Packers Roster Reset: Two rookies dominate key position

The Green Bay Packers wrapped up the 2023 NFL Draft with 13 selections and sure enough, those players will have some kind of say in the team's roster construction over the next few months. There will be some interesting position battles, especially along the defensive line and at the tight end position. Those are guaranteed […]

Evan Winter NFL Managing Editor
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The Green Bay Packers wrapped up the 2023 NFL Draft with 13 selections and sure enough, those players will have some kind of say in the team's roster construction over the next few months.

There will be some interesting position battles, especially along the defensive line and at the tight end position. Those are guaranteed to create some drama and have people on their edge of their seat as Matt LaFleur and co. figure out who they want to take to battle in 2023.

So, without further ado, let's check out the Packers' post-draft roster. Note: Single asterisks (*) represent 2023 draft picks. Double asterisks (**) represent 2023 UDFAs.

Quarterback

  • Sean Clifford
  • Danny Etling
  • Jordan Love

The skinny: It's clear this is Jordan Love's job to lose. The selection of Clifford is a weird one. The guy lacks key traits to even be a QB3 in the NFL and there was a top-50 talent in S Antonio Johnson still on the board. Regardless, the Packers need to think about adding a veteran QB at some point because if Love goes down then Green Bay will have to rely on guys who have never taken an NFL snap.


Running back

  • AJ Dillon
  • Tyler Goodson
  • Aaron Jones
  • Lew Nichols III*
  • Patrick Taylor

The skinny: It's obvious that Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon are the Packers' top-2 options, but it'll be interesting to see who comes out on top of the RB3 battle. Dillon and Jones handle so much of the workload that the Packers only need three RBs on the roster, so it's anyone's guess who wins that job. A lot of it will probably come down to pass pro, which automatically puts Nichols at a disadvantage because of his lack of experience.


Wide receiver

  • Jeff Cotton
  • Romeo Doubs
  • Grant DuBose*
  • Malik Heath**
  • Bo Melton
  • Jayden Reed*
  • Samori Toure
  • Christian Watson
  • Duece Watts**
  • Dontayvion Wicks

The skinny: The sky is the limit for the duo of Watson and Doubs. Toure showed some flashes last year, but is largely remains a question when it comes to how many quality snaps he can provide. Reed brings an explosive element to the offense and Wicks is a big body that can adjust to just about any throw, but both players have drop issues they'll need to overcome if they want to get on the field. Don't count out Heath, either. He led the Rebels in receptions, receiving yards, and tied for the team-lead in receiving touchdowns – all marks better than second-round teammate, Jonathan Mingo.


Tight end

  • Austin Allen
  • Tyler Davis
  • Josiah Deguara
  • Nick Guggemos
  • Tucker Kraft*
  • Cameron McDonald**
  • Luke Musgrave*
  • Henry Pearson**

The skinny: It's obviously Musgrave's and Kraft's world, the rest of the tight ends are just living in it. The Packers spent a Day 2 pick on each player and general manager Brian Gutekunst thinks both players have the athleticism and versatility to carve out significant roles in the both the short- and long-term.


Offensive line

  • David Bakhtiari
  • Jean Delance
  • Jake Hansen
  • Elgton Jenkins
  • Caleb Jones
  • Josh Myers
  • Royce Newman
  • Yosh Nijman
  • Sean Rhyan
  • Jon Runyan
  • Kadeem Telfort**
  • Luke Tenuta
  • Zach Tom
  • Rasheed Walker

The skinny: David Bakhtiari should be a big factor in 2023, which is exactly what the Packers need. The Packers also locked up Elgton Jenkins, so they have their two best offensive linemen under contract. Overall, the unit is a promising one and it looks like the Packers have an answer at every position.

MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL / USA TODAY NETWORK

Defensive line

  • Karl Brooks*
  • Kenny Clark
  • Jonathan Ford
  • Jason Lewan**
  • T.J. Slaton
  • Chris Slayton
  • Colby Wooden*
  • Devonte Wyatt

The skinny: The Packers defensive line received some much-needed depth with the selections of Wooden and Brooks. He'll play more inside than outside, especially on passing downs, where he can use his quickness and agility against less-athletic guards. Brooks pretty much falls into the same category. The team could stand to add another true nose tackle to the mix.


Outside linebacker/EDGE  

  • Keshawn Banks**
  • Kingsley Enagbare
  • Jonathan Garvin
  • Rashan Gary
  • La'Darius Hamilton
  • Justin Hollins
  • Preston Smith
  • Lukas Van Ness*

The skinny: What happens here mostly depends on Gary's recovery timeline. Regardless, the Packers have their three-man pass-rush rotation of Gary, Smith, and the rookie Van Ness once the former Michigan Wolverine returns to action.


Inside linebacker 

  • De'Vondre Campbell
  • Isaiah McDuffie
  • Jimmy Phillips Jr.**
  • Quay Walker
  • Eric Wilson

The skinny: The Packers didn't touch the inside linebacker position during the draft and it makes sense. They've got their starters in Campbell and Walker and McDuffie and Wilson are capable depth players/special teamers.


Cornerback

  • Jaire Alexander
  • Corey Ballentine
  • Rasul Douglas
  • Tyrell Ford
  • Benjie Franklin
  • Shemar Jean-Charles
  • Keisean Nixon
  • Eric Stokes
  • Kiondre Thomas
  • Carrington Valentine*

The skinny: This is about as set a room as any, but the nickel position is still up for grabs. The Packers are going to give Nixon a shot to win the job, but it remains to be seen if he'll do so. Douglas will move back outside to his more natural position and Alexander will continue to play outside, with Stokes moving to a reserve role. 

Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK

Safety

  • Tariq Carpenter
  • Innis Gaines
  • Rudy Ford
  • Anthony Johnson Jr.*
  • Dallin Leavitt
  • Tarvarius Moore
  • Christian Morgan**
  • Benny Sapp III**
  • Darnell Savage
  • James Wiggins

The skinny: The Packers waited all the way until their penultimate pick of the draft to take a safety, which is pretty damn surprising. The team must have faith in Rudy Ford or maybe, just maybe, a reunion with Adrian Amos is in the cards?


Special teams

  • Jack Coco (LS)
  • Anders Carlson* (K)
  • Pat O'Donnell (P)
  • Matt Orzech (LS)
  • Parker White (K)

The skinny: Who'll win the long-snapper battle? And the kicker battle? All jokes aside, it'll be interesting to see who wins the duel between Carlson and White, mostly. But hey, we saw during last year's Cincinnati-Pittsburgh matchup how important a long-snapper can be, so don't take that competition too lightly.