For the first time in NFL history, teams no longer need to trim their roster down after each week of the preseason, but instead will wait until August 29th to drop their rosters from 90 to 53.

When asked about his opinion on this change, “I just think it gives us a lot more flexibility in terms of how we play guys in the preseason and how we practice people,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur stated, “I’m all in favor for that. If you want to rest some guys in the last week, you’re afforded that opportunity just because you’ve got more numbers”.

The Packers have multiple positions where roster spots are up for grabs. We will get a clearer picture on how things will play out when we see the Packers in action on Friday, August 11th @ Cincinnati, but here is an analysis for each position group, and where players currently stack up.

QUARTERBACKS (2): Jordan Love, Sean Clifford.

CUT: Danny Etling, Alex McGough.

ANALYSIS: There is no doubt that Jordan Love will take the reigns as the Packers starting QB. Things get more interesting for the backup spot, with Sean Clifford and Danny Etling likely to duke it out. Clifford, a 5th round rookie, will seemingly to get the nod over the 29 year old Etling.

In previous years there may be a case for the Packers rostering a third QB to offset the inexperience, but a new rule passed by NFL owners will allow teams to suit up a third quarterback on gameday without using up a spot on the active roster.

Keep an eye out for Etling and McGough this preseason to see who can secure a spot on the practice squad.

RUNNINGBACKS (3): Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon, Lew Nichols III.

CUT: Patrick Taylor, Tyler Goodson, Emanuel Wilson, Henry Pearson.

ANALYSIS: There is no doubt that the fan favorite lightning and thunder combination of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon will commandeer the majority of snaps in 2023, with the pair forming one of the better runningback duos in the NFL.

Lew Nichols III, a 7th round draft pick in this years draft out of Central Michigan, is finally healthy after an injury riddled year in 2022. Nichols had a stellar 2021 campaign, averaging a whopping 142.2 yards per game.

Patrick Taylor enters his third season with the Packers and saw just 10 carries last season. Taylor has always shined in the preseason and has proven to be a solid special teams contributor. He will be on the backfoot, as the Packers will likely choose the route of youth. One should not count out his pass catching ability and special teams prowess especially since those are two things the Packers value greatly.

Tyler Goodson begins his second season with the team after spending all of last year on the practice squad. Goodson showed flashes last year in the preseason and will look to replicate that. He will likely have a chance at making the practice squad again this year but is unlikely to get the nod over the rookie, Nichols.

WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Samori Toure, Grant DuBose.

CUT: Bo Melton, Jeff Cotton, Cody Chrest, Jadakis Bonds, Malik Heath, Duece Watts.

ANALYSIS: Perhaps one of the most exciting position groups for 2023, barring any significant injuries, is the wide receiver room which appears to be rather straight forward for the Packers to evaluate as they seem poised to keep all 6 draft picks from the previous two seasons.

Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs both impressed last year and will look to solidify themselves as WR1 and WR2. Samori Toure received praise over many different occasions last year from coach LaFleur and former QB Aaron Rodgers and will look to capitalize on more playing time with the departures of Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard.

Second round rookie Jayden Reed has drawn many comparisons to a young Randall Cobb and has the inside track to becoming the Packers slot receiver. Wicks and DuBose have battled through injuries in training camp but both have massive upside and will look to impress in preseason.

Malik Heath, a UDFA signing in May, provides an interesting option. He fits the mold of a big, physical receiver that the Packers always covet and has received positive comments from Matt LaFleur throughout camp. It will be tough for Heath to pierce the top 6 but it is certainly possible that the Packers may choose to roster 7 receivers instead of the standard 6. Otherwise, look for Heath to be a practice squad candidate.

TIGHT ENDS (4): Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, Josiah Deguara, Austin Allen.

CUT: Tyler Davis, Camren McDonald.

ANALYSIS: The Packers will most certainly roll with their rookie second and third round tight ends Musgrave and Kraft. Musgrave has received the most reps with the first team offense and has the physical tools to be a monster in the league if he can sure up his catching, and stay on the field.

Kraft has great athletic ability and will be featured a lot in run blocking and the quick pass game. The Packers will look to get the ball into his hands quickly and let him do the rest.

Deguara enters the season as the most experienced, but has only 39 career receptions. This is effectively Deguara’s second season, after his rookie season was lost due to a torn ACL. He served as a H-back last year, but I would like to see him contribute more as a tight end. This year will be a make or break season for the tight end out of Cincinnati.

Every year we have a surprise player or two make the roster, and this year it may be Austin Allen. The tight end out of Nebraska stands at a whopping 6’8″. Allen is a developmental player who is worth taking a flyer on. He lacks speed and technique, however he has all the tools to become a Marcedes Lewis replacement in the run blocking game, and a solid red zone threat. I may be a bit optimistic about him getting onto the 53, but I fully expect him to at least make the PS, and be a possible contributor in years to come.

