Ross' Final 53 Man Packers Roster Prediction

As soon as the 2016 NFL Draft ended, I published a "way too early" 53 man roster prediction, which you can find here. I released a second prediction midway through camp here.  

This will be the final 53 man roster prediction that I'll put out.  I had a chance to watch the 3rd preseason game a few times yesterday, and the Packers have made a few cuts to make my job just a little bit easier.

Quarterbacks (2)

  • Aaron Rodgers
  • Brett Hundley

Running Backs (4)

  • Eddie Lacy
  • Aaron Ripkowski
  • James Starks
  • John Crockett

Wide Receivers (6)

  • Jordy Nelson
  • Randall Cobb
  • Davante Adams
  • Jared Abbrederis
  • Ty Montgomery
  • Jeff Janis

Tight Ends (3)

  • Jared Cook
  • Richard Rodgers
  • Justin Perillo

Offensive Linemen (9)

  • David Bakhtiari
  • Josh Sitton
  • JC Tretter
  • TJ Lang
  • Bryan Bulaga
  • Don Barclay
  • Jason Spriggs
  • Kyle Murphy
  • Lane Taylor

Defensive Linemen (6)

  • Mike Daniels
  • Kenny Clark
  • Letroy Guion
  • Dean Lowry
  • Christian Ringo
  • Brian Price

Elephant ends (3)

  • Julius Peppers
  • Datone Jones
  • Nick Perry

Outside Linebackers (3)

  • Clay Matthews
  • Jayrone Elliot
  • Kyler Fackrell

Inside Linebackers (4)

  • Sam Barrington
  • Jake Ryan
  • Blake Martinez
  • Joe Thomas

Cornerbacks (5)

  • Damarious Randall
  • Sam Shields
  • Quentin Rollins
  • Ladarius Gunter
  • Josh Hawkins

Safeties (3)

  • HaHa Clinton-Dix
  • Chris Banjo
  • Kentrell Brice

Hybrid DBs (2)

  • Morgan Burnett
  • Micah Hyde

Specialists (3)

  • Mason Crosby
  • Tim Masthay
  • Rick Lovato

PUP

  • Corey Linsley

Practice Squad

  • Marwin Evans
  • Brandon Burks
  • Joe Callahan
  • Geronimo Allison
  • Trevor Davis
  • Kennard Backman
  • Josh Walker
  • Mitchell Henry
  • Beniquez Brown
  • Robertson Daniel

Notes: John Crockett might be snuck through to the practice squad if his shoulder injury makes him unavailable for week one play.  He didn't practice today.  Jeff Janis is going to make the 53 man roster, same as he ever was, for the special teams contribution he provides.  Janis can still play coverage on special teams with a club on.  Also, the injury occured in mid-August with a 4-6 week recoevery time.  It's certainly possible that he could have the club off in week two or three.  At this point, Brice can't be left off the team.  I'm not convinced that Trevor Davis will make it to the practice squad, but one can hope.  I'd be interested to see if Green Bay tries to trade a wide receiver between now and the opening game.  Count me in as someone who would be happy to welcome Terrance Knighton onto the squad, at least until Pennell comes back.

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Ross Uglem is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @RossUglem 

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Comments (32)

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 29, 2016 at 03:18 pm

For the most part I agree with most of it.

A few of my thoughts.

I am making the prediction that they will cut Crockett and keep Burks on the 53. Crockett to the PS. With Burks likely to get a lot of reps Thursday night I think he will really stand out.

I still think the Packers will keep 7 WR's. I will probably be wrong, I just think they will. Davis on the 53.

To make room for the 7th WR I think they only keep 5 DL. Either Price or Ringo. They will add Pennel in week 5.

LB - The only questions I have are with the injured players. Does Elliott make the 53?

DB - Evans really has been on the rise, so would they keep him over Hawkins? Or do they keep him over Banjo? How does Banjo's injury fall into this?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 29, 2016 at 04:30 pm

Pretty cogent arguments, and I generally agree.

Burks > Crockett (not a big deal to me - loser to PS)
McCray > Ellliot
Bradford > Thomas (Not a big deal > upside in Bradford)
Cut Ringo
Consider Knighton > Price
Evans makes the 53 (due to the continuing Burnett inj Hist.)

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 29, 2016 at 09:49 pm

I thought about including Knighton, but decided to just stick with who they have on the roster currently.

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PaulRosik's picture

August 30, 2016 at 11:41 am

Well now it appears Crockett is hurt and will be cut with an injury designation and Burks will indeed make the squad.

