Packers' first 2024 unofficial depth chart gives people plenty to talk about
The Green Bay Packers released on Monday their first unofficial depth chart of this training camp. Ahead of the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, there are some valid considerations to make — just like it does every year. First, take everything with a grain of salt. It's made by the Packers, sure, […]
The Green Bay Packers released on Monday their first unofficial depth chart of this training camp. Ahead of the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, there are some valid considerations to make — just like it does every year.
First, take everything with a grain of salt. It's made by the Packers, sure, so it has value, but it's viewed as "unofficial" because it's based on what training camp has indicated, not necessarily on what the coaching staff is thinking for the season.
Disclaimer made, let's go ahead to talk about what's significant and telling.
Morgan is a starter
If there was any question about what's the Packers short-term plan with Jordan Morgan, it's over now. Maybe he will be a tackle eventually, but as a rookie he will be a right guard. And the depth chart indicates he has surpassed Sean Rhyan for good.
The rest of the line doesn't have many surprises, with Andre Dillard and Kadeem Telfort as the backup tackles. Royce Newman is the second left guard, but at this point it's fair to say the Packers would shuffle the line before playing the former fourth-rounder.
QB2 job
At least for now, Sean Clifford is still the immediate backup behind Jordan Love. And you could see that on Family Night, whe the second-year quarterback was getting reps after Love and before seventh-round rookie Michael Pratt. It'll be interesting to see how they will share preseason snaps, but Clifford certainly has the advantage of being more experienced in the system and in the league.
No surprises at WR
Dontayvion Wicks might be a film watchers darling because of his impressive ability to run routes. For now, though, he is still a rotational piece. The starting trio of receivers is Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs outside, plus Jayden Reed in the slot. At tight end, Tucker Kraft has finally been activated to practice, so putting Luke Musgrave ahead of him is an obvious decision.
Wyatt is a backup
The other day, I mentioned on social media that Devonte Wyatt entering year 3 not as a starter is a suboptimal outcome for a first-round pick.
Several people said I was overreacing to a training camp practice and that he would play a lot. He might, especially as a rotational interior rusher. But at this point (and we have the full 2023 season as evidence), TJ Slaton is the starter alongside Kenny Clark. And it's not only that Slaton is playing the first snap, he really outsnapped Wyatt last year and the evidence we have is that it will happen again in 2024.
Wyatt has been really effective as a rusher, but his inability in the run game negatively affects the construction of the defense, and he has to get better at that to be a full-time player.
Rookie LBs will wait
So far, even in base defense, the trio of linebackers is Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, and Eric Wilson. And that's what practices have shown us too. Rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Ty'Ron Hopper might have higher ceilings, but Jeff Hafley and Anthony Campanile are going with higher floors and more experience in the middle of the defense.
Second-rounder, first choice
Xavier McKinney is the obvious starter at safety, but the other spot is up for grabs. Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, and Anthony Johnson Jr. have shared snaps, but it seems like Bullard, a rookie second-round pick, is slightly ahead. The versatility is a big point in his favor, since Bullard can play deep or in the slot.
Special teams advantage
Newcomers will have to prove their value to make the 53-man roster in Green Bay. Greg Joseph has been slightly better in camp, but incumbent Anders Carlson, last year's sixth-round pick, is still ahead of him.
At long snapper, veteran Matt Orzech is still the starter, even though rookie Peter Bowden is back on the roster after being waived a couple of weeks ago.
Nixon is still the guy
You might have thought that the Packers could change their approach with the new kickoff rules, but the two time All-Pro returner is still the man there. Not only is Keisean Nixon the primary option for kickoff returns, but he has also been listed as the starting punt returner, a role that wide receiver Jayden Reed had in 2023. Now the second-year offensive weapon is a backup for both return areas.
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