Three Packers that are unsafe despite making the 53-man roster
The Green Bay Packers' initial 53-man roster was finalized Tuesday, but as we all know, the direction of the wind changes very quickly -and often- in the NFL. Meaning, some guys that made the roster aren't locks to be on the 53 come Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. Welcome to life at the bottom […]
The Green Bay Packers' initial 53-man roster was finalized Tuesday, but as we all know, the direction of the wind changes very quickly -and often- in the NFL.
Meaning, some guys that made the roster aren't locks to be on the 53 come Week 1 against the Chicago Bears.
Welcome to life at the bottom of an NFL roster.
So, who are the "unsafe" guys on the Packers? Let's dive in and find out.
OL Royce Newman
Newman graded out as one of the Packers' worst offensive linemen during the preseason, per Pro Football Focus. Reports also stated he didn't have a great training camp, either.
Right now, it's very likely he's a healthy scratch on game day, even with Luke Tenuta going to IR on Wednesday. Zach Tom can fill in at center if Josh Myers were to go down and Sean Rhyan can fill in at guard if injuries happen at that position, as well.
If the Packers want to add another body at, let's say cornerback, then there's certainly a world in which Newman is the sacrificial lamb to make that happen.
S Jonathan Owens
As a former UDFA, the fifth-year veteran knows what it takes to survive in the NFL – I'm just not entirely sure the Packers absolutely need him if a better opportunity comes knocking.
Owens is a decent box safety whose strength is tackling, but that certainly wasn't on display in the preseason. He missed one of only three attempts and graded out as one of the bottom-6 tacklers on the Packers defense.
One could certainly chalk it up to learning a new defense and not being to play fast, but that's not a very good excuse. Owens is a veteran so he knows what it takes in terms of proper study habits and whatnot.
Owens doesn't have a huge track record on special teams as a former UDFA, either, which only adds to the list of reasons why he will continue to look over his shoulder despite making the team.
DL Jonathan Ford
It was tough choosing between Ford and OLB Justin Hollins. The reason why Ford lost the tiebreaker was simply due to positional value: Hollins plays a much, much more valuable position at OLB/EDGE compared to Ford's position of nose tackle.
Still, the Packers need some extra beef on their defensive line. If T.J. Slaton goes down for an extended period of time then the run defense could be in big trouble based off the lack of true size anchoring the middle of the unit.
Ford would have to pass through waivers if he were cut and since hasn't logged a single snap in the NFL, it's very likely he'd make it through waivers and back to the Packers. Green Bay could then play the practice squad elevation game until they have to sign Ford back onto the 53-man roster.
Overall, it was tough combing through the roster and identifying these guys. Honestly, I'd say their chances of sticking around on the 53 are good – but they still are considered unsafe when conducting this exercise.
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