Tyler Davis will need to impress in preseason. He looked good last preseason and is a decent blocker, but he received many opportunities in the passing game last year and didn’t capitalize on them, which was much to the ire of Aaron Rodgers. However, Davis and can still be a solid player on this team if he can be more consistent.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9): David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jon Runyan Jr, Zach Tom, Yosh Nijman, Sean Rhyan, Royce Newman, Caleb Jones.

CUT: Rasheed Walker, Jake Hanson, Chuck Filiaga, Jean Delance, Kadeem Telfort, Luke Tenuta.

ANALYSIS: Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, and Tom are slated to be the starting 5 offensive linemen for the Packers.

Nijman first signed with the Packers 5 years ago and spent the first couple years on the practice squad before getting his shot as a starter in the wake of the Bakhtari and Jenkins injuries. Nijman was the starting right tackle but was replaced by Zach Tom towards the end of the season. Nijman will battle with Tom for the right tackle spot but is slated to start the season as one of the best swing tackles in the NFL.

It will be a make or break preseason for Royce Newman and Jake Hanson. Newman showed great promise in camp and preseason as a rookie in 2021 while starting 16 games. He was moved out to right tackle to start last year due to injuries, and eventually slid back inside to guard where he struggled mightily before being benched. That being said, the third year man out of Mississippi will likely get one more season to prove himself. As for Hanson, he began last year as the starting right guard but was quickly benched for poor play and only played 8 snaps the rest of the season. He does provide C and G flexibility but he will need to show immense improvement to make the roster. It might appear to be the end of the road for the 2020 6th round pick.

Sean Rhyan will look to bounce back and put an end to the Packers streak of awful third round picks. The man out of UCLA was highly-touted coming out but quickly faded and never sniffed the field before being suspended for PEDs (which didn’t enhance his performance). That being said, he is afforded the luxury of being a second year player, and as a third rounder, is unlikely to be cut. Let’s hope he can get back on track.

Caleb Jones enters his second season and the 6’9″ tackle has the size that makes one daydream about what he COULD become. He started last year at 370 pounds but has reportedly dropped down to 335 which should allow him to be quicker on his feet and more agile, which were two key issues for him. If the Packers choose to keep 9 linemen, it is likely between Walker and Jones for the final spot, but I have them giving the edge to Jones for his upside and also because that would keep him from getting signed off waivers elsewhere.

Rasheed Walker was a 7th round pick last year and was only active for one game. To put it bluntly, Walker is a project and will likely need another year of development before he can compete for a starting job. He will have to show some promise in the preseason to warrant a roster spot, because the Packers do like his upside and flexibility that the 6’6″ tackle prospect possesses. If the Pack choose to keep 10 linemen he will make it but Green Bat may try and stash him on the practice squad.

The Packers claimed Luke Tenuta off waivers back in October. He is currently on the outside looking in but the team currently rosters a plethora of fringe offensive linemen, meaning Tenuta has a great opportunity to stand out and make the 53 with an impressive camp and preseason.

DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, T.J. Slaton, Colby Wooden, Karl Brooks, Jonathan Ford.

CUT: Chris Slayton, Antonio Moultrie, Jason Lewan.

ANALYSIS: Two time pro bowler Kenny Clark will once again headline the Packers defensive line with 2022 first rounder Devonte Wyatt slated to see a boost in snaps with the departure of Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry in free agency. The second year man out of Georgia graded out well in limited action last year.

T.J. Slaton enters year three and has shown flashes as a solid run stuffer and will likely start the season third on the depth chart ahead of rookies Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks. However, he will need to show improvement to earn playing time over the rookies.

The sixth spot is wide open for the taking. Chris Slayton has bounced around many practice squads during his time in the league, and Moultrie and Lewan are both UDFAs who will look to prove themselves. I give the edge to Jonathan Ford, who was inactive for all 17 games last year as a rookie, but this spot on the roster is truly up for grabs.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS (5): De’Vondre Campbell, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Brenton Cox Jr, Eric Wilson.

CUT: Tariq Carpenter, Jimmy Phillips.

ANALYSIS: The Packers signed De’Vondre Campbell late in free agency back in 2021, and he went on to earn first-team All-Pro honors. He took a small step back in 2022, but is a critical member of this defense and its success. Second year man Quay Walker showed a lot of promise in his rookie year, but it was over shadowed by two separate unacceptable instances where he shoved another teams personnel. Nevertheless he will look to get his emotions in check and build upon a promising rooking season.

Isaiah McDuffie was a 6th round pick in 2021. He played in all 17 games last year and proved that he can come off the bench and play meaningful snaps effectively. Look for him to continue to grow and step in if needed.

After suffering season ending losses due to special teams blunders MULTIPLE times over the past decade, the Packers went out and hired Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia to coordinate the unit. It didn’t take long for fans to notice a major difference, especially after the mid-season signing of Eric Wilson off the Saints practice squad. Wilson won’t see much action, if any, on defense, but is a lock to make the roster due to his special teams prowess, where he ranked as the best special teamer in the league last year, via PFF.

