There are always surprises in any NFL team’s training camp and the Green Bay Packers are no exception. Since the start of camp, some players have stepped up and others have had disappointing performances. As a result, the Packers find themselves with more depth than expected at certain positions and bigger concerns at others. Here is a look at three positions where the Packers have more depth than originally expected this year and two that remain big concerns after two preseason games.
Packers Position with More Depth 3: Defensive Line
The Packers have gotten some good performances from depth players that has made this position a bit less of a concern this preseason.
Rookie draft picks Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks have picked up the defense quickly and both have made plays during the first two playoff games.
Jonathan Ford is on the roster bubble, but he has looked good against the run and will probably make the roster with another strong preseason game as the team needs help in run support.
Kenny Clark, T.J Slaton and Devonte Wyatt will be the starters. Slaton and Wyatt have continued to flash during camp and the first two preseason games and Clark is a former Pro Bowler who remains the team’s best lineman.
With the rookie draft picks playing well, depth here looks better than originally expected.
Position with More Depth 2: Wide Receiver
This group remains inexperienced but after two preseason games, you can see there is a lot of talent and depth here. The starters are likely to be Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and rookie Jayden Reed.
Malik Heath has had an outstanding camp and preseason and just continues to make plays. Heath adds size and blocking ability to the receiving corps. He is making a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Samori Toure should be back for his second season while rookie draft picks Dontayvion Wicks and Grant DuBose have flashed when healthy.
Suddenly, the Packers seem at least seven deep at this position. Will they be able to continue to get these results against starters in the regular season? That will be the key but there is clearly depth and talent here.
Packers Position with More Depth 1: Edge
Rashan Gary is off the PUP list but has yet to appear in a preseason game. Other players have stepped up and the Packers now look six deep at edge. Preston Smith and Gary are the starters.
Kingsley Enagbare had two sacks in the second preseason game and seems to be more comfortable with multiple moves and strategies to rush the passer as opposed to relying on pure athletic ability.
Justin Hollins remains a solid veteran in the rotation and first round pick Lukas Van Ness is guaranteed a roster spot. Van Ness still has a lot to learn but like Gary, he may not have a large role on the defense in his rookie year. Anything he contributes later in the season is a bonus, but the talent is certainly there.
Undrafted free agent Brenton Cox has flashed pass rush ability and may make the roster. He has gotten pressure in the first two preseason games although mostly against backup players in the second half of games. Keshawn Banks has also made some plays and may earn a spot on the practice squad.
Even if Gary is limited early in the season as he works his way back from last year’s season-ending knee injury, there is more depth here than most experts initially thought.
Packers Area of Concern 2: Tight End
The season-ending injury to Tyler Davis makes this position a question mark. Davis was the best blocking tight end on the roster and his injury happened just after Marcedes Lewis signed with the Bears.
Josiah Deguara will make the team as an H-back/fullback but hasn’t showed a lot in the preseason. Then you’re relying on rookies Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. Rookie tight ends typically struggle but Musgrave certainly has flashed some impressive ability thus far. He still may need time to learn the offense to be effective once the regular season begins.
Austin Allen is the only other tight end on the roster right now. The Packers may look to add a blocking tight end off waivers before the season starts but the depth here seems less impressive than it did before camp started.
Packers Area of Concern 1: Safety
The Packers brought in a few free agents here but none of them have clearly stepped up and claimed the starting job opposite Darnell Savage.
Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford have gotten most of the reps, and both have made a few plays in the preseason but neither has been consistent nor looks ready to start.
Tarvarius Moore has struggled with injuries while rookie Anthony Johnson has showed potential but also made his share of rookie mistakes. Johnson should make the roster but probably isn’t ready for a large role on defense.
Safety doesn’t just lack depth it lacks proven starting talent right now. Could GM Brian Gutekunst sign another player before the season starts to play here? The safety position is the team’s biggest concern entering the final preseason game.
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