A to Z Sports

Former Packers draft pick snags starting job from veteran in final depth chart prediction

By Wendell Ferreira,

8 hours ago

Many things have changed for the Green Bay Packers since our most recent depth chart projection back in May. There is a backup quarterback competition going on, the kicking battle is on but with a different reality , and rookies have a clearer projected role after training camp.

So, right before the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, let's project the Packers 90-man depth chart.

Quarterbacks (3)

Presumed starter: Jordan Love
Backups: Sean Clifford, Michael Pratt

How we got here: Love proved in 2023 that he is the future, so not much to add there. However, the situation behind him is not great. Sean Clifford is still ahead of Michael Pratt, but his tough training camp has opened the door for a change.

Running backs (6)

Presumed starter: Josh Jacobs
Backups: AJ Dillon, Emanuel Wilson, MarShawn Lloyd, Nate McCrary, Ellis Merriweather

How we got here: Jacobs has been brought in to replace Aaron Jones as the primary starter because he's younger and presumably more durable. Dillon wasn't expected to be re-signed, but his market was cold and the Packers decided it was worth it. Emanuel Wilson has had a strong camp and preseason, so he might have surpassed Lloyd (and maybe even Dillon). Lloyd is a third-round pick, but injuries affected his camp. Merriweather and McCrary are camp bodies fighting for a PS spot.

Wide receivers (11)

Presumed starters: Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed
Backups: Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Malik Heath, Grant DuBose, Samori Toure, Julian Hicks, Dimitri Stanley, Jalen Wayne

How we got here: The Packers used six draft picks to get receivers in the last two drafts, so depth is certainly not an issue. Maybe they don't have a clear number 1 or even clear starters, but Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love have taken advantage of that. The big battle here is between Malik Heath and Grant DuBose to determine who the sixth WR is, because that's probably the last 53-man spot.

Tight ends (7)

Presumed starter: Luke Musgrave/Tucker Kraft
Backups: Ben Sims, Tyler Davis, Joel Wilson, Messiah Swinson, Henry Pearson (FB)

How we got here: Gutekunst took Musgrave and Kraft on day 2 last year. Even though it's rare for rookie tight ends to have immediate impact, both played at a high level. Now, the team expects even more , including to allow the staff to utilize both at the same time. Ben Sims is an interesting developmental piece they claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, and Tyler Davis is an impactful special teamer. Joel Wilson has been solid as an all-around player, so he has a strong shot to make the PS. Henry Pearson is a TE/FB hybrid, but since he re-signed last week the Packers have been listing him as a tight end.

Offensive linemen (15)

Presumed starters: Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jordan Morgan, Zach Tom
Backups: Sean Rhyan, Andre Dillard, Jacob Monk, Kadeem Telfort, Travis Glover, Caleb Jones, Royce Newman, Luke Tenuta, Donovan Jennings, Lecitus Smith

How we got here: Since our last update, Jordan Morgan surpassed Sean Rhyan to be the starting right guard, even though a shoulder injury affected his camp and hasn't allowed him to play in the preseason so far. There's strong competition between tackles Kadeem Telfort and Travis Glover for what's probably the last offensive line spot.

Interior defensive linemen (9)

Presumed starters: Kenny Clark, TJ Slaton
Backups: Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, Jonathan Ford, James Ester, Spencer Waege, Keonte Schad

How we got here: The Packers got two day 3 DL last year, and that put them in a more comfortable situation, especially because Karl Brooks had immediate impact as a sixth-rounder. Clark is still the leader of the unit, while Slaton and Wyatt rotate depending on the situation. Unlike last year, it will be rare to see three interior defensive linemen on the field at the same time because of the defense's transition to a 4-3 base.

The Packers didn't add defensive linemen in the draft, but signed UDFA James Ester and claimed Spencer Waege off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers. This week, they added former UFL player Keonte Schad, likely a camp body for the preseason finale.

Edge (10)

Presumed starters: Rashan Gary, Preston Smith
Backups: Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox Jr., Arron Mosby, Keshawn Banks, Brevin Allen, Zach Morton, Deslin Alexandre

How we got here: Gary and Preston are the veterans and leaders - Smith took a paycut to stay. Lukas Van Ness, last year's first-round pick, is expected to grow into the primary backup role, while Kingsley Enagbare is also a roster lock.

Beyond them, there's a competition between Brenton Cox and Arron Mosby for the final edge spot — if there will be a fifth one.

Linebackers (9)

Presumed starters: Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie
Backups: Eric Wilson, Edgerrin Cooper, Ty'Ron Hopper, Kristian Welch, Ralen Goforth, Christian Young, Chris Russell Jr.

How we got here: The Packers made some bad high investments at the position, including taking Quay Walker in the first round and paying big money to extend De'Vondre Campbell. Now Campbell has been cut, and Walker will have to be the primary starter. The Packers invested heavily in the LB position with two day 2 picks, but injuries and not ideal performances have kept Cooper and Hopper out of the starting lineup.

Eric Wilson and Kristian Welch are fighting for a roster spot because they have similar profiles — depth linebackers and core special teamers.

Cornerbacks (9)

Presumed starters: Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon
Backups: Carrington Valentine, Kalen King, Corey Ballentine, Robert Rochell, Gemon Green, LJ Davis

How we got here: Jaire is the star of the unit, and Stokes has solidified himself as the opposite starter ahead of Valentine. Nixon starts in the slot, but Kalen King and rookie safety Javon Bullard will have roles there too. Ballentine had defensive snaps last season, but Rochell is more useful on special teams.

Safeties (7)

Presumed starters: Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard
Backups: Evan Williams, Anthony Johnson Jr., Kitan Oladapo, Benny Sapp III, Zayne Anderson

How we got here: McKinney was a really needed addition and the only player with a secured spot. Throughout training camp, rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams surpassed Anthony Johnson Jr., last year's seventh-round pick, and the situation of the room is much more promising.

Special teams (5)

Presumed starters: Anders Carlson, Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech
Backups: Alex Hale (IPP), Greg Joseph

How we got here: The kicker competition is certainly the lowlight of training camp. I had projected Greg Joseph to make the roster after the second preseason game, but an awful practice on Tuesday might end up being costly for the veteran. I placed Alex Hale over Joseph on the depth chart as the primary backup because he was designated as the International Pathway Program player, so he is expected to be signed to the practice squad without counting against the roster limit, while Joseph is more likely to be out of the team.

Veteran long snapper Matt Orzech has beaten rookie Peter Bowden for the long snapper job, while Daniel Whelan is established as a good punter.