Predicting the Packers' first official depth chart
We've already predicted what the 53-man roster will look like once the Green Bay Packers finish up with cuts on Tuesday. So, naturally, it's time to predict what the actual depth chart will look like. So, without further ado, let's dive in. Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2023 draft picks and players with […]
We've already predicted what the 53-man roster will look like once the Green Bay Packers finish up with cuts on Tuesday. So, naturally, it's time to predict what the actual depth chart will look like.
So, without further ado, let's dive in. Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2023 undrafted free agents.
| Position | Starter(s) | Reserve(s) |
|---|---|---|
Quarterback | Jordan Love | Sean Clifford* |
Running back | Aaron Jones | A.J. Dillon, Patrick Taylor |
Wide receiver | Christian Watson | Samori Toure, Dontayvion Wicks*, Malik Heath** |
Tight end | Luke Musgrave* | Tucker Kraft*, Josiah Deguara, Austin Allen |
Offensive line | David Bakhtiari | Rasheed Walker, Yosh Nijman, Caleb Jones, Sean Rhyan |
Defensive line | Kenny Clark | Colby Wooden, Karl Brooks |
Inside linebacker | Quay Walker | Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson, Tariq Carpenter |
Outside linebacker | Rashan Gary | Lukas Van Ness*. Kingsley Enagbare, Justin Hollins, Brenton Cox Jr.** |
Cornerback | Jaire Alexander | Carrington Valentine*, Innis Gaines, Eric Stokes (PUP) |
Safety | Darnell Savage | Dallin Leavitt, Anthony Johnson Jr.*, Jonathan Owens, Tarvarius Moore (IR) |
Longsnapper | Matt Orzech | N/A |
Punter | Pat O’Donnell | N/A |
Kicker | Anders Carlson* | N/A |
Kick returner | Keisean Nixon | Jayden Reed |
Punt returner | Jayden Reed | Keisean Nixon |
For starters, just to clear up any potential confusion: Yes, there are 55 players on this depth chart, but I think Eric Stokes starts the year on PUP and I also think the Packers place Tarvarius Moore on short-term IR once they're eligible to do so. Therefore, both players won't count toward the 53-man roster.
Jayden Reed and Luke Musgrave should win the starting slot job and starting tight end job, respectively. Both players have shown plenty of potential, as well as an understanding of the offense, throughout the offseason.
The Packers offensive line is so versatile, it's pretty remarkable. They're allowed to carry three depth tackles because Zach Tom could slide in at guard or center, if needed. It's a good idea to carry extra options, as well, due to the ongoing ebbs and flows that surround David Bakhtiari's knee. Hypothetically speaking, if Bak and let's say, Josh Myers were to go down, Tom could step in at center, Jenkins kick to LT, Walker or Nijman could come in at RT and then Sean Rhyan could come in at LG. The Packers could even keep Jenkins at guard, move Tom to center, then bring in Walker at LT and Nijman at RT. The possibilities are aplenty.
The defensive line is pretty clear-cut and while it's a young group outside Kenny Clark, it's a very promising one that flashed many times throughout the preseason.
The inside linebackers room looks a little different from the 2022 version because of Tariq Carpenter, a special teams rock who was moved from safety during the offseason. Brenton Cox Jr. forced his way onto the 53-man roster with a strong showing against the Seahawks. It'll be interesting to see if he can carve out some kind of role in 2023.
At corner, the rookie sensation Carrington Valentine is an obvious pick and I do think Innis Gaines makes the team because of Stokes' PUP presence. The cornerback room, once Stokes returns, is currently the strength of the defense, easily.
And then Moore's placement on IR opens up a spot for seventh-round rookie Anthony Johnson Jr. The rookie has really come on as of late and should be able to contribute on special teams early-on.
Lastly, Pat O'Donnell's accuracy and his consistency as a holder wins him the job over Daniel Whelan, who has impressed over the last couple of weeks, as well.
In all, it's an exciting time for the Packers. You can really see the foundation being laid out and if Jordan Love + this rookie class lives up to the promise its shown over the last couple of months, then this team will be competing for the postseason, and possibly more, for a while.
Final prediction for Packers’ 53-man roster
The preseason is over and now it’s time for the real action to happen.
Featured image via Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK
