GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers wrapped up their offseason program last week and report for training camp on July 25 with the first practice on Ray Nitschke Field scheduled for July 26. Here’s a 53-man roster projection:
Quarterbacks (2): Aaron Rodgers, Brett Hundley
Notes: They kept three last year, with Scott Tolzien as the No. 2. But now that he’s in Indianapolis, they’ll probably just keep the third QB on the practice squad, whether it’s Joe Callahan, Marquise Williams or someone else.
Running backs (4): Eddie Lacy, James Starks, John Crockett, Aaron Ripkowski
Notes: The Packers don’t feel the need for two fullbacks anymore, which is why they haven’t re-signed John Kuhn. Rookie Don Jackson could push Crockett for the No. 3 halfback job.
Receivers (6): Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, Jeff Janis, Ty Montgomery, Trevor Davis.
Notes: There’s been some buzz about the possibility they might keep seven receivers, but last year they kept only five. At this point, Jared Abbrederis looks like the odd man out unless they feel like the rookie Davis, a fifth-round pick, isn't ready. Abbrederis hasn’t made the roster either of his first two years coming out of training camp but made an impact late last year after he was promoted from the practice squad.
Tight ends (3): Jared Cook, Richard Rodgers, Kennard Backman
Notes: Backman made the roster last year but rarely played. However, he has more upside that Justin Perillo or Mitchell Henry.
Offensive line (10): David Bakhtiari, Bryan Bulaga, Corey Linsley, T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton, Jason Spriggs, JC Tretter, Lane Taylor, Don Barclay, Kyle Murphy
Notes: They kept nine last year but given how banged-up this group was, the Packers should go with more insurance. Perhaps Josh Walker could get the nod over Barclay or Murphy.
Defensive line (5): Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark, Letroy Guion, Dean Lowry, Brian Price
Notes: Mike Pennel doesn’t count because he’s suspended for the first four games. If Price, an undrafted free agent, makes it, that would be three rookies in this group. Christian Ringo, a sixth-round pick in 2014, could make the jump from the practice squad.
Linebackers (10): Sam Barrington, Jake Ryan, Blake Martinez, Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers, Nick Perry, Datone Jones, Jayrone Elliott, Kyler Fackrell, Lerentee McCray
Notes: It’s a little light on inside backers, but Matthews always could move back inside if needed. Jones could also be counted among the defensive linemen, but he’s worked mostly with the outside linebackers this offseason.
Defensive backs (10): Damarious Randall, Sam Shields, Quinten Rollins, LaDarius Gunter, Robertson Daniel, Makinton Dorleant, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Morgan Burnett, Micah Hyde, Chris Banjo.
Notes: Demetri Goodson doesn’t count because he’s suspended for the first four games. The breakdown here is six corners and four safeties, but they could easily go five and five.
Specialists (3): K Mason Crosby, P Tim Masthay, LS Rick Lovato
Notes: We won’t know until the preseason games if rookie Peter Mortell can give Masthay a run. By the time training camp rolls around, veteran snapper Brett Goode could be re-signed if his surgically repaired knee is healed.