With only one preseason game remaining we take a look at what we think the Packer’s 53-man roster will look like. The key positions are the offensive line and linebackers. The change at quarterback also raises the question of two or three QBs. Here is the Green Bay Packers 53-man roster prediction.
Quarterback – 2
Jordan Love is the heir apparent following three decades of Hall-of-Fame play under center. The backup job seems to be Rookie Sean Clifford’s job. There will be a QB on the practice squad, but only two will be on the 53.
Running Back – 4
Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon were locked in from day one, but the battle behind them has been interesting. RB3 will see most of his time on special teams which would point to Patrick Taylor. Three is typical for Green Bay, but Emmanuel Wilson has shown himself valuable. Wilson will be man number 53 and could miss out if injuries to other positions deem it necessary.
Wide Receiver – 5
No true veterans to ground the receiving core, the Packers have faith in these young guys. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Samori Toure are the easy picks. The last spot will be Dontayvion Wicks. There will be a couple of receivers signed to the practice squad as well.
Tight End – 3
Rookies Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft join Josiah Deguara as the Packers TEs. They are another young but promising group of playmakers. If they do keep four it would be Austin Allen over Henry Pearson, but I think both will be practice squad players.
Offensive Line – 10
David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers and Zach Tom have four of the five spots secured. Jon Runyan Jr., Yosh Nijman, Sean Rhyan, and Rasheed Walker are safe assumptions. Royce Newman will be the ninth. Caleb Jones lands a spot until CB Eric Stokes returns.
Defensive Line – 6
Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and TJ Slaton will be starting up front. Jonathan Ford and two rookies, Colby Wooden, and Karl Brooks, will back them up.
Outside Linebackers – 5
Staples Prestin Smith and Rashan Gary will be joined by rookie Lukas Van Ness, and returners Justin Hollins and Kingsley Enagbare. Enagbare has made the most of his opportunities this summer.
Inside Linebacker – 5
De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker return as starters, while Eric Wilson, Isaiah McDuffie, and Tariq Carpenter contribute significant roles on special teams.
Cornerbacks – 5
Eric Stokes does not count in this number yet, but will obviously be on the roster when healthy. Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Corey Ballentine will hold down the fort for Week 1.
Safety – 5
Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, Rudy Ford, Tarvarius Moore, and Dallin Leavitt round out the Safties in Green Bay this season. As always special team play is a strength of this group.
Special Teams – 3
Anders Carlson will kick unless the Packers add someone who is not currently in Green Bay. Pat O’Donnell gets the nod at Punter. Matt Orzech will long snap. These spots are potentially open if the right guy gets cut from another team, but for now, they make the Packers’ 53-man roster.
Vince is a lifelong Packer fan and host of the Sports Stove Podcast. Follow him on Twitter/X for more Packer opinions, and NFL news.
