Lewis returning as well.
However, the Packers’ still tight salary cap situation, especially after trading Aaron Rodgers, would require that any one of those players to sign near minimum deals – or Green Bay would have to use void years on the contract – to make it work financially.
Earlier in the offseason, Gutekunst did mention the value of adding a veteran quarterback to backup Jordan Love. But at least for the time being, the Packers will give Sean Clifford and Danny Etling those backup reps before deciding whether or not to make another addition.
Receiver and tight end are two more positions that could use a veteran in the room with all of the inexperience the Packers have, but my guess is that Green Bay takes a similar approach here as they plan to at quarterback.
Rookie mini-camp for the Green Bay Packers will take place May 5th through the 8th.