Just over 24 hours away from the NFL Regular Season roster deadline, I’ll take my run at the Green Bay Packers final 53, giving it my best Gutey.
Quarterback (2)
Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love
Really liked Danny Etling throughout camp but keeping three is a luxury.
Running Back (3)
Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon, Tyler Goodson
Close call between Goodson, who did a lot of great work in the pre-season games and Patrick Taylor who’s had a year in the system. Dexter Williams didn’t have time to move past those two for a second tour of duty.
Wide Receiver (7)
Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins, Amari Rodgers, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Juwann Winfree.
Winfree nudges out Samori Toure who hopefully won’t get claimed and he can re-join the practice squad. It’s 7 receivers and only 3 backs because Rodgers is the ‘tweener. His 3 carries on sweep action against the Chiefs offers clues to what will be more rush attempts by WR’s this fall.
Tight End (4)
Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Tyler Davis, Josiah Deguara.
What was once a crowded field in camp has been whittled down. Look for a lot of TE’s lining up in the backfield serving as the soon to be extinct fullback position.
Offensive Line (9)
David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jon Runyan, Jake Hanson, Royce Newman, Yosh Nijman, Zach Tom, Sean Rhyan.
This could easily go to 10 or even 11 if the big two of Bakhtiari and Jenkins are deemed not ready for prime time on September 11.
Defensive Line (6)
Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Jarran Reed, T.J. Slaton, Jack Heflin, Devonte Wyatt.
The deepest group in a while around these parts. Slaton was a tough cut, he played well.
Inside Linebacker (4)
De’Vondre Campbell, Quay Walker, Krys Barnes, Isaiah McDuffie.
McDuffie’s emergence led to Ty Summers’ early release.
Outside Linebacker (5)
Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Jonathan Garvin, Kingsley Enagbare, La’Darius Hamilton.
The draft pick’s stock was rising as the other reserves only flashed sporadically. This might lead to another team’s cut or cuts to come on board.
Cornerback (5)
Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Rasul Douglas, Keiseasn Nixon, Rico Gafford.
Kabion Ento and Kiondre Thomas weren’t consistent enough to crack the list, just didn’t see the improvement from SJC
Safety (5)
Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Shawn Davis, Dallin Leavitt, Micah Abernathy.
Abernathy, a late add, got my attention, draft choice Tariq Carpenter will hopefully clear waivers and return.
Specialist (3)
K Mason Crosby (assuming he comes off the PUP list by Tuesday morning.
P Pat O’Donnell
LS Jack Coco (but a ready list will be ready.)
Plenty of players to welcome back onto the 16 member practice squad. Among my most likely:
Etling, Toure, Danny Davis, Shemar Jean-Charles, Innis Gaines, Ray Wilborn, Rasheed Walker, Caleb Jones, Carpenter.
