The Power Sweep

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Who's NOT Getting Cut?

In theory, everyone on the Packers’ 90-man roster right now has a shot to be a part of the final 53-man group.

In practice, that’s hardly the case.

More than half the Packers’ roster spots are already spoken for, and some position groups are almost entirely settled even though training camp is barely 24 hours old.

Bearing in mind that Josh Sitton would have been on this list a year ago, here are the players we consider “safe” heading into this year’s training camp.

You can also check out our predictions (from both Jon and Gary) as to who else will end up on the roster.

QB - Aaron Rodgers, Brett Hundley

This group needs no explanation. Both players will be on the final roster barring injury.

RB/FB - Ty Montgomery, Aaron Ripkowski

Despite three draft picks in this group, only Montgomery and Ripkowski are truly safe. No new running back was acquired before the fourth round, and the sheer number of new bodies means unless you have an established track record (short though it may be), your spot is not settled.

WR - Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb

Cobb’s contract keeps him off the roster bubble, but beyond that competition is going to be fierce behind the top three receivers. No other receiver was drafted higher than the fifth round, landing even Trevor Davis and DeAngelo Yancey in the danger zone.

TE - Martellus Bennett, Lance Kendricks, Richard Rodgers

Richard Rodgers is clearly the least safe of these three, but even so, one has to think he’s a pretty safe bet to end up on the 53. Barring an overwhelming push from an undrafted free agent, Rodgers is in.

OL - David Bakhtiari, Lane Taylor, Corey Linsley, Jahri Evans, Bryan Bulaga, Jason Spriggs

The five projected starters and the top backup at both tackle spots are the only completely safe offensive linemen. Even the well-regarded Don Barclay could be unseated with a good push from a player with higher upside.

DL - Mike Daniels, Ricky Jean Francois, Dean Lowry, Kenny Clark, Montravius Adams

Despite not being a major highlight of the roster, this position group is surprisingly firm already. If not for his suspension to start the season, Letroy Guion would probably be considered completely safe as well since he apparently has more lives than a herd of cats.

OLB - Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Vince Biegel, Kyler Fackrell, Jayrone Elliott

Kyler Fackrell and Jayrone Elliot would probably be on bubble watch in almost any other year, but given the state of the outside linebacker position, they’re as good as locks.

ILB - Jake Ryan, Blake Martinez, Joe Thomas

On the one hand, this isn’t the highly talented group of inside linebackers Packers fans have been hoping for. On the other, it’s a solid group with little reason to expect turnover.

CB - Damarious Randall, Kevin King, Davon House

Behind the de facto number one cornerback, this year’s top draft pick, and a rare free agent signing, there’s going to be a free for all.

S - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Morgan Burnett, Josh Jones

Though Kentrell Brice and Marwin Evans have a good shot at making the roster, they’re hardly locks. These three are in without hesitation.

Specialists - Mason Crosby

While it’s true Justin Vogel and Derek Hart have no competition right now, Tim Masthay thought he was the last man standing last year too. Things could change fast in this group.