GREEN BAY, WI (WSAU) – With the first regular-season game only a week away, teams across the NFL will begin the process of cutting their rosters from 90 to 53.
The Packers have several close battles all over the roster, notably at safety and on the offensive line. The team has kept their decisions close to the chest, but Packers insiders are beginning to give their takes on who should stay and who should go.
Packers Wire’s Zach Krause had a few surprises on his list, including the Packers cutting preseason star running back Emmunal Wilson and keeping veteran Patrick Taylor. He also predicted that the Packers would keep seven wide receivers and just two tight ends. Undrafted free agent wide receiver Malik Heath has been on the roster bubble all preseason, and Krause now believes that he has become a lock to make the team.
Heath led the Packers receivers in targets throughout the preseason with 16, catches with 12, receiving with 146 yards, and receiving first downs with 8. Another player who Krause believes has earned a roster spot is second-year offensive tackle Rasheed Walker. Walker allowed only two pressures in 143 snaps played and was the NFL’s number-one-rated pass-blocker throughout the preseason.
On the defensive side of the ball, undrafted rookie Brenton Cox Jr. and rookie 7th-round pick Carrington Valentine have been living on the bubble all preseason, but Krause believes they both have done enough to make the 53-man roster. Cox Jr. had a team-high seven quarterback pressures throughout the preseason, including a tipped pass that led to an interception. Meanwhile, Valentine was targeted 15 times throughout the preseason and only allowed six catches for 80 yards. Valentine also recorded a pass breakup in all three games and one INT.
Notable players who will likely get cut or placed on the practice squad include QB Alex McGough, LB Tariq Carpenter, cornerback Corey Ballentine, defensive lineman Jonathan Ford, and offensive lineman Royce Newman.
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