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stockholder's picture

August 29, 2016 at 03:24 pm

I'm going with 7 Wrs. Davis is my pick. Defense- Elliott and Thomas should be gone. McCray will be on this roster! Hawkins and Burks are close, but still on the bubble. And I would take another DB over Price. Maybe Evans. But No to Price.

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Amanofthenorth's picture

August 29, 2016 at 04:09 pm

No way seven wr's. As we see every year, it's the pitcher not the catcher.

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Finwiz's picture

August 29, 2016 at 08:40 pm

They aren't going to cut Jayron Elliott. And I think they keep Burks over Crockett, although I could be wrong. If Crockett really is injured then probability goes up he's in danger of making the 53.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 30, 2016 at 12:08 am

Winston Moss supported Elliot despite, and indeed, after acknowledging, his lack of production so far in training camp and preseason games.

I have no idea what Winston Moss does or why he is held in such esteem. ILB coach from 2009 to 2013, and all LBs since 2014.

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dobber's picture

August 29, 2016 at 09:12 pm

"And I would take another DB over Price."

They're going to need DL week 1 in the heat in Jacksonville and against Minneswampy in week 2. It might not be anyone currently in camp, but it's going to cost somewhere else (obviously).

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 29, 2016 at 03:32 pm

The Davis train made its final stop?

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BeyKlaw's picture

August 29, 2016 at 03:34 pm

For running backs, I could see them keeping only 3 (Lacy, Starks & Ripkowski), as both Cobb and Montgomery have the ability to line up in the backfield for a change of pace. Either Crockett or Burks would get a spot on the PS.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

August 29, 2016 at 03:56 pm

Not sure how Davis makes PS unless Pack pays him more, then he stays.

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L's picture

August 30, 2016 at 10:01 am

Only player I'm really in opposition to you on is OLB Elliot making it over McCray. Also, just so you know Josh Walker isn't eligible for the Practice Squad.

My 53-man prediction:

QB: (3)

- Rodgers
- Hundley - how's his ankle progressing?
- Callahan - his addition to the 53 has everything to do with the coach's comfort with Hundley and his ankle backing-up Rodgers Week 1. it's possible they elect to forgo him on the 53 and try to place him on the practice squad, but my guess is that they side with peace-of-mind and security -- they can always move him to the practice squad later if need be.

RB: (4)

- Lacy (HB)
- Starks (HB)
- Burks (HB) - Crockett's injury opens door for Burks.
- Ripkowski (FB)

*Crockett (HB) - his injury sustained during the 3rd preseason game I think might force the Packers to reverse the roles between Burks and him. Burks to the 53 while Crockett will be hopefully added to the practice squad, but if Crockett is 100% by the final cuts then perhaps he retains his 53-man spot and Burks is the one added to the practice squad.

WR: (6)

- Nelson (X, Z)
- Cobb (Z)
- Adams (X, Y)
- Montgomery (Z, Y, X)
- Abbrederis (Z, Y, X)
- Janis (X, Y) - will have his hand clubbed the first quarter of the season so he can continue playing ST gunner.

*Davis (X, Y) - they risk another team snagging him, but I think he gets added to the practice squad. his returning ability hasn't stood out enough to earn him a spot on the 53.

*Allison (X, Y) - also a potentially difficult player to get onto the practice squad, but I think the team risks the attempt.

TE: (3)

- Cook
- Rodgers
- Perillo

*Backman - I believe he'll be added to the practice squad as I don't think he's done enough to unseat Perillo or to force the Packers to consider carrying 4 tight ends.

OL: (9)

- Bulaga (OT - RT)
- Bakhtiari (OT - LT)
- Lang (OG - RG, C)
- Sitton (OG - LG)
- Tretter (C, G, T)
- Spriggs (OT)
- Murphy (OT, OG)
- Taylor (OG)
- Barclay (OG, OT, C) - Linsley's hamstring injury has created an opportunity for Barclay.

*Linsley (C, OG) - Regular Season PUP

DL: (6)

- Guion (NT, DT) - needs to be healthy. doesn't sound too serious.
- Clark (DT, NT, DE) - needs to be healthy. doesn't sound too serious.
- Daniels (DT, DE)
- Price (DT, NT) - not sure if it's him or Ringo or someone entirely else (T.Knighton?) who makes the 53 in order to round out the D-line, but for now I'm picking him because I think he provides better coverage for Guion and Clark over Ringo.
- Lowry (DE)
- Jones (EE, DE) - will rotate at both D-line End and OLB Elephant End

*Pennel (DT, NT) - 4-game ban

*Ringo (DT, DE) - I currently have him pegged for the practice squad, but maybe he flips the scenario with Price or then again maybe both of them are looked at for the practice squad if the team brings in someone else.

