Even though we in the media weren’t allowed to post tweets or blogs on the Packer depth chart or personnel groupings throughout training camp, the regular season is about to commence and by Saturday afternoon, General Manager Brian Gutekunst will complete the always unenviable task of cutting the roster to the final 53 and stocking his practice squad with 16 more names.
It’s the only time I get to play GM so here’s my shot at how the 2020 roster will shape up along with some thoughts on the list.
Quarterback (3)
Aaron Rodgers, Tim Boyle, Jordan Love. Rodgers has looked fantastic, Love has plenty of down the road promise but Boyle should be number two again.
Running Back (5)
Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, Dexter Williams, Tyler Ervin, A.J. Dillon.
The top two will get the bulk of the work again this fall but Dillon merits carries based on his camp. Ervin is primarily the return man on special teams but brings some creativity for the backfield. Dexter Williams was a close call over free agent fullback John Lovett.
Tight End (4)
Marcedes Lewis, Jace Sternberger, Robert Tonyan, Josiah Deguara.
The grand old man will lead three youngsters, Sternberger and Tonyan have to stay healthy and produce when called.
Wide Receiver (6)
Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, Jake Kumerow, Equanimeous St. Brown, Malik Taylor.
One of the most talked about positions in camp with MVS finishing strong. Taylor’s size is intriguing. Solid showings weren’t quite enough for the likes of Darius Shepherd, Reggie Begelton and Malik Turner.
Offensive Line (8)
David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Corey Linsley, Lane Taylor, Rick Wagner, Billy Turner, Lucas Patrick, Alex Light.
Might be a little light here but versatility is the key. Patrick and Turner can play a lot of positions. Light was a close call over draft pick Jon Runyan who along with Jake Hansen and the injured Simon Stepaniak will learn on the practice squad.
Defensive Line (6)
Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster, Kingsley Keke, Montravius Adams, Treyvon Hester.
Adams could be a surprise washout after missing much of camp with a foot injury.
Linebackers (8)
Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Christian Kirksey, Rashan Gary, Tim Williams, Ty Summers, Oren Burks, Kamal Martin.
Martin’s injury was unfortunate, he looks like a keeper. Look out for Williams. Randy Ramsey got hurt late which killed his chances and Tipa Galeai impressed me and should stick on the practice squad.
Cornerbacks (5)
Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Chandon Sullivan, Ka’Dar Hollman, Josh Jackson.
Jackson barely got the nod over Stanford Samuels and DaShaun Amos, it’s a make or break year for him. This group will miss Tramon Willilam’s professionalism.
Safety (5)
Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Will Redmond, Raven Greene, Vernon Scott.
Greene is the new hybrid, in the box helper, Scott and Redmond will be special teams demons.
Specialists (3)
Mason Crosby, J.K. Scott, Hunter Bradley
The “operation” returns intact.
