Roster Predictions

Written by Mike Davidsen Tuesday, 31 August 2010 08:18

Over the past couple of seasons, the Packers have faced some tough decisions on which players to keep when it came time to cut the roster down to 53 players. This year is no different, if not even more exciting, with the possibility of a veteran lineman being traded out of Green Bay. Thursday's preseason game should decide the winners of the close competitions and practice squad spots, but here is an early look at who I think will ultimately stick around.

Quarterbacks (2): Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn 

Practice Squad: Graham Harrell 

Out: None 

Comments: I proposed the idea of bringing in a veteran quarterback to go along with the superstar and his apprentice. It's clear now that the Packers would only seek out a veteran QB if Rodgers were actually to be injured and miss significant time. Graham Harrell has been mostly unimpressive throughout camp, but benefits from a running back-less practice squad. 

Running Backs (3): Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, Kregg Lumpkin 

Practice Squad: None 

Out: Quinn Porter (PUP), James Starks (PUP) 

Comments: It's just been announced that Quinn Porter's recent injury is more serious than originally thought, meaning that he could be headed to the IR/PUP list instead of the practice squad. With James Starks' health holding him back until sometime this season, Kregg Lumpkin has gotten the chance to make another case for the Packers' third running back position. He has probably shown just enough to justify a roster spot, maybe with the help of Mike McCarthy's love for big backs. I don't like the idea of John Kuhn filling in as a third halfback and don't think the team will go that route. 

Fullbacks (2): John Kuhn, Korey Hall 

Practice Squad: None 

Out: Quinn Johnson 

Comments: As much as I'd love for Quinn Johnson to make the team, I don't think it happens. Experts make the argument that John Kuhn and Korey Hall are too alike to keep both on the team; unfortunately, it comes down to who can actually contribute on offense and on special teams. Johnson has shown flashes but has probably taken too long to develop and should lose his roster spot to Tom Crabtree. 

Wide Receivers (5): Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Brett Swain 

Practice Squad: Jason Chery 

Out: Patrick Williams, Charles Dillon, Chastin West 

Comments: The receiving corps. features a battle at fifth receiver as well as probably a practice squad spot. For Brett Swain, it's make the roster or not make the team all together. I'd like to think that the Packers would want to retain his special teams services as well as transform him from a project wide receiver into a contributor. After that, the Packers should stash Jason Chery on the practice squad with the option of moving him to the 53-man roster if Will Blackmon's injury hinders his return abilities. An impressive Charles Dillon just misses the roster cut here. 

Tight Ends (4): Jermichael Finley, Donald Lee, Spencer Havner, Tom Crabtree 

Practice Squad: Andrew Quarless 

Out: None 

Comments: Tight end happens to be the most intriguing positional group in terms of roster cuts this year. Ted Thompson recently claimed that the organization would be fine with keeping five tight ends going into the season. While I wouldn't question his word, it makes more sense to try and sneak potent, but raw Andrew Quarless onto the practice squad. Even then, the Packers will still have more tight ends than they're used to keeping on the roster; but with that, have excellent blocking talent and special teams ability. 

Offensive Linemen (9): Scott Wells, Daryn Colledge, Josh Sitton, Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Bryan Bulaga, TJ Lang, Marshall Newhouse Practice Squad: Nick McDonald 

Out: Jason Spitz (traded), Breno Giacomini, Allen Barbre, Chris Campbell

Comments: For the first time in a while, the Packers have more depth than they need on the offensive line and will likely choose to trade a veteran. That veteran is almost guaranteed to be Jason Spitz now that Daryn Colledge has been named the starting left guard for Week 1. This makes all the sense in the world when you consider Spitz's trade value - not to mention the solid amount of depth on the line even without him. The Packers will probably keep a project lineman this year whose name isn't Breno Giacomini. I think undrafted free agent Nick McDonald has shown enough potential in camp to justify a practice squad spot. 

Defensive Linemen (6): B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Cullen Jenkins, Mike Neal, Jarius Wynn, Anthony Toribio 

Practice Squad: C.J. Wilson 

Out: Justin Harrell, Ronald Talley 

Comments: Johnny Jolly's suspension really opened up the picture on the defensive line during training camp. Suddenly it was possible to keep Jarius Wynn, C.J. Wilson and Justin Harrell. That was, of course, if all three of them performed in camp. Justin Harrell spent way too much time on the sidelines or on his rear over the past month to change anyone's mind about him being a liability. For all the talk about what a steal C.J. Wilson was in the seventh round of last draft, he has failed to show much of anything. However, some players just need time to develop and that's why the Packers will try to hide him on the practice squad. Anthony Toribio will probably be the least talented player on the team but is useful to have around when B.J. Raji needs rest late in a game where the Packers are ahead. 

Inside Linebackers (4): Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, Brandon Chillar, Desmond Bishop 

Practice Squad: Robert Francois 

Out: Alex Joseph, Maurice Simpkins 

Comments: Though there is some question to who should start opposite Nick Barnett at inside linebacker, there's really no question on which four linebackers should make the team. The main issue is which no-name linebacker should be stored on the practice squad. The fact that Robert Francois has been around the longest out of the three (likely knowing the system best) benefits him here and earns him the practice squad invitation. 

Outside Linebackers (5): Clay Matthews, Brad Jones, Brady Poppinga, Frank Zombo, (Acquired Player) 

Practice Squad: Cyril Obiozor 

Out: None 

Comments: Outside of Clay Matthews and maybe Brad Jones, the Packers' outside linebackers spell unproven at rushing the passer. That's why I think the player to be received in exchange for Jason Spitz could be an outside linebacker with solid pass rushing experience. Maybe if Brandon Chillar or Cyril Obiozor had stood out more from this spot in camp then the Packers would have traded for a different position. Instead, Chillar proved that he still belongs inside and Obiozor failed to impress in one way or another. I don't think outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene has given up on Obi and expect to see him back on the practice squad again this season. 

Cornerbacks (6): Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Tramon Williams, Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee, Sam Shields 

Practice Squad: None 

Out: D.J. Clark, Jarrett Bush 

Comments: A lot depends on whether or not Al Harris is placed on the PUP list before the season starts. It sounds like Al will be available sometime in September, meaning the Packers wouldn't place him on the PUP and would have to cut another cornerback. Though there's been some speculation that Jarrett Bush could beat out former second-round pick Pat Lee, I think the team cuts ties with the fans' most hated player and gives Lee a chance to shine, now that he's finally healthy. 

Safeties (4): Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Will Blackmon, Derrick Martin 

Practice Squad: Anthony Levine 

Out: Charlie Peprah, Atari Bigby (PUP) 

Comments: The safety picture cleared up when Atari Bigby aggravated a prior injury about a month ago, making him PUP-bound. The only speculation now centers around undrafted free agent Anthony Levine and returning Packer Charlie Peprah. While Peprah has had an above-average preseason, Levine's has been quite modest. Unfortunately for Peprah, Levine has practice squad eligibility and should be placed there to start the season. 

Special Teamers (3): Mason Crosby, Tim Masthay, Brett Goode 

Practice Squad: None 

Out: Chris Bryan 

Comments: When the Packers chose to not bring in competition for Mason Crosby, it was clear that the only exclusively-special teams battle in camp would be at punter between Tim Masthay and former Aussie-rules player Chris Bryan. The competition is as tight as can be, probably going down to who performs better in this week's preseason finale. I liked what I saw out of Tim Masthay last week against the Colts and speculate that he wins the job.

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