The last spot will likely come down to Tariq Carpenter, a safety turned linebacker, who is an excellent special teamer, and UDFA Brenton Cox. I give the edge to Cox who was a top 20 recruit in 2018 and started 13 games as a true freshman for Georgia before being dismissed after an arrest for marijuana possession. He then received the honor of wearing the #1 jersey for Florida and played excellently before being dismissed again. If he can put his off field struggles behind him, he has all the tools to be a great player in the league. I believe the Packers have a great staff with a veteran linebacker room who can help him stay out of trouble.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (5): Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Justin Hollins.

CUT: La’Darius Hamilton, Kenneth Odumegwu, Keshawn Banks.

ANALYSIS: The outside linebackers room is pretty much set in stone, barring any injuries. Rashan Gary headlines, and seems poised to return week 1 from his ACL tear. Veteran Preston Smith will hold down the other side, while rookie Van Ness likely to get many opportunities, especially if the Packers are careful with Gary’s snap counts early.

Second year 5th rounder Kingsley Enagbare impressed as a rookie, ranking 4th out of 32 rookie pass rushers with a 17% pressure rate. He and Justin Hollins, who the Packers claimed off waivers from the Rams last year, will give the Packers excellent depth, and allow them to rotate in and out, keeping everyone well rested and healthy.

It will be difficult for La’Darius Hamilton, who has played in 7 games the last two years, to make the roster. Kenneth Odumegwu was allocated to the Packers on May 4th from Nigeria as part of the NFL International Player Pathway program. He will likely be a practice squad player who the Packers will hope to develop over time.

CORNERBACKS (5): Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine.

CUT: Shemar Jean-Charles, Kiondre Thomas, Corey Ballentine, Tyrell Ford, William Hooper.

ANALYSIS: Much like the outside linebackers, the Packers cornerback room is one of the deepest in football. Jaire Alexander is one of the best corners in the league, and Rasul Douglas has proven to be a game changer since signing with the Packers mid season in 2021.

It remains to be seen if former first round pick Eric Stokes will be ready to go week 1 or if he will start the season on the PUP list. Keisean Nixon, last years first-team All-Pro kick returner, will be a lock for the roster with his electric returning ability, but he can also be a suitable slot corner, and figures to have a special package of plays on offense.

Carrington Valentine, a seventh round pick this year will have the inside track to the final spot, while Jean-Charles and Ballentine will need to show significant improvement if they want to make the roster. Kiondre Thomas had a great camp and preseason last year, and made the practice squad. He will look to build on that and make a run at a spot on the 53, especially if Stokes is not ready to go.

SAFETIES (5): Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford, Dallin Leavitt, Anthony Johnson Jr, Tarvarius Moore.

CUT: Innes Gaines, Jonathan Owens, Benny Sapp.

ANALYSIS: Darnell Savage will play this season on the 5th year option, and it will be a true make or break year. Savage showed great promise in 2019 and 2020, before struggling in 2021 and eventually being benched in favor of Rudy Ford in 2022. With the departure of Adrian Amos, Savage will have one more opportunity to prove himself and showcase his talent.

Rudy Ford was brought in as a special teams ace, but flashed great ball skills at safety and will likely start the season alongside Savage. Dallin Leavitt was brought in with Bisaccia to be a special teamer and was re-signed for this year meaning he is unlikely to cut with the focus the Packers are putting on special teams.

One of the most exciting draft picks by the Packers was Anthony Johnson Jr who somehow fell to the 7th round. He won’t begin the season as a starter, but don’t be surprised if he finds the field consistently sooner rather than later and is one of the steals of the draft.

The final spot in the safety room is a tough one. The Packers signed two veterans, Tarvarius Moore and Jonathan Owens. Moore has been an excellent special teamer for the 49ers and fits right in with what Bisaccia is building for his unit. Owens started 17 games for the Texans last year, and is best known for being married to Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, making Owens already a fan favorite. It will likely come down to who is better at being a special teamer AND defender. As awesome as it would be to have Simone Biles cheering on the Packers, the reality is the Packers didn’t give Owens any guaranteed money when they signed him, meaning it costs them nothing to release him. There could be a world where both make the roster, but right now all signs point towards Moore getting the nod.

SPECIALISTS (3): Anders Carlson, Pat O’Donnell, Matt Orzech.

CUT: Daniel Whelan, Broughton Hatcher.

ANALYSIS: Orzech and O’Donnell are likely to be locked in. However things may get interesting at kicker. The Packers let go of their career scoring leader, Mason Crosby, and drafted Anders Carlson in the 6th round. Anders is the younger brother of Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson, who is an absolute stud. However, it has been reported that the younger Carlson has been struggling mightily in training camp.

Mason Crosby has said he is staying in shape in case an NFL team comes calling, but I figure the Packers will roll with Carlson. There will be struggles at times, much like Mason Crosby had in 2012(63.6% FG%), however they were rewarded for their patience. I expect the Packers to ride with Carlson through the struggles, and only contemplate a change if things get REALLY bad.

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment down below, or let us know on Twitter @WeLikeSportzPC what you think!

– Zachary Lory

Follow me on Twitter for more sports content @Swervin32_

*Photo courtesy of DairylandExpress