Here is the list of players who made the Packers Initial 53-Man Roster for the 2020 NFL season.
Quarterback (3)
Keeping three quarterbacks is not ideal for the Green Bay Packers. The plan was likely to have Jordan Love be the backup as a rookie. However, his training camp performance was a disappointment, to say the least. Look for Love to be inactive on most game days as Tim Boyle has secured the backup job.
Running Back (4)
No surprises at the running back position. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams were an impressive duo last season. They may expand to a trio this season with rookie A.J. Dillon also in the mix. Tyler Ervin remained as the fourth back because of his skills as a return man. Look for Ervin to be the primary Kick and Punt Returner as the seasons starts.
Wide Receiver (5)
By keeping three quarterbacks, there has to be fallout elsewhere on the roster. It appears that position is wide receiver, as the Packers only kept five players. Perhaps the first surprise winner of the position battle is Malik Taylor. Personally, I expected either Reggie Begelton or Jake Kumerow to secure that role. Instead, Taylor will get a chance to catch passes from one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Tight End (4)
Just like running back, there are no surprises here at tight end. Rookie Josiah Deguara can fill the role of tight end and full back, which is why the Packers kept four half-backs. I don’t expect much out of Deguara as a rookie, as the three veterans should all see more playing time at tight end than the rookie.
Offensive Line (9)
Perhaps the only surprise in terms of offensive lineman decisions was that Green Bay kept Yosh Nijman for tackle depth over Alex Light. As for what the starting five will look like, the left side and the center are set in the same order that ended last season. As for both right guard and right tackle, Billy Turner could theoretically fill either role. In both instances, he is still competing against Lane Taylor and Ricky Wager respectively.
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Defensive Line (5)
Defensive line was arguably the position group that was most set, as least on the defensive side of the football. Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry have their spots secured in the starting lineup. The real question is who will step up to be that third reliable player on the defensive front? Expect a rotation of Montravius Adams, Kingsley Keke and Tyler Lancaster, at least until one of them emerges and a consistent threat.
Inside Linebacker (4)
Reports out of camp were that rookie Kamal Martin was impressive and seemed poised to perhaps earn a spot in the starting lineup. An injury will keep him out for some time, but he is expected to return at some point during his rookie campaign. Green Bay could have placed him on Injured Reserve in order to keep another player. However, doing that would have prevented Martin from suiting up at all this year because any player put on I.R. before the final roster is automatically season-ending. The fact that Martin avoided the reserve means that the Packers have a plan for him to play this season.
Outside Linebacker (5)
The Smith “brothers” were never in doubt when it came to being named the starting duo at outside linebacker. And 2019 first-round pick Rashan Gary will likely be the next man up in the rotation. The real story of training camp success came from rookie Jonathan Garvin who looks poised to participate in a pass-rush rotation during his inaugural NFL season.
Cornerback (6)
Like with the pass-rushers, the top of the cornerback depth chart was set. Jaire Alexandre and Kevin King will begin the season as the perimeter duo. It appears as though Chandon Sullivan will be the primary slot corner. Considering how often the Packers were in nickel or dime formations last year, expect Sullivan to play a high snap count, depending on the defensive game plan. Apparently Josh Jackson found his role as a dime corner. So expect to see him play whenever the Packers are playing offenses that will play with four wide receivers.
Safety (5)
Again, a not-so-surprising depth chart at safety, much like at cornerback. Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage have their respective roles locked down. Even the dime safety role seemed destined for Raven Greene after he earned that spot last year before his season ended with an injury early in the campaign.
Special Teams (3)
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– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.