LB: (9)

- Peppers (EE, OLB - Jack or Sam)
- Perry (EE, OLB - Jack or Sam)
- McCray (OLB - Jack or Sam)
- Fackrell (OLB - Sam or Jack)
- Matthews (OLB - Jack or Sam, ILB - Mike)
- Martinez (ILB - Will or Mike)
- Barrington (ILB - Mike) - is his 53 spot at risk? hasn't looked all that good IMO and Bradford kind of offers the team the same ability. is he participating on special teams?
- Ryan (ILB - Will or Mike) - his availability hasn't been what it needs to be, so is he at risk of being IR'd to open a slot for someone else (aka Bradford or Thomas)?
- Thomas (ILB - Will or Mike) - what caused him to sit out the 3rd preseason game? Is it serious enough that he might be IR'd at final count down creating an opportunity for someone else?

*Bradford (ILB - Mike) - is the only ILB between Barrington, Ryan, and Thomas to be eligible for the practice squad, but IMO he's played well enough on defense (granted, against back-ups) to make the 53 man roster, but there's questions regarding his special teams play and who he would replace on the 53 if he's kept? there is the potential that the Packers could opt to place either Ryan or Thomas on IR in order to let them heal fully and try again next year or in case injuries provide an opportunity for them later during this year.

*Elliot - (OLB - Jack) - I don't think his special teams play has been enough to put him over McCray for a spot on the 53. I do wonder if the Packers elect to IR him in order to allow him to get healthy and potentially try again next year or in case injuries create an opportunity for him later during this year.

*Gilbert - (OLB - Jack or Sam) - I think he's targeted for the practice squad.

DB: (10)

- Shields (CB)
- Randall (CB, Slot)
- Rollins (CB, Slot)
- Gunter (CB, Slot) - is his spot on the 53 at any risk?
- Hawkins (CB, Slot) - I think he makes it over Daniel.
- Hyde (Slot, SS, FS, CB)
- Clinton-Dix (FS)
- Burnett (SS) - needs to be healthy. what's up with his injury? is it potentially serious?
- Banjo (SS, FS) - how serious is his injury? would the team consider IR'ing him and adding Daniel or Evans in his spot?
- Brice (FS, SS) - I want to see him as a ST gunner this year because I think he'd be good at it.

*Goodson (CB, Slot) - 4-game ban.

*Daniel (CB, Slot) - I have him pegged for the practice squad, but it's possible that he finds a spot on the 53 either in place of Hawkins or with Hawkins if Banjo is IR'd.

*Dorleant (CB, Slot) - someone that could be headed to the practice squad if space allows for it.

*Evans (SS, FS, Slot) - might be battling Dorleant for earning a spot in the practice squad, but maybe he's considered for the 53 if Banjo is IR'd.

K: (1)

- Crobsy

P: (1)

- Masthay

LS: (1)

- Lovato

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NoNonsense's picture

August 29, 2016 at 05:27 pm

Quarterbacks (3)

Aaron Rodgers
Brett Hundley
Joe Callahan

Running Backs (4)

Eddie Lacy
Aaron Ripkowski
James Starks
Brandon Burks

Wide Receivers (7)

Jordy Nelson
Randall Cobb
Davante Adams
Jared Abbrederis
Ty Montgomery
Jeff Janis
Geronimo Allison

Tight Ends (2)

Jared Cook
Richard Rodgers

Offensive Linemen (9)

David Bakhtiari
Josh Sitton
JC Tretter
TJ Lang
Bryan Bulaga
Jason Spriggs
Kyle Murphy
Lane Taylor
Don Barclay

Defensive Linemen (5)

Mike Daniels
Kenny Clark
Letroy Guion
Dean Lowry
Christian Ringo

Elephant ends (3)

Julius Peppers
Datone Jones
Nick Perry

Outside Linebackers (3)

Clay Matthews
McCray
Kyler Fackrell

Inside Linebackers (4)

Sam Barrington
Jake Ryan
Blake Martinez
Carl Bradford

Cornerbacks (5)

Damarious Randall
Sam Shields
Quentin Rollins
Ladarius Gunter
Josh Hawkins

Safeties (5)

HaHa Clinton-Dix
Kentrell Brice
Morgan Burnett
Micah Hyde
Marwin Evans

Specialists (3)

Mason Crosby
Tim Masthay
Rick Lovato

PUP
Corey Linsley

IR
Elliot
Banjo
Davis (well timed injury)

Suspension
Pennel
Goodson

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NoNonsense's picture

August 29, 2016 at 05:34 pm

Keeping the best 53 even if certain posiitons are thin. Barclay stays till Linsley gets off pup. Ringo goes when Pennel returns. Davis gets a mysterious injury in the last game and gets stashed on IR. Goodson they can cut right now for all I care.

