The Packers’ roster goes under microscope
Emphasis will be put on experience
GREEN BAY - If you haven't realized by now, the coronavirus pandemic will loom over every facet of the upcoming NFL season. That includes roster decisions.
Gone are the preseason games.
The basic training camp format will be significantly overhauled as well. Every change leads to the same conclusion: Candidates on the fringe of making the roster now have had their opportunities severely limited.
The lack of preseason will be especially challenging for young players lacking a large sample size of professional film. In the past, such players have found a haven with the Green Bay Packers. Longtime gener
al manager Ted Thompson had a reputation for giving undrafted rookies a genuine shot. It's something successor Brian Gutekunst has continued early in his tenure.
As a result, don't be surprised if roster decisions skew away from the young, developmental prospects in favor of veteran experience, which is reflected in our initial 53-man roster projection below (subject to change if more players join Devin Funchess in opting out).
Quarterbacks (3): Aaron Rodgers, Tim Boyle, Jordan Love.
It might look strange for the formerly undrafted Boyle to be ahead of a firstround pick on the depth chart. And, certainly, there's no guarantee that will be the case by season's end. But early in the season, the lack of spring practice and preseason reps for Love might force the Packers' hand. If the Packers need a spot starter for an injured Rodgers in September, the experience gap between Boyle and Love could be decisive.
Running backs (5): Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, AJ Dillon, Tyler Ervin, Dexter Williams.
The Packers added to their backfield with second-round pick Dillon, and he figures to contribute as a rookie. For one, running backs have among the easiest time of all positions adjusting quickly to the league. For another, it's hard to expect Jones and Williams to again play 96% of snaps, as they did last season. Ervin's real role is as a return specialist.
Tight ends (4): Marcedes Lewis, Jace Sternberger, Robert Tonyan, Josiah Deguara.
The Packers hope Sternberger can develop into a legit threat in the passing game, but don't be surprised if Lewis gets a healthy dose of snaps. It will be interesting to see how Deguara, who can line up as a fullback, figures into the offense.
Receivers (6): Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown, Jake Kumerow, Reggie Begelton.
After failing to produce a pair of 500yard receivers last year for the first time in a 16-game season, the Packers carry mostly the same group into this fall. The big winner of Funchess' decision to opt out might be Begelton, who had 102 catches for 1,444 yards and 10 touchdowns in a breakout 2019 in the Canadien Football League.
Offensive linemen (9): David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Corey Linsley, Billy Turner, Rick Wagner, Lane Taylor, Lucas Patrick, Jon Runyan Jr., Jake Hanson.
The Packers' offensive line is much deeper along the interior than on the outside, but it has blockers who can slide out to tackle in a pinch. Turner, who has started at both tackle spots in his career, is the most obvious choice, but Taylor has been serviceable at tackle in emergency situations and Runyan started two seasons at left tackle in the Big Ten. The guess here is Taylor makes the team for his versatility as much as his experience.
Defensive linemen (5): Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Kingsley Keke, Tyler Lancaster, Montravius Adams.
Similar to the receiver position, the Packers will rely on internal development to improve at a position that needs to be better in 2020. They return the same group that was gashed for 285 rushing yards in the NFC championship game at San Francisco. It's now or never for Adams, the 2017 third-round pick whose tremendous athletic potential has not been met.
Outside linebackers (4): Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Randy Ramsey.
This position again is sparse, at least in quantity. The Packers kept four outside linebackers a year ago, but got away with it because the Smiths' reputation for durability proved true. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has said he wants the Smiths to play fewer snaps, but rather than keeping an extra edge defender on the roster, that could mean Gary simply plays more.
Inside linebackers (4): Christian Kirksey, Oren Burks, Ty Summers, Kamal Martin.
After Kirksey, there are no certainties here. Kirksey replaces departed free agent Blake Martinez as the undisputed leader of the room. Who will emerge to help him? It's a job Burks was drafted in the third round to fill, but he hasn't through two seasons. Don't be surprised if Curtis Bolton pushes for a roster job.
Cornerbacks (6): Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Chandon Sullivan, Ka'dar Hollman, Josh Jackson, Kabion Ento.
You can see the hole left by veteran Tramon Williams' departure. On paper, this is a much thinner position than a year ago, with Sullivan, Hollman, Jackson and Ento (my projected sixth corner) combining for only 1,262 career snaps.
Safeties (4): Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Raven Greene, Will Redmond.
With Amos and Savage, the Packers have an ideal back end to their defense. The question is how much Pettine lines up in the hybrid dime, leaving an extra safety on the field. Greene has been used as a linebacker, while Redmond's versatility can make him a candidate to replace Tramon Williams in the slot.
Specialists (3): Mason Crosby, JK Scott, Hunter Bradley.
Crosby is back for his 14th season. His 13th season was among his best, with Crosby connecting on a careerhigh 91.7 percent of his 24 field-goal attempts. Scott, a big-legged talent, will try to find consistency in his third season.