Packers Roster Bubble Heading Into Training Camp: 13 Players Leaning In

With the start of Green Bay Packers’ training camp just around the corner, anticipation is building among fans and players alike. The first practice on July 26th marks the beginning of training camp where players will fight for their spots on the initial 53-man roster.

As the roster deadline looms on August 29th, the Packers, like all teams, must make tough decisions to trim their roster from 90 down to 53 players. After I reviewed 29 players who have already solidified their spots as roster locks and 12 more are likely to make the team, there are 13 players who find themselves on the roster bubble, teetering on the edge of securing their positions.

These players have shown promise and progress, earning them a slight edge as they lean in on the roster bubble. However, they cannot afford to be complacent and must continue to prove their worth during training camp. The competition will be fierce, and every practice and preseason game will be crucial for their chances of making the final roster.

These 13 players on the Green Bay Packers are on the roster bubble heading into training camp, but are leaning in at this time.

Quarterbacks: Sean Clifford

The Packers surprisingly used a fifth-round choice on Sean Clifford in this year’s draft, as he was projected to be a priority undrafted free agent by many analysts. Clifford doesn’t possess elite physical tools, but is extremely intelligent. It’s that intelligence Green Bay will rely upon to get him through his first training camp and preseason.

Running Backs: Tyler Goodson

Tyler Goodson wiggled his way in with star running back Aaron Jones during offseason practice, earning him valuable compliments from his peer. The coaching staff also liked what they saw from Goodson in Organized Team Activities and minicamp. However, his path to securing a spot on the roster won’t be an easy one. He faces competition from fellow running back Patrick Taylor, and there’s also the Packers’ preference to keep just two running backs on the initial roster, as they did last season. Goodson will have to continue to impress during training camp to solidify his place among the team’s running back corps.

Wide Receivers: Malik Heath, Dontayvion Wicks

If you’ve been following along, you know that Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed were roster locks and Samori Toure was in the likely category. That gives Green Bay four wide receivers already.

However, there are a couple of intriguing players on the bubble who could potentially earn a spot on the final roster. Dontayavion Wicks, a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, dealt with some injury setbacks during OTAs and minicamp but has shown glimpses of his potential.

Another player who has caught the attention of coaches and fans is Malik Heath. Despite not initially being on the radar, Heath’s standout performances have propelled him into the discussion. If he continues to impress and push the other receivers, the Packers may consider keeping six wide receivers on the roster.

Tight Ends: Tyler Davis

Tyler Davis, once an intriguing tight end prospect, finds himself as the fourth tight end on the depth chart entering training camp. That’s likely a fine spot to be in, especially considering two of the players in front of him are rookies.

Offensive Line: Luke Tenuta, Rasheed Walker, Caleb Jones

This is the developmental portion of the Packers’ offensive line depth chart. The Packers have found three intriguing offensive line prospects in Tenuta, Walker and Jones.

With the uncertainty surrounding other linemen, particularly Sean Rhyan, the performance of this trio becomes even more significant. If they continue to show promise and progress during training camp and preseason, there is a real possibility that all three could secure spots on the initial roster.

Linebacker: Tariq Carpenter, Eric Wilson

It will be interesting to see how many linebackers the Packers keep. De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker are locks with Isaiah McDuffie likely to make the roster due to his special teams prowess. Where does that leave Carpenter and Wilson? They are versatile enough to stand out and demonstrate their value in the grand scheme of the Packers’ defense and special teams.

Cornerbacks: Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine

It will be a battle at the bottom of the Packers’ cornerback depth chart. Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes and Keisean Nixon are locked into their spots, leaving Valentine and Ballentine to battle it out. Both players offer intriguing potential if given the appropriate time to develop.

Specialists: Anders Carlson

Anders Carlson is the only kicker on the roster, leading me to believe the roster position is his unless he implodes. During OTAs and minicamp, Carlson showcased the strong leg that caught the attention of the Packers’ scouting team during the draft process. However, what stood out even more was his improved accuracy. Carlson displayed inconsistency in college, and must focus on refining his skills in the intermediate range to validate his draft-pick status in the NFL.