7 Wrs is a luxury but Allison or Davis will get claimed if cut. Callahan too.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 29, 2016 at 06:16 pm

I've toyed with keeping just 2 TEs. Callahan and Ringo to the PS, keep Banjo and Price. But I am good with this.

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stockholder's picture

August 29, 2016 at 08:04 pm

Problem: TT will not let Davis get claimed by another team. Your talking a 5th rd. with speed, and we already know there was a controversy when TT took him. Problem : Price is not good enough. The NT position is sewn up with Guion,Pennel and Clarke. Conclusion: Capers will change up the defense' during the suspension. Ringo stays; because I feel Jones will stay at elephant. Would they have moved Jones, if they did not think Ringo was ready.

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Gianich's picture

August 29, 2016 at 10:32 pm

I like it. Perillo in place of Janis and I think this is spot on.

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John Galt III's picture

August 29, 2016 at 09:22 pm

There will be a surprise or two - we don't know what the coaches see.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 29, 2016 at 09:32 pm

Very true. There will be a surprise or two. Always is.

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gr7070's picture

August 29, 2016 at 10:40 pm

I'm guessing Jake Ryan is one surprise cut. They'll keep both Bradford and Thomas.

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Ross Uglem's picture

August 29, 2016 at 10:54 pm

There is absolutely zero chance that this happens.

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NickPerry's picture

August 30, 2016 at 06:09 am

Not only no but HELL NO! They like Ryan and he doesn't deserve to be cut either.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 30, 2016 at 06:22 am

I don't see Ryan getting cut, but what about Barrington?

Is Barrington's job safe?

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gr7070's picture

August 30, 2016 at 08:14 am

Thus the surprise.

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Hematite's picture

August 30, 2016 at 06:00 am

A bit of advice, buy a Callahan jersey, it will serve you well in the future.
He makes the Packers 53.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 30, 2016 at 08:27 am

some surprises this morning.

Rob Demovsky
ESPN Staff Writer

Tight end Mitchell Henry (hand) and running John Crockett (shoulder) both have injuries that likely would keep them out past Week 1, per sources. Both expected to be waived/injured.

Rob Demovsky
ESPN Staff Writer

The Packers have waived Kennard Backman, a sixth-round pick last year. The tight end has a minor knee injury that will require a scope, according to a source. Surgery is expected this week.

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L's picture

August 30, 2016 at 10:05 am

I was a little surprised by the Backman waiving, but perhaps they'll sign him to the practice squad after he's recovered from his knee scope?

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 30, 2016 at 10:12 am

me too. that is my guess to that they will maybe resign him to the practice squad after he gets healthy.

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L's picture

August 30, 2016 at 10:47 am

I also suspect the Packers are interesting in bring back Crockett to the practice squad if his injury isn't terribly serious.

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CJ Bauckham's picture

August 30, 2016 at 02:50 pm

QB) Rodgers, Hundley
FB) Ripkowski
RB) Lacy, Starks, Burks
TE) Cook, Rodgers, Perillo
WR) Nelson, Cobb, Abbrederis, Adams, Monty, Janis, Allison
OL) Bakh, Sitton, Lang, Bulaga, Tretter, Spriggs, Taylor, Murphy, Barclay

DL) Daniels, Clark, Guion, Lowry, Ringo
ILB) Barrington, Ryan, Martinez, Bradford, Thomas
OLB) Matthew, Peppers, Perry, Elliot, D. Jones, Fackrell
CB) Shields, Randall, Rollins, Hyde, Gunter
S) Clinton-Dix, Burnett, Banjo, Brice

ST) Masthay, Crosby, Lovato

PUP/SUS) Linsley, Pennel

If Hundley is hurt, I add Callahan and drop Thomas or Bradford.

I don't ever see it happening, but I wouldn't mind Ted trading Adams for a DLineman. He continues to look more and more like just a guy.

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stockholder's picture

August 30, 2016 at 01:11 pm

Ross you must have got the word McCray was going to be traded. Good job not listing him. We'll see on Davis.

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