The Green Bay Packers have finished the preseason and are just one day away from setting their initial 53-man roster for the 2024 NFL season. But who is going to make the team, who will be sent home and who will the Packers try to put on the practice squad? There are some difficult decisions for GM Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur and the rest of the Packers brass. We are now projecting the Packers 53-man roster for 2024. Cuts will be made on Tuesday.
Projecting the Packers 53 Man Roster for 2024, Quarterbacks: (2) Jordan Love, Michael Pratt
The Packers are set with Jordan Love as the starter. Love declared himself ready for the 2024 season after the joint practice with Baltimore on Thursday. The backup battle is a close call, but Michael Pratt should edge out Sean Clifford because Pratt has a higher upside. Clifford may be more ready to play now based on his extra year of experience, however. The Pack will try to keep whichever backup doesn’t make the roster on the practice squad.
Running Backs: (3) Josh Jacobs, A.J. Dillon, Emanuel Wilson. IR, MarShawn Lloyd
Josh Jacobs will be the starter. Emanuel Wilson has earned a roster spot with another strong preseason. Both A.J. Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd are dealing with injuries. The healthier of the two will make the roster, the other will start the season on injured reserve. Right now, it seems like Dillon will be on the active roster first but that could change if his injury is more serious than initially expected. The team will activate Lloyd as soon as he’s eligible and ready.
Wide Receivers: (6) Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Malik Heath
The top four are set with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks guaranteed to make the roster. There are three players in the fight for the final two spots assuming the Packers keep six receivers on the active roster.
Bo Melton recovered from a poor showing in the first preseason game and is likely to make the roster. Malik Heath stood out in the final preseason game and should make the final roster again.
Grant DuBose had a strong training camp and proved he’s an NFL caliber receiver. The Packers could look to trade one of the final three candidates on the roster before the final cuts are made. Samori Toure also looked good in camp and could be a trade candidate or land on the practice squad.
Projecting the Packers 53 Man Roster for 2024, Tight End: (4) Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, Tyler Davis, Ben Sims
Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft are locks to make the roster and will be the most involved with the offense. Tyler Davis is a special teams mainstay who never panned out on offense. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia loves Davis and that means he’s likely to make the roster.
Ben Sims likely edges out Joel Wilson for the final tight end spot on the roster. The Pack will try to stash Wilson on the practice squad if they can.
Offensive Line: (9) Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jordan Morgan, Zach Tom, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk, Kadeem Telfort, Andre Dillard
Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins are set on the left side. Josh Myers will likely be the center with Jordan Morgan and Zach Tom starting on the right side if Morgan is healthy enough to play. Sean Rhyan will be the swing interior lineman and may rotate at right guard. Andre Dillard and Kadeem Telfort will be the backup tackles with Jacob Monk adding depth inside. Look for draft pick Travis Glover and undrafted free agent Donovan Jennings to be strong practice squad candidates if Jennings is healthy enough to avoid IR.
Defensive Ends: (5) Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox
Rashan Gary and Preston Smith will be the starters with Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare as the top rotational players. Brenton Cox should stick as the fifth edge rusher based on the potential he’s flashed. Arron Mosby likely locked up a place on the practice squad with his strong play in the preseason finale. There probably isn’t an open roster spot to keep Mosby on the initial 53.
Projecting the Packers 53 Man Roster for 2024, Defensive Tackle: (5) Kenny Clark, T.J. Slaton, Devonte Wyatt, Colby Wooden, Karl Brooks
This group looks clear cut. Kenny Clark and T.J. Slaton will be the starters in base with Devonte Wyatt replacing Slaton on passing downs. Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks look to earn more time in the rotation in their second season. Jonathan Ford could stick around on the practice squad for his run stuffing ability if he’s still healthy.
Linebackers: (5) Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Edgerrin Cooper, Ty’Ron Hopper, Eric Wilson
Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie and Edgerrin Cooper will likely be the starters although injuries have slowed Cooper during camp. Eric Wilson had a strong camp and may see more playing time on defense. Rookie Ty’Ron Hopper has looked good in preseason and can hit. He’ll likely see more playing time on defense as the season progresses. There probably isn’t enough room for Kristian Welch but he has had an excellent preseason and the team may try to make room to keep the special teams ace.
Cornerbacks: (6) Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine, Kalen King
Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes will be starting. If Stokes remains healthy and returns to his rookie level of play, that will be a big step forward for the team. Keisean Nixon hasn’t been great as the slot corner and may lose some time to some other players. Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine provide experienced depth. Kalen King was inconsistent but showed enough promise to edge out Robert Rochell for the final roster spot.
Projecting the Packers 53 Man Roster for 2024, Safeties (5): Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, Anthony Johnson, Jr., Kitan Oladapo
Xavier McKinney has looked the part since signing as a big free agent acquisition. Both Javon Bullard and Evan Williams have picked up the defense quickly as rookies and both are fighting for playing time. Bullard could also see action against slot receivers. Anthony Johnson, Jr. looks to build on a solid rookie season while Kitan Oladapo showed promise in camp despite missing time due to injuries. Benny Sapp and Zayne Anderson could both make the practice squad.
Special Teams (3): Anders Carlson, Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech
The Packers have a tough choice at kicker as neither Anders Carlson nor Greg Joseph have clearly won the job. Gutekunst may look to sign another kicker shortly after the initial cuts are made. Alex Hale will be on the practice squad as the team’s participant in the International Pathway program. Daniel Whelan continues to punt well and will be back on the roster. Matt Orzech appears to have won the long snapper job and is the only long snapper in camp.
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