Predictions on the Green Bay Packers 53-Man Roster: Offense

Tomorrow, NFL teams will have to make their cuts to get their rosters down to 53 players meaning more than 20 players will be released from each team.  It will be a life-changing event for some players while others will yawn and take their paycheck. 

For the Packers, many important decisions will have to be made on defense.  With the transition of the 3-4 defense being unsteady, the choices for back-ups will be extremely important to ensure the Packers keep the best athletes and fits for the scheme. 

Here’s who I think makes the cut for the 53 man roster, by position.

Quarterbacks (Total kept at position, running tally) (starters in italics)

Who Makes the Team?: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, Brian Brohm (3,3)

Why:

Pretty much a no-brainer here for the Packers as they keep the same three quarterbacks that were on the roster last season.  Rodgers is poised for a breakout season and is the heart of the franchise, while the two youngsters have shown promise during their two seasons in the NFL.

Flynn is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury suffered in the second preseason contest, but the odds of him hitting the IR while the Packers pick up another quarterback is unlikely due to Flynn’s role as the holder on field goals and extra points.  If healthy, Flynn is the Packers’ backup while Brian Brohm holds clipboard duties.

Brohm progressed somewhat in the Titans game and had good control of the offense, but does not project to do much this year.  Still, the second-round pick out of Louisville has potential left in him and will make the team without question.

Running Backs

Who Makes the Team?: Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, Deshawn Wynn (3,6)

Why:

Grant is hoping to return to his 2007 form when he broke onto the scene to lead the Packers to the NFC Championship game before falling off in 2008.  He has stayed healthy in preseason and looks ready to go along with an improved offensive line.

Deshawn Wynn has done enough this preseason to be awarded a roster spot.

Brandon Jackson has been quiet this preseason, but is still the Packers’ second most talented running back.  They invested a second round pick into him and like what they see from him as a third down back.

One of the most intriguing position battles on the team is that of the third running back.  Wynn, Tyrell Sutton, and Craig Lumpkin all have a shot at making the team, but the veteran Wynn is likely to win out in the race. 

Sutton has showed good form this preseason, but Wynn’s ability to play special teams and return kicks is better than Sutton’s.  One of the two remaining backs should find a spot on the practice squad.

Fullbacks

Who Makes the Team?: Quinn Johnson, Korey Hall, John Kuhn (3,9)

Why:

Since Mike McCarthy took over calling plays for the Packers, they have featured some of the thickest offensive sets in the league.  At times, they will go with two fullbacks, two tight ends, and a running back out of a wishbone formation, while other times they are able to spread the formation out while still having two fullbacks in the game.

These three fullbacks are good enough that they will all make the team for the Packers instead of one being scooped up by another squad.

Johnson is an absolute bruiser in the trenches while Hall catches balls nicely out of the backfield. To finish off the three-headed monster, the Packers feel comfortable giving the ball to Kuhn on run plays.

If a player is kept at a different position, Kuhn’s days might be numbered.  However, I have a feeling that the Packers will enter the year with these three talented blockers.

Wide Receviers

Who Makes the Team?: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Ruvell Martin (5, 14)

Why:

One of the easiest positions on the field to predict in terms of the first four players, but maybe a harder one if you include the fifth and possibility of a sixth spot.  Jennings and Driver are an excellent one-two combo, while Jones