10 New Locks to Make Packers Initial Roster After First Preseason Game

The Green Bay Packers are smack dab in the middle of their information-gaining aspect of training camp. They’ve completed two weeks of practices, have had a joint practice and preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, and still have two joint practices and two exhibition games remaining.

Entering Training Camp, I released a list of 29 players who were locks to make the Packers’ initial 53-man roster on August 29th, when all teams must go from 90 to 53 players. Except for Tyler Davis, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear, the rest of the players on that list are still locks (that would be embarrassing if they weren’t!) and, even more importantly, are still healthy.

Here are the 29 players I initially listed as roster locks:

There were dozens of locks to make the Green Bay Packers’ initial roster entering training camp, and that list has ten new names on it now.

• Jordan Love
• Aaron Jones
• AJ Dillon
• Christian Watson
• Romeo Doubs
• Jayden Reed
• Josiah Deguara
• Luke Musgrave
• Tucker Kraft
• David Bakhtiari
• Elgton Jenkins
• Josh Myers
• Jon Runyan
• Zach Tom
• Yosh Nijman
• Kenny Clark
• Devonte Wyatt
• TJ Slaton
• Colby Wooden
• De’Vondre Campbell
• Quay Walker
• Rashan Gary
• Preston Smith
• Lukas Van Ness
• Jaire Alexander
• Rasul Douglas
• Eric Stokes
• Keisean Nixon
• Pat O’Donnell

As training camp has progressed, adding these ten new players to the roster locks list is safe.

New Additions to Packers Roster Locks

Quarterback: Sean Clifford

The Packers released Sean Clifford’s biggest competition for the backup quarterback job in Danny Etling. Clifford then impressed in the preseason game despite throwing two interceptions. He has the mental makeup and just enough arm talent to turn into a solid backup quarterback during his career.

Wide Receiver: Samori Toure, Dontayvion Wicks

Samori Toure was listed as the starting slot receiver on the first unofficial Packers depth chart, and there’s no way they’d release a 2023 fifth-round pick. Toure is making plays for the offense and could play a nice role for them this season. Meanwhile, Wicks probably needs a bit more time, but is holding his own out there.

Defensive Line: Karl Brooks

The entire defensive line has impressed, with rookie Karl Brooks showing why Green Bay used a sixth-round pick on him. He’s quick off the ball and has been disruptive in training camp.

Edge Rushers: Justin Hollins, Kinglsey Enagbare

Green Bay has a nice rotation on the outside, with Justin Hollins and Kingsley Enagbare joining Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness. Hollins and Engabare will likely round out the bottom of the rotation on game day, but will have some chances to earn more playing time for the future.

Inside Linebacker: Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson

Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson won’t have a huge role on defense unless there’s a significant injury to Campbell or Walker. However, they are special teams aces that Rich Bisaccia will rely on heavily.

Cornerback: Carrington Valentine

Carrington Valentine has been one of the standouts of training camp. The seventh-round pick is showing he’s a diamond in the rough and has been working his way up the depth chart. Green Bay is loaded at cornerback, but Valentine is forcing them to get him on the field.

Safety: Darnell Savage

The safety position is precarious for Green Bay, but it’s past time we moved Darnell Savage into the roster locks category. He’s been running with the ones throughout training camp and the coaching staff hasn’t wavered on him in that role.