The Way Too Early 53 Man Roster Prediction
If we’re going to criticize roster selections later in training camp, we might as well put our money where our mouths are. Here’s our best guess at this year’s final 53 man roster.
Quarterbacks (2)
- Aaron Rodgers
- Brett Hundley
Analysis: There’s no reason for the Packers to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster. Neither of the undrafted rookies in camp would be ready to contribute in an emergency, anyway, and they need time to develop.
Running Backs (3)
- Eddie Lacy
- James Starks
- John Crockett
Analysis: No turnover here. The battle between undrafted running backs will be fun to watch, but ultimately I think the Packers stick with more known quantities.
Fullback Aaron Ripkowski will be called on to replace fan favorite John Kuhn.
Fullbacks (1)
- Aaron Ripkowski
Analysis: This is Ripkowski’s job to lose, but the Packers seem to be keeping their options open with John Kuhn. If Ripkowski doesn’t perform, the fan favorite could be making an appearance.
Tight Ends (4)
- Jared Cook
- Richard Rodgers
- Mitchell Henry
- Kennard Backman
Analysis: The drop off is steep after Cook and Rodgers, and the Packers will have to pick from a group of athletic but largely unproven players to fill out the roster.
Wide Receivers (6)
- Jordy Nelson
- Randall Cobb
- Davante Adams
- Ty Montgomery
- Jeff Janis
- Trevor Davis
Analysis: Although I don’t think it will happen, keeping seven wide receivers isn’t completely crazy. I did several different roster mockups, and depending how many backup linemen the Packers keep, seven receivers is actually pretty feasible. Jared Abbrederis may yet have his day.
Offensive line (8)
- David Bakhtiari
- Josh Sitton
- Corey Linsley
- T.J. Lang
- Bryan Bulaga
- J.C. Tretter
- Jason Spriggs
- Lane Taylor
Analysis: This is the deepest group of linemen I can remember in a long time. Noticeably absent here is Kyle Murphy, the Packers’ sixth round pick from Stanford. I don’t think the numbers help him very much, as the Packers already have Jason Spriggs and J.C. Tretter to fill in at tackle in a pinch. Matt Rotheram also misses the final 53 in this prediction.
Rookie Dean Lowry is projected to join the Packers' defensive line.
Defensive line (8)
- Mike Daniels
- Kenny Clark
- Letroy Guion
- Datone Jones
- Dean Lowry
- Christian Ringo
- Tyler Kuder
- B.J. McBryde
- Mike Pennel (SSPD)
Analysis: Mike Pennel’s suspension both complicates and eases this decision. If he makes the final 53, his roster spot will be open for the first few weeks, giving the Packers, in effect, 54 roster spots. I think they go with another big body like B.J. McBryde while Pennel is away.
Linebackers (10)
- Sam Barrington
- Clay Matthews
- Julius Peppers
- Jake Ryan
- Blake Martinez
- Nick Perry
- Jayrone Elliot
- Kyler Fackrell
- Lerentee McCray
- Manoa Pikula
Analysis: Nothing overly surprising here, although Joe Thomas is nowhere to be found. I think the Packers would like one of their younger players to make him redundant, as he adds little but replacement-level cover skills to the Packers linebacker corps.
Second-year pro Quinten Rollins looks to build off of a successful rookie campaign in the Packers secondary.
Defensive backs (8)
- Sam Shields
- Damarious Randall
- Quinten Rollins
- LaDarius Gunter
- Micah Hyde
- Morgan Burnett
- HaHa Clinton-Dix
- Chris Banjo
Analysis: This is another group that’s going to be difficult for younger players to crack, so don’t be surprised to see a practice squad populated with youthful defensive backs.
Specialists (3)
- Mason Crosby
- Rick Lovato
- Tim Masthay
Analysis: As fun as Peter Mortell seems, Tim Masthay probably keeps his job. Rick Lovato was fine in relief of Brett Goode last year, and there’s no reason to think he won’t hang on to the job barring any meltdowns.