Packers 53-man roster projection: Where do the players stand after OTAs and minicamp?
Many jobs remain in the air, and the Packers' decision-makers have not finalized any choices. However, that doesn't mean every player competing for an open role has an equal shot at it.
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Like the rest of the NFL, the Green Bay Packers have no official on-field activities scheduled until training camp kicks off in late July. Many jobs remain in the air, and the team's decision-makers have not finalized any choices at this point in the process. However, that doesn't mean every player competing for an open role has an equal chance to land it.
Today's edition of The Leap looks at where the players stand following organized-team activities and mandatory minicamp.
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Quarterback (2)
Starter: Jordan Love
Depth: Malik Willis
No surprises here. Jordan Love will serve as the Packers' starting quarterback for the third consecutive year while Malik Willis will handle backup duties again. Perhaps Green Bay gets a trade offer for Willis if another team's starter goes down during training camp or the preseason.
Running back (3)
Starter: Josh Jacobs
Depth: MarShawn Lloyd, Emanual Wilson
Again, no surprises. Josh Jacobs comes off a stellar first season in Green Bay and, health permitting, will have a similarly large role in the offense in 2025. MarShawn Lloyd essentially redshirted as a rookie, but the coaching staff still sees him as the explosive element the running attack needs to reach its potential. Emanuel Wilson once again seems like the forgotten man in the rotation, but his efficiency as a rusher should give him the edge for a roster spot.
Wide receiver (6)
Starters: Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden
Depth: Malik Heath, Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams
Despite Christian Watson's apparent progress back from his torn ACL, he will start the season on the PUP list. As for the rest, the arrival of the two 2025 draft picks should have a material impact on the unit's complexion. Matthew Golden won't necessarily replicate Watson's role, but he can provide a similar degree of verticality to the passing game. Romeo Doubs, at least barring a trade, should remain Love's safety blanket on third downs and in the red zone while Jayden Reed appears likely to handle slot duties again.
That doesn't necessarily mean that Dontayvion Wicks can't force his way into a prominent role, however. Wicks led the Packers in targets a season ago and remains the best separator in the receiving corps. If he demonstrates more reliable hands, he could push Doubs into a smaller role. Green Bay's coaching staff might go into the year without a defined plan for Savion Williams, allowing his progress to dictate how much work he sees from scrimmage. Malik Heath provides special-teams value and can play in a pinch.
Tight end (4)
Starter: Tucker Kraft
Depth: John FitzPatrick, Luke Musgrave, Ben Sims
The Packers envision a larger role in the passing game for Tucker Kraft in 2025. Even if that doesn't ultimately transpire, he'll still handle the lion's share of the work at tight end. Luke Musgrave should see plenty of action in two-tight-end sets, or he will if he can stay off the injury report. The others, Ben Sims and John FitzPatrick, will have sizable roles on special teams.
Offensive line (10)
Starters: LT Rasheed Walker, LG Aaron Banks, C Elgton Jenkins, RG Jordan Morgan, RT Zach Tom
Depth: Anthony Belton, Travis Glover, Donovan Jennings, Jacob Monk, Sean Rhyan
The Packers wanted to address the quality of both the starting offensive line and the depth behind it. They appear to have done so with the starters, as the arrival of Aaron Banks allows Elgton Jenkins to slide over to the pivot, a significant on-paper improvement over last year's guard-center combo. Whether Jordan Morgan can beat out Rasheed Walker at left tackle remains entirely uncertain, but he could still realistically provide an upgrade at right guard where Sean Rhyan has played well but not exceptionally.
As for the backups, the Packers will have more options if nothing else. At least one of Morgan, Rhyan, or Walker will end up on the bench, and the latter two have significant starting experience. The mammoth Anthony Belton offers considerable promise, but whether he finds his footing at tackle or guard remains unknown. The rest of the group has practiced and/or played at multiple spots along the offensive line.
Defensive tackle (5)
Starters: Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt
Depth: Warren Brinson, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden
Everyone knows that the Packers need Kenny Clark to bounce back from his disappointing 2024 and Devonte Wyatt to handle a larger role this season. Clark recently revealed that he battled through a significant foot injury for all of last year and subsequently underwent surgery, suggesting that at least some of his production drop-off stemmed from his health. Wyatt will have to play more and maintain his level of play as a pass rusher, but he'll also need to take steps as a run defender.
The next biggest question for the group centers on nose tackle. T.J. Slaton departed in free agency, and the Packers hope to replace him with one of the Georgia rookies they acquired this offseason. Warren Brinson, the team's sixth-round pick in April, should have the inside track over undrafted free agent Nazir Stackhouse. Still, one of them will need to step up to handle Slaton's role as an interior run stopper.
Defensive end (6)
Starters: Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness
Depth: Brenton Cox Jr., Kingsley Enagbare, Collin Oliver, Barryn Sorrell
Outside of the rookies, this group will look the same as a year ago. The Packers believe Lukas Van Ness can become a capable starter in his third season, but they don't have much of a backup plan if he doesn't make that progress. Brenton Cox Jr. has flashed potential, and Kingsley Enagbare remains a solid-if-unspectacular defensive end. However, neither can offer Van Ness' ceiling.
As for those rookies, Barryn Sorrell seems better situated to make an impact in 2025. His size -- 6-foot-3, 256 pounds -- and play style lend themselves to Green Bay's defense. And unlike Collin Oliver, Sorrell's role seems clearer. That said, depending on any Day 3 pick in Year 1 represents somewhat of a gamble.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker
Depth: Ty'Ron Hopper, Isaiah McDuffie, Isaiah Simmons
The names at linebacker look largely the same as a year ago, but the outlook has totally changed. Edgerrin Cooper comes off a stellar rookie year and finished the season as arguably the Packers' most impactful defender at any position. Quay Walker showed signs that he finally turned the corner, providing the defense with an imposing combination at linebacker. Isaiah McDuffie will factor into special teams as much as defense, but he grades as a quality backup who can start if needed.
Ty'Ron Hopper battled through an ankle injury last season and barely played on defense as a result. However, his spot on the roster hardly seems guaranteed at this point, and he'll have to truly beat out some linebackers to stay in Green Bay for 2025. The Packers have basically nothing invested in Isaiah Simmons, but his athleticism could make him a strong fit for a special-teams role and perhaps more.
Cornerback (5)
Starters: Javon Bullard, Nate Hobbs, Keisean Nixon
Depth: Micah Robinson, Carrington Valentine
With Jaire Alexander no longer in the fold, Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs project as the Packers' starting boundary corners. That opens the slot role for Javon Bullard, who spent most of his rookie season there. While the group features no stars, none of the players look like problems either.
As for the backups, Carrington Valentine can capably play outside and could even push for a starting role during training camp. Either way, he provides quality depth. Whether anyone else on the roster can handle a meaningful role at corner remains an open question, and the Packers might have to consider a veteran acquisition if no one steps up.
Safety (4)
Starters: Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams
Depth: Zayne Anderson, Kitan Oladapo
The Packers have a high-quality tandem of starters and quality depth at safety, the deepest position on the defense. This list doesn't even include Bullard, who played 259 snaps at safety last season and could do so again if needed.
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Brandon McManus
Punter: Daniel Whelan
Long-snapper: Matt Orzech
No surprises. The Packers brought back Brandon McManus on a multiyear contract and tendered Daniel Whelan to keep him in town. Matt Orzech enters the final season of his deal, but the team brought in no challengers